QUEENSLAND PREMIER RUGBY 2020 | ROUND 1 - QLD Rugby
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QUEENSLAND PREMIER RUGBY 2019 | ROUND 1 QUEENSLAND PREMIER RUGBY 2020 | ROUND 1
We’ve been helping Queenslanders stand strong since ‘92.
As leaders in our field, we’re here for the grit and for when the
going gets tough. Our physiotherapists are here for you.
PHYSIOTHERAPY
FOR ALL SPORTS & ALL AGES,
WE’RE HERE FOR
QUEENSLAND.
allsportsphysio.com.au
CONTENTS TEAM LISTS | ROUND 1
33
FEATURES
President’s Message 5
Weekly Snapshot 7
Queensland Premier Women Fixtures
Allsports Physiotherapy Hospital Challenge Cup
8
10
35
set to resume this weekend
CLUB PREVIEWS
37
NORTHS
39
Bond University 12
Brothers 14
RUGBY CLUB
Easts 16
GPS 18 COVER PHOTO
The 2020 Queensland Premier Rugby club
Norths 20 captains at this week’s media launch at
Wilson’s Outlook - New Farm.
Souths 22
Sunnybank 24
University of Queensland 26
EVERY WEEK
Wests 28
EVERY GAME
TEAM LISTS
Sunnybank v Easts 31
Souths v Brothers 33
Norths v University of Queensland 35
GPS v Wests 37
QUEENSLAND RUGBY UNION
231 Butterfield Street, HERSTON, QLD 4006
PHONE 1300 753 733
Queensland Rugby Union is a non-profit organisation.
QLD.RUGBY/QPR-MATCH-DAY
All profits go back into the development of Rugby
in Queensland.
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CEO MESSAGE
David Hanham
On behalf of Queensland Rugby, we welcome back The first Match of the Round for 2020 will see GPS
all the players, coaches, administrators, volunteers host Wests at Yoku Road. This clash will be one to
and fans for the 2020 Queensland Premier Rugby watch as an experienced GPS outfit, bolstered with
season, after what has been one of the game’s new recruits, goes head-to-head with the unknown
most challenging periods on record. new look Wests outfit, led by new head coach Carl
Marshall.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought our game to an
abrupt holt in March, and now as we would usually QRU will continue to work closely with our Premier
be preparing for finals, we’re welcoming back an Rugby clubs throughout 2020 to provide coverage
abridged 11 Round competition. and promotion of the competition. In partnership
with Double Take Sports, QRU will also offer fans
It has been no easy feat to reach this point, and
the choice of all four live-streamed games to watch
credit must be given to our presidents, general
each Saturday via the Qld.Rugby website.
managers and the volunteer base at every club,
who have all worked hard to adhere to government While everyone is looking forward to a return
regulations and ensure a safe return to Rugby for to play, it is important to keep in mind some key
our players. COVID-Safe measures – practise hand hygiene,
practise social distancing, stay home if you’re
It was also pleasing to see how players adapted
feeling unwell, download the COVID Safe app to
to training in lock down, and stayed connected
your phone and follow the check in process at
via social media and platforms such as Zoom. It
each club.
highlighted the strong bonds that exist within club
Rugby and no doubt many individuals benefited We’re in a privileged position to welcome club
from the support of their club mates during lock Rugby back in 2020, but it comes with inherent
down. responsibility on all parties to look out for each
other, adhere to these measures and ensure the
We are proud to announce that in 2020, we have
safety of our Rugby community.
welcomed Healthia on board as the naming rights
sponsor of the Hospital Challenge Cup, with their Best of luck to all teams across the grades as the
brand AllSports Physiotherapy being aligned to the 2020 season resumes this Saturday.
competition.
The Hospital Challenge Cup has been a breeding
David Hanham
ground for talent over the past few seasons and
CEO - Queensland Rugby Union
in the opening rounds of the Super Rugby AU
competition we have seen club products such as
Harry Wilson (Brothers), Fraser McReight (Brothers),
Jock Campbell (UQ) and the recently resigned
Hunter Paisami (Wests) all perform, while three new
players have earned their first Queensland cap in
Tuania Tai Tualima (GPS), Josh Flook (Brothers) and
Jack Straker (GPS).
5
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VIDEO CATCH UP HOSPITAL CHALLENGE CUP RETURNS KEEPING RUGBY COVID SAFE
QUEENSLAND PREMIER RUGBY WEEKLY
GPS V WESTS, YOKU ROAD, KICK-OFF 3:30PM NORTHS v UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND,
(MATCH OF THE ROUND) HUGH COURTNEY OVAL, KICK-OFF 3.30PM
This match is set to be a cracker! GPS come into This match will see Norths host the reigning
2020 with an imposing squad strengthened by a premiers University of Queensland at Shaw Road to
host of new recruits, where as Wests are the dark kick off the season.
horse of the competition.
