We name the U23 and veteran stars to watch in rugby finals

From veteran playmakers to under-23 young guns we’re running the rule over the star players to watch in the Downs Rugby finals. Find out who cracked the list from your club here.

Sam Laffy will be a player to watch for Dalby Wheatman this Downs Rugby finals series. Picture: Kevin Farmer

It has been one of the most thrilling Downs Rugby seasons in years, highlighted by an unpredictable Risdon Cup campaign.

After going almost 700 days without a defeat, Rangers lost three games in the second half of the season and there are now three genuine Risdon Cup premiership contenders and Toowoomba Bears are still a side which should not be counted out.

With finals kicking off this weekend, we have run the rule across the competition to reveal the players to watch over the next three weeks as well as the under-23 stars set to have a breakthrough season

See who made the list from your club here.

Will Wigan (Toowoomba Rangers): A hooker who is a weapon in attack and a strong leader. He is an elite playmaker and is one of the most talented players in the competition.

Curtis Rayment (Toowoomba Rangers): A fullback who has been electric in his first season on the Downs and earned Queensland Country selection.

Jack Daly (Toowoomba Rangers): One of the leaders in the back row whose love for the game is infectious among the group.

Lachie Tulloch (Goondiwindi Emus): The Emus captain leads from the front is always a part of the action at the no.8 position.

Michael Jamieson of Goondiwindi Emus. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Michael Jamieson (Goondiwindi Emus): A key part of the Goondiwindi attack out wide and was recently named in the Downs rugby Team of the Decade alongside Tulloch.

Stuart Ford (Goondiwindi Emus): A young halfback who is extremely skilful and a tough player to keep quiet.

Lachie Currie (Dalby Wheatmen): A cornerstone of the forward pack who is set to thrive in the high-pressure environment that is finals. He is an inspiring leader who brings an unrivalled work ethic.

The 2024 Dalby Wheatmen Downs Rugby side. Picture: Estelle Munro.

Sam Laffy (Dalby Wheatmen): A Queensland Country no.8 who is coming off an outstanding season for Dalby. His leadership is elite and he makes countless big runs and tackles.

Will Jackson (Toowoomba Bears): Jackson was named in the Downs Rugby Team of the Decade and is always a danger man. He has an elite game IQ and is one of the top tier fullbacks in the competition.

Brian Chong Nee looks to offload for Toowoomba Bears. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Brian Chong Nee (Toowoomba Bears): The stand in captain had a strong run of form in the lead up to finals after making the move to no.8, which has proved to be a masterstroke. Has shown incredible leadership and poise to lead an injury-rattled Bears side to finals.

Declan Pickard goes over to try for Toowoomba Bears. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Declan Pickard (Toowoomba Bears): A versatile back who will play inside centre and is starting to mature as a footballer.

Toowoomba Bears Downs Rugby 2024 A-grade side.

Under-23 players set for breakout finals series

Jaycob Mudge (Toowoomba Bears): Mudge is a rugby league convert who has thrived in his second season playing outside centre for the Bears. He has formed a lethal pairing with Declan Pickard.

William Johnston (Dalby Wheatmen): A 21-year-old who has been a game-changer since returning to Dalby. He plays on the wing and is a fast and nimble attacking threat who has come into his own over the last month.

Deuchar Dight (Goondiwindi Emus): An explosive outside back who is set to make his mark in the finals series.

Angus Kelly (Toowoomba Rangers): The 21-year-old has had an outstanding season in A-grade and this finals series could be the catalyst for him to take his game to another level in the halves.