It will be a tough ask for the Eagles in their Round
New Bulldogs coach Carl Marshall has flown 1 clash as they come up against a potent Red
under the radar and put together a strong team Heavies line-up, that has benefitted from the
that could push for top four contention, but COVID period with the return of club stalwarts Con
building combinations and rythm early will be their Foley and Scott Gale, not to mention former Reds
challenge. frontrower Albert Anae.
Keep an eye out for the battle between backrowers Norths will welcome back Tonga Ma’afu to frontrow,
Michael Richards and Connor Anderson, two of the while behind him new lock Matt Wilshire will be
form players over the past few seasons. making his Norths debut. The Eagles will also be
without star recruit Shae Wiperi, after tweaking an
SUNNYBANK v EASTS, SUNNYBANK RFC,
injury in last week’s trial match against Souths.
KICK-OFF 3.30PM (BUNTER BOWL)
SOUTHS V BROTHERS, CHIPSY WOOD OVAL,
This match will see former Easts assistant coach
KICK-OFF 3:30PM
Sione Fukofuka come up against his old club for
the first time. Souths new look youth line-up will have a hard
challenge ahead of them this weekend as they
While Fukofuka’s departure was amicable and
come up against the 2019 minor premiers -
everyone at Tigerland still loves their former drill
Brothers.
sargeant, there will be bragging rights on the line.
With former Colts 1 head coach Todd Dammers
As the Dragons look to rebuild their team in
stepping up to the Premier Grade role for 2020,
2020, the club face a tough challenge first up ina
he has brought with him a host of his Colts faithful.
Tigers line-up brimming with representative talent
Keep an eye out for Country U19s reps Theo Fourie
including former Wallabies skipper Ben Mowen and
and Viliami Lea.
Reds outside back Aidan Toua.
Brothers will be bolstered by some new recruits
This match will also see the two clubs contest the
for this clash including former GPS prop Jed
Bunter Bowl, which was held by Sunnybank after
Chapman, Queensland Country NRC backrower
their Round 18 win over Bond at back end of 2019.
Dillon Wihongi at Number 8 and on the wing we’ll
see former Nudgee schoolboy sensation Jangala
Bennet get his first taste of Hospital Challenge Cup
Rugby.
9
OFFICIAL BEER
OF THE
QUEENSLAND REDSQUEENSLAND PREMIER RUGBY
WOMEN’S XV FIXTURES
SATURDAY 1 AUGUST
MATCH VENUE KICK-OFF
Norths v Norths Brisbane
11:50am
University of Queensland Rugby Club
Sunnybank v Easts Sunnybank Rugby Club 1:40pm
Souths v Brothers Souths Rugby Club 5:30pm
GPS v Wests GPS Rugby Union Club 11:50am
OFFICIAL RADIOLOGY
PARTNER OF THE
QUEENSLAND REDS
For bookings please call 1300 177 226 or
book online at qscan.com.au/bookingsALLSPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPY HOSPITAL
CHALLENGE CUP SET TO RESUME THIS
WEEKEND
In the wake of the COVID-19 lock down
period in Queensland, the state’s top
club Rugby competition – the Allsports
“Allsports Physiotherapy has a long and
proud history of supporting grassroots
Rugby in Queensland,” said Allsports
Physiotherapy Hospital Challenge Cup – Physiotherapy chief operating officer Tony
will resume this Saturday, August 1. Ganter.
Ahead of Round 1 this weekend, Healthia “In 2020 we are happy to continue our
Limited have today been unveiled as the support of community based Rugby, with
naming rights partner of the competition for injury prevention and rehabilitation advice
2020 and 2021. Healthia are an integrated in what has been a challenging year
group of health-based companies, whose for all Queenslanders and Queensland
brands include Allsports Physiotherapy, My Rugby players and supporters. We are
Foot Dr, Extend Rehabilitation and Access excited about the season commencing this
Ortho. weekend”
Healthia have aligned Allsports Reserves and medical staff at each club
Physiotherapy with the Hospital Challenge will be supplied with bibs and vests to
Cup and as such the competition will be help with match management at each
referred to as the Allsports Physiotherapy Premier Rugby club, which will display the
Hospital Challenge Cup. Allsports Physiotherapy logo, and physio’s
12will provide injury prevention and recovery competitions to return to action and I know
advice to teams via social media. players and coaches alike are keen to take
to the field this weekend.”
Healthia’s partnership with Queensland
Rugby Union (QRU) extends beyond Former Wallabies skipper Ben Mowen, who
Premier Rugby, and south-east Queensland is preparing for his first full season for Easts
clubs will be provided with injury report since the early 2000s is looking forward
books, free of charge. Brisbane Junior to a return to play, and seeing some of the
Rugby Union (BJRU) will also benefit from young talent on show.
the partnership, with clubs to be supplied
“On a personal note I’m really excited
with bibs and vests for field marshals, club
because I haven’t had a full season down
officials, medics and trainers.
at Easts since about 2003 or 2004,” said
The return of Hospital Challenge Cup has Mowen.
been long awaited, with the competition
“It’s been a long time between drinks, but
postponed in the week leading into the
it’s been nice and refreshing to be around
scheduled start of the season on March 25.
the young guys and obviously pretty
A lot of work has gone in behind the excited for the season. Like everyone, it’s
scenes to reach this milestone, with club been a long pre-season now and we’re
general managers and presidents working ready to get into it.
collaboratively behind the scenes.
“There’s definitely a massive wave of talent
QRU’s head of game development Gaven coming through club Rugby and from what
Head said: “Our Queensland Premier Rugby I’ve seen there’s a lot of guys there who
clubs have come together over the last few could step up to that next level, all they
months and have collaboratively worked need is that opportunity and then they’ll
towards a return to play. get to that point. It’s going to be exciting
to see the way they play this year and I’m
“There have been weekly meetings with
sure there’s some representative honours
the general managers at each club, each of
waiting for a few guys out in clubland.”
whom have worked together to guide their
respective clubs and the competition as a The Round 1 Hospital Challenge Cup
whole back to this point. matches are as follows:
“We’ve also worked closely with other GPS v Wests, Yoku Road, 3:30pm (Match of
sports in submissions to the State the Round)
Government, which has ensured that Rugby
Norths v University of Queensland, Hugh
has been at the forefront of policies and
Courtney Oval, 3:30pm
procedures that have allowed our clubs to
successfully return to training over the last Easts v Sunnybank, Sunnybank Rugby
few weeks. Club, 3:30pm
“While the pandemic has been devastating Souths v Brothers, Chipsy Wood Oval,
in many respects, there are some 3:30pm
positives to draw from the experience with
BYE: Bond University
innovations in the way we engage and
connect with our Rugby community that will All four matches will be streamed with
allow us to better service our affiliates and the assistance of our live stream partners
stakeholders as we move forward. DoubleTake Sports, and can be viewed via
the Qld.Rugby website.
“With regional competitions returning to
play over the past few weeks, Queensland
Premier Rugby is one of our last VIEW THE FULL DRAW
13DAN BOARDMAN
BOND UNIVERSITY
2019 REGULAR SEASON STATS | 7 WINS | 9 LOSSES
LADDER POSITION: 6TH
142019 WRAP trying to be as comforting and as supportive as
possible, not knowing where everyone’s intentions
With one of the competition’s most lethal backlines, were.
Bond University will once again be one of “I thought it was really beneficial having a
Queensland Premier Rugby’s most exciting teams leadership group to then funnel down to the rest of
to watch in 2020. the team, we all put in a lot of effort and I think we
The Bullsharks finished in seventh spot overall last got a lot of benefit out of it and tried to work and
year, but showed glimpses of their full potential communicate as much as we can with each other.
throughout the season. “Everyone is just so keen to get back out on the
After a strong pre-season, the squad returned park, and in our trial against UQ the energy we
following the COVID-19 break in good shape and showed was evident of that.
was guided through the pandemic by a leadership “We had an amazing start to season, and when
team of experienced players. COVID hit it wasn’t ideal for us, but the work that
The side will be led on the field by the versatile everyone has put in and the buy-in has really
Dan Boardman, who can fill a number of positions boosted competition and I can’t wait to get back
in the backline, with speedsters Joey Fittock, Ryan out there.
Menzies and Max Dowd also featuring in an electric “Even though it’s a shortened season, it’s going to
group of outside backs. be a really awesome one.”
Mitch Third and new recruit Liam Dillon will
form the halves combination, with both players
experience at the next level making them one of
PLAYER TO WATCH
the Hospital Challenge Cup’s most impressive Dylan Rowe
playmaking pairs. Dylan Rowe joined Bond mid-way through 2019
Dillon’s move to the Canal fills the void left by and immediately made an impact in the backrow.
scrumhalf Harry Nucifora, who has moved south to Having played at Souths for many a season and
the Sydney, while Third has shaken off a number with experience playing international Rugby for
of recent injury problems to steer the side around Croatia, Rowe has a wealth of knowledge that will
the park. help him guide the Bond back around the field.
Having been intrenched with the Gold Coast side
In the forward pack, Connor Pritchard will for over 12 months now, Rowe has settled into a
be looking to build on an impressive debut leadership role within the playing ranks and has
Queensland Premier Rugby season in which he helped lure fellow former Souths stalwart Declan
starred for Bond and went on to be selected for Dinnen to the club.
Queensland Country in the NRC.
The club has also secured the services of former
Souths lock Declan Dinnen, while The Southport
KEY RECRUITS
School and Chiefs Academy product Tyler Liam Dillon – Wests
Campbell and South African Devon Hansen have Devon Hensen – South Africa
also made the move to the Gold Coast.
Tyler Campbell – New Zealand
With talent across the park, this Bullsharks team
will be out to break the finals drought on the Gold Declan Dinnen – Souths
Coast.
KEY LOSSES
THE INSIDE WORD Harry Nucifora – Shute Shield
Dan Boardman
“We communicated through Zoom and weekly
meetings and then we would arrange for everyone
to do individual sessions.
“We had a few weeks where we did a 5-kilometre
time trial, we did a few 1-kiolmetere sprints, and
then we’d post our times and I think everyone was
15REUBEN WALL
BROTHERS
2019 REGULAR SEASON STATS | 13 WINS | 3 LOSSES
LADDER POSITION: 1ST
162019 WRAP “Everyone in and around the team, coaches,
supporters, families, support staff, they just want
After falling just five-points short of a premiership to see guys out there playing footy and that’s why
last year, there’s no shortage of motivation for the we are all involved, because we want to see guys
Brothers Premier Grade squad heading into the prepare well and get enjoyment and success out of
2020 Allsports Physiotherapy Hospital Challenge what they do on the weekends.
Cup season. “It’s very good to see the young players coming
Months away from their teammates in the through. For years Brothers has been known as
COVID-19 break has only intensified the side’s a club with an older nucleus of players, but we’ve
desire to go one better in 2020, and the entire been through a bit of a turnover now with all the
club is embracing its goal of premiership glory after young guys coming through. It’s great to see the
reaching eight Grand Finals across the grades last strength of the Colts program and the club overall.
season. “We have discussed our goals for the year. At the
New head coach Anthony Mathison and his end of the season we’re going to be measured on
coaching group were impressed with the squad’s success so of course our goal is making that top
commitment to training over the lockdown period four and once you’re in the finals, anything can
and were able to implement personalised training happen.”
regimes with the help of the club’s strength and
conditioning team. PLAYER TO WATCH
Playmakers Rohan Saifoloi and Paddy James Brad Kapa
proved standouts over the break, while a number
of players returned fitter than they left. While there has been plenty of celebration around
Ryan Smith’s rise to the Reds, his Brothers lock
The squad was bolstered by a number of partner Brad Kapa has been nipping at his heels for
new recruits once training resumed, with NRC representative
backrower Dillon Wihongi joining the club and
hooker Matt Mafi making his return to the Brethren duties. Both played for Brisbane City in the 2019
after a stint in Japan. NRC and both had the opportunity to train with
the Reds prior to the COVID-19 lock down. With
The side will also be without a number of stars from Smith absent from club Rugby due to Reds duties,
last year, with Byron Ralston making the most of an Kapa will have to lead from the front and help run
opportunity with the Western Force, Garrath Ryan Brothers engine room.
moving on and lock Ryan Smith earning a contract
KEY RECRUITS
with the St.George Queensland Reds.
The Brethren have maintained the majority of their
minor premiership winning core however, and the Hamish Stewart – Bond University
likes of James, Saifoloi, Brad Kapa, Reuben Wall Sireli Kacilala – Fiji
and Tom Moloney will lead the side’s charge for the
title. Michael Palmer – New Zealand
Liam O’Connell – Cork, Ireland
THE INSIDE WORD Jed Chapman – GPS
Antony Mathison
Jangala Bennett – Cronulla Sharks
“Brothers had a fantastic season last year, with a
significant number of teams in Grand Finals and George Fai – Brisbane Broncos
quite a bit of success, but people want to go one
Matt Mafi – Japan
better.
Dillon Wihongi - Sunnybank
“Particularly for us as a First Grade group, it’s a
really motivated squad of players who got so close
last year but just missed out. KEY LOSSES
“It’s going to be enormous, we’re all in the grind of Garrath Ryan – retired
how many weeks of pre-season left and everyone
Byron Ralston – Western Force
wants to get out there and enjoy their footy.
17SERU URU
EASTS
2019 REGULAR SEASON STATS | 9 WINS | 7 LOSSES
LADDER POSITION: 4TH
182019 WRAP even better for the club.
“We are planning to win every game, and it’s going
The COVID-19 pandemic has had an immensely to be a tough ask but I think we have the depth this
negative impact across the world, but it isn’t hard year to do it, which is something we didn’t have last
to see a silver lining for the Tigerland faithful as the year.
2020 Allsports Physiotherapy Hospital Challenge
Cup season kicks off. “Guys who have won a premiership know that
you can’t drop any games, every game is a Grand
With a number of overseas competitions cancelled Final and you have to play that way and be pretty
and Australia’s borders closed, Easts have ruthless against teams.”
welcomed a host of proven stars back to the club
PLAYER TO WATCH
to build one of the competition’s deepest squads.
2019 captain Tom Milosevic has returned from a
stint in the UK alongside outside centre Landon Michael Gunn
Hayes, while front-rowers Kirwan Sanday and After taking a year off in 2019 to focus on his
Richie Asiata have also made the move back university studies, backrower Michael Gunn is back
to David Wilson Field from Japan and Canada at Tigerland and will be a key factor for the side this
respectively. season. Gunn is a huge addition for the side, with
The backline has been enhanced by former his professional experience and leadership already
St.George Queensland Reds playmaker Aidan paying dividends for the Tigers. Alongside Ben
Toua, with versatile Dylan Taikato-Simpson also Mowen and Tom Milosevic, Gunn gives the Tigers
joining the squad full time after splitting his arguably the competition’s best backrow as they
commitments between Queensland Premier Rugby look to again qualify for the finals this season.
and Major League Rugby in the USA last year.
The returning players add to an already imposing KEY RECRUITS
Easts squad which features the likes of former Michael Gunn – work/study
Wallaby captain Ben Mowen and former Reds
backrower Michael Gunn in the pack. George Francis – rugby league
Every game is a must win this year, and the shorter Alex Smit – Wests
season means wins will be at premium as the
Matt Smit – Wests
Tigers shoot for their third-straight finals berth.
Jayden Carroll – Norths
Despite a top-four finish, Easts’ 2019 campaign
ended in disappointment with a 51-12 drubbing at Mika Tela – Souths
the hands of eventual premiers UQ in the minor
Logan Tibbetts
semi-final.
Landon Hayes – Scotland
The loss marred what was otherwise an extremely
positive season for the Tigers, with the injury Tom Milosevic – England
depleted side defying the odds to make the
Richie Asiata – Canada
finals, overcoming the absence of a number of
key players including captain Matt Gordon and Kirwan Sanday - Japan
playmaker Jack Frampton for much of the season.
KEY LOSSES
THE INSIDE WORD Matt Gordon – Edinburgh (Scotland)
Moses Raulini - Head Coach
“Just as a community, the vibe around the club is Carter Ozanne – Police
really good.
“There’s a lot of numbers and energy at training
and it’s been no different across all the grades.
“Everyone’s glad we’re back, there’s still some
restrictions with how many people we can have
in the clubhouse but once that opens up it will be
19MATT GICQUEL
GPS
2019 REGULAR SEASON STATS | 13 WINS | 3 LOSSES
LADDER POSITION: 2ND
202019 WRAP PLAYER TO WATCH
GPS again shape as one of the Hospital Challenge Teti Tela
Cup’s heavyweight sides in 2020, and the
Teti Tela will run out for the first time in Jeeps
Gallopers have been lucky enough to have three
colours this year, and the former St.George
of Queensland’s finest in their corner following
Queensland Reds playmaker will be looking to
COVID-19 isolation.
make his mark at Yoku Road. A standout in recent
With their professional seasons in Japan cancelled, years for Souths and in the NRC, Tela can play
former Wallabies and St.George Queensland Reds across flyhalf, inside centre and fullback, and will
stars Samu Kerevi, Will Genia and Quade Cooper bring a wealth of playmaking experience to this
have been training with the Premier Grade squad GPS side as they aim to again lift the Hospital Cup.
at Yoku Road, and sharing a number of trade
secrets with the GPS side.
KEY RECRUITS
With a combined 209 Test matches and 33 years of
Scott Malolua – Souths
professional Rugby experience to their names, the
influence of the trio on the Gallopers entire squad Feao Fotuaika – Souths
has been immense, and will hold them in good
Alex Casey – Souths
stead for the season ahead.
Niven Longopoa – Waikato (New Zealand)
Although Kerevi, Genia and Cooper will not turn out
for the Gallopers when the season resumes, the Emori Waqavulagi – Souths
club has snared the services of former Souths and
Reds playmaker Teti Tela, following the cancellation Teti Tela – Souths/Global Rapid Rugby
of the Global Rapid Rugby season.
With attention now turning to the season restart, KEY LOSSES
Jeeps are faced with the daunting task of facing all Dan Gorman – retired
three 2019 finals sides – Brothers, Easts and UQ –
within the first four rounds of the regular season. Jordan Lenac – University of Queensland
Featuring the likes of Fred Burke, Maile Ngauamo Mitch King – work commitments
and Michael Richards, the GPS forward pack and DP de Lange – West Harbour
set piece again looms as the centrepiece of the
side’s attack, but with flyers Jono Kent, Josh Collins
and Emori Waqavulagi out wide, the Gallopers will
be potent across the park.
THE INSIDE WORD
Elwee Prinsloo - Head Coach
“You’ve got eight games and you have to put your
best foot forward.
“You’ve got to win five games to guarantee the
top four, so it’s going to be important for us to start
well, especially for us.
“We’ve got a pretty tough start against Brothers,
Easts and UQ, but what a great challenge.
“We’re looking forward to it and we’re just glad
we’re playing some sort of footy which is the main
thing.
“Footy brings our community together and you
can see over the last few weeks, it’s a really good
atmosphere at the club and we are all just really
grateful to be back and able to play a bit of footy.”
21NICK CHAPMAN
NORTHS
2019 REGULAR SEASON STATS | 2 WINS | 14 LOSSES
LADDER POSITION: 9TH
222019 WRAP PLAYER TO WATCH
The COVID-19 break proved to be about far more than Nick Chapman
maintaining fitness levels and waiting on a return to Versatile and determined, Nick Chapman has stamped his
Rugby for the Norths community. authority on Queensland Premier Rugby in recent years.
With the ability to play almost anywhere in the backline,
As the coronavirus pandemic gripped the world, many
Chapman is a swiss-army knife for the Eagles, and as club
members of the Eagles community faced unemployment captain will be one of their key men this season. After an
and uncertainty, and it was their fellow clubmates who outstanding debut season in the NRC last year, Chapman
were there to lend a helping hand. will be one of many players pushing for higher honours
That spirit and togetherness speaks volumes of the bonds in 2020.
built at Hugh Courtney Oval, and it’s something that will
hold the side in good stead this season.
KEY RECRUITS
Although Norths finished with the wooden spoon last Matt Connor – Brothers
year, the side showed a willingness to fight for the full
80-minutes under new head coach Luke Oxford, a trait Enzo Mututi – GPS
they’ll undoubtedly carry into 2020 as they look to Nathan Tweedy – Hong Kong Scottish
improve their position on the ladder. Miller Leilua – Souths
Oxford has reinvigorated the Norths program, both in Harley Fox – South
defence and attack, and after a year of learning the
Liam Roberts - Souths
new systems, he’s hoping the Eagles will transfer that
education into results this year. Victor Thompson – Caboolture
Imposing prop Tonga Ma’afu has returned to the Nest in Bailey Thompson – Caboolture
career best shape following the break and will be key up Falcon Peni – West Harbour
front for the Eagles, with former Australian Schoolboy and
Logan Allen – Harbour Eagles (New Zealand)
Chiefs Academy player Matt Wilshire also looming as a
huge inclusion for the side in the second row. Shai Wiperi – Fielding Old Boys (New Zealand)
With Oxford entering his second year as head coach and Sau Leaaetoa – Surfers Paradise
implementing a number of new strategies to go with his
crop of promising players, Norths could be on the rise in Kinean Snead – Redcliffe Dolphins
2020.
Leslie Hills – Sunnybank
THE INSIDE WORD Matt Wilshire – Clifton Rugby Club
Luke Oxford Mana Cecil – Work
“When you’re living in a bubble, you need that physical Ken Taviri – Papua New Guinea
activity and just getting out and doing something active
for your mental wellbeing.
“The boys were good at identifying blokes who were
KEY LOSSES
Sefa Naivalu – Stade Francais Paris
struggling and made sure they had the help they needed.
Duncan Paia’aua – RC Toulonnais
“We had forwards and backs Zoom meetings every week,
and we just looked at aspects of the game and spoke Matt McGahan – Ricoh Black Rams
about it in detail. Connor Chittenden – West Harbour
“The boys were salivating just to get back into some Jayden Carroll – Easts
footy and it was a good opportunity to drive some deeper Stone Kolio – Retired
learning through the players.
Saula Vuaca – Retired
“Everyone at the club has worked really hard on their Wilson Enoka – Retired
fitness which has been excellent, and we haven’t had
to do too much conditioning which has given us the Jordan Luke – Western Force
opportunity to work on other elements of our game.
“It’s going to be good to have some of the local
community back and everyone will be appreciative to
come out and see blokes they know playing a really high
standard of Rugby.”
23LUKE SAMOA
SOUTHS
2019 REGULAR SEASON STATS | 8 WINS | 8 LOSSES
LADDER POSITION: 5TH
242019 WRAP PLAYER TO WATCH
Despite almost four months spent apart, the Phransis Sulu-Siaosi
COVID-19 pandemic has failed to diminish the
Young prop Phransis Sulu-Siaosi is one of a
strong bonds building between the 2020 Souths
number of young Magpies pushing for a spot in
Premier Grade squad.
the Premier Grade side after helping the Premier
After overseeing dual premierships in last year’s Colts outfit to the title in 2019. Sulu-Siaosi’s played
Colts 1 and Colts 2 competitions, new head coach for Queensland Country in last year’s U19 Rugby
Todd Dammers has brought a host of up and Championship, and has been in Junior Wallabies
coming stars with him into the top grade for the camp this year, making him one of Queensland’s
season ahead, and their strong relationships are most promising front-row prospects. He’ll have
already paying dividends at Chipsy Wood Oval. lessons to learn in the top grade this year, but this
club is backing him to make the jump and make it
Much of the youthful squad have played together
well.
at school, in Colts or at junior representative level,
and it’s those established relationships which are
helping to build something special at the Nest. KEY RECRUITS
The likes of front rowers Theo Fourie and Phransis Jonah Polonga – GPS
Sulu-Siaosi and bustling winger Viliami Lea will all
Leigh Ireland – Wests
play a role in the top grade at Chipsy Wood Oval,
while promising scrumhalf Kalani Thomas, who is in Roman Prasad – Auckland
his first year out of Ipswich Grammar School, could
Tevita Wolske – rugby league
also see Premier Grade minutes this season.
Liam Fletcher – future Force
Alongside their boom Colts, the Magpies have also
recruited a number of new faces to fill the void of Khan Ah Wong – rugby league
their off-season departures, including experienced
fullback Luke Samoa, who has played international Lukas Ripley – Brisbane Boys’ College
Rugby for Romania, promising Jeeps prop Jonah Kalani Thomas – Ipswich Grammar School
Polonga and Kiwi flyhalf Roman Prasad.
Luke Samoa – Romania
Youth is in fashion at Chipsy Wood, and the young
Magpies will be raring to show they have what it Roarke Christiansen – Rockhampton Brothers
takes in Premier Rugby this season
KEY LOSSES
THE INSIDE WORD Jake Strachan – Western Force
Todd Dammers
Jake Simeon – Canberra Vikings
“It’s a cliché, but they are a pretty tight-knit group
away from Rugby and a lot of them have played Callum McDonald – Brumbies
footy together in different teams. Teti Tela – Fiji/GPS
“The reality is, is that they’ve worked out that the Mika Tela – Easts
connection with each other is just as important as
the points on the board. Scott Malolua – GPS
“I’m really confident in this squad, whether or not Alex Casey – GPS
that’s 2020, that’s yet to be determined, but I’m Feao Fotuaika – GPS
confident in that we have the bones of a very, very
good team for the future and I am really hopeful Emori Waqavulagi – GPS
they put that out there this year. Ralph Evalu - GPS
“For a lot of these people, me included, come
winter Souths is the centre of our universe, so it
means a lot to be back.”
25ZAC SHEPERD
SUNNYBANK
2019 REGULAR SEASON STATS | 4 WINS | 12 LOSSES
LADDER POSITION: 8TH
262019 WRAP massive this year, especially early on where you
can set a foundation and build some momentum.
After almost four months away from their beloved “The beauty of it is that you only have to play each
club, the imminent return to play is an enormous team once right through, and if we’re lucky enough
positive for everyone in the Sunnybank Rugby to get to finals we’ll re-evaluate, so you just have to
community. do enough every week.
2019 was a tough year for Sunnybank, with the side “We want to play well, we want to represent the
winning just four games to finish their campaign in club and play a brand of football that’s exciting to
eighth spot overall. watch and be successful, but in reality if we get
The season wasn’t without positives however, after a result by one point, three points or 15 points, it
the Bankers swooped in to claim the Bunter Bowl in doesn’t matter because you move onto the next
the final round of the season with a win over Bond week.”
University.
2020 has brought change to Oldmac Oval, with PLAYER TO WATCH
former Easts assistant coach Sione Fukofuka taking Zac Sheperd
on the role of head coach for the Dragons.
After a frustrating 2019 filled with injury, Sunnybank
Renowned for his technical capabilities and strong second rower Zac Shepherd will be back on the
Rugby IQ, Fukofuka will bring experience and paddock this season and looking to make an
direction to the side as they aim to pull themselves impact. Mobile and athletic, Shepherd has all the
up from the bottom half of the ladder. makings of a top lock and will need to step up and
A number of new recruits have joined Fukofuka at help lead the side this year. The Brisbane State
the club, and former U20s prop Franko Abdalla has High School product has impressed throughout
returned home to the Bank after a stint at Souths. pre-season and will look to take that momentum
onto the field for the Bankers.
The Dragons have also been able to pick up a
number of players from overseas as a result of the
COVID-19 pandemic, with scrumhalf Tim Sippel KEY RECRUITS
making his way back to the Bank from Canada, Franko Abdalla – Souths
while Wasps lock Josh Fenner has returned from
the UK to bolster the squad. Johnson Ioane – Auckland
Fukofuka’s side has also been strengthened by Charles Makasini – Auckland
the return of Liam McNamara, who was facing a Jezzy Ioane – Easts
lengthy stint on the sidelines pre-COVID.
Puni Ioane – Melbourne
After a standout season for the Bankers which
included a call-up to the St.George Queensland Martin Koorts – Brothers
Reds bench, McNamara was chosen for Brisbane
Tim Sippel – Canada
City in the National Rugby Championship, before
seriously injuring his knee in the first match of their Josh Fenner – United Kingdom
campaign.
KEY LOSSES
THE INSIDE WORD Moli Sooamalelagi – Sydney
Sione Fukofuka
Josh Walker – Russia
“It’s a very family orientated club, just like across
all of Brisbane’s clubs. Will Feeney – Canada
“The boys are really going to appreciate what it Ahmu Tuimalealiifano – Sydney
means to them and why it’s important in their lives
and that’s the case all the way through the colts
and the women at Sunnybank.
“You say it every year in a normal competition,
every game is important, but the stakes are
27KYE OATES
UNIVERSITY OF
QUEENSLAND
2019 REGULAR SEASON STATS | 9 WINS | 7 LOSSES
28 LADDER POSITION: 3RD2019 WRAP PLAYER TO WATCH
The University of Queensland will once again be the Connor Vest
hunted in 2020, with last year’s premiers looking to
pick up where they left off on Grand Final day when the A product of the northern rivers region of NSW, Connor
season resumes. Vest ventured down to Sydney to start his club career and
has been a star for Northern Suburbs in the Shute Shield.
The Heavies have welcomed back three of their favourite Having played NRC for the past few seasons and with
sons, Scott Gale, Con Foley and Connor Mitchell as a limited opportunities for higher honours, Vest has made
result of the coronavirus pandemic, while the side has the move to Queensland to be closer to family whilst
also picked up the services of experienced professional also driven by the number of club players from Hospital
and former Sunnybank front rower Albert Anae. Challenge Cup progressing through to the Super Rugby
ranks. Given UQ’s lack of height in their second-row
The quartet strengthens an already imposing UQ squad, stocks has been a historical issue, the recruitment of Vest
with the likes of Sam Wallis and Pat Morrey combining offers the club a hard-nosed ball carrying lock who is also
with a host of up and coming stars and supercoach Mick
Heenan to shoot for their third premiership in the past handy in the air, a great pick up for the club.
four seasons.
With just one round of fixtures to be played, starting the KEY RECRUITS
season well will be key for Uni in what shapes as a sprint
to the Hospital Cup in 2020. Connor Vest – Norths (Shute Shield)
Despite eventually taking the trophy back to St Lucia, the Lachlan Stewart – Wests
Heavies lost five of their first eight games in 2019 to sit in Hamish Richardson – North Harbour (New Zealand)
seventh spot at the midway point of the season, before
the Students launched an incredible late season charge Jordan Lenac – GPS
to stun the rest of the competition and claim their second
Josh Birch – Back from work commitments
Hospital Cup title in the past three years.
Albert Anae – Japan
That slow start is something the side can ill afford this
year, but the Heavies are confident they will be firing on Con Foley – USA
all cylinders.
Scott Gale – USA
With a healthy mix of youth and experience across their
entire squad, the Heavies will be a huge chance to Alex Horan – Sunwolves
become the first side since Canberra in 2003 to secure Connor Mitchell – Southern Districts (Sydney)
back-to-back Hospital Challenge Cup titles in what looms
as a cracking year of Rugby at St Lucia.
KEY LOSSES
THE INSIDE WORD Adam Korczyk – Ealing (UK)
Elton Berrange Sam Mellor – retired
“The energy is there, there’s a really awesome feel James Dalgleish – Scotland
around the place and we’ve got more registered players
than we’ve had for a couple of years. Clifton Setu – MMA
“Keeping fit was fairly easy because we have a really
strong conditioning team and program, all the players had
their own GPS programs and we were able to monitor
what they were doing when they weren’t with us.
“We’re not spending as much time on conditioning
at training as we expected to, so we’ve been able to
adjust our plans to more of a Rugby focus. We’re really
impressed with the guys.
“We’re in pretty good shape, who knows what happens
with injuries before game one, but that game for us
against Easts in Round 3 is going to be a humdinger.
“Everyone’s so pumped to play footy and get out there
again.”
29CONNOR ANDERSON
WESTS
2019 REGULAR SEASON STATS | 7 WINS | 9 LOSSES
LADDER POSITION: 7TH
302019 WRAP PLAYER TO WATCH
2019 was a season of ‘what-ifs’ for Wests after the Connor Anderson
potential-stacked side missed out on a Hospital Cup finals
berth by the slimmest of margins. Connor Anderson will be instrumental for the Bulldogs
in 2020 as the club looks to break back into the Premier
Arguably the competition’s most potent attacking outfit Rugby top-four. Losing Jerry Lynch is a massive blow for
on their day, the Bulldogs dropped five games by a the Bulldogs, however they have a more than capable
converted try or less to leave the side stranded just and readymade replacement in Anderson, who continues
one-point adrift of the top-four at the end of the regular to takes his game to new heights. Anderson’s industrious
season. work across the park and commitment to training makes
him one of the competition’s premier backrowers, and
TikToks, trick shots and teambuilding have been the order resulted in his NRC debut last season for Brisbane City.
of the last few months for the side as the squad aimed to He’ll need to step up and lead Wests this year, and if last
stay connected throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. season is anything to go on, he’s more than up to the
From packing scrums indoors to pinpoint passes through task.
car windows, the Bulldogs squad embraced their creative
and competitive sides during lockdown, and new head
coach Carl Marshall has been pleased with the results as KEY RECRUITS
his team returned to training at Sylvan Road.
Gav Luka – Bond University
The club has strengthened their front-row over the off- Josh Casey – Taieri (New Zealand)
season, luring former St.George Queensland Reds prop
Gavin Luka and Liam Usher (Brothers) to the Kennel. Liam Usher – Brothers
The side will be without midfield stars Carter Gordon and Jeremy Skelton – Brothers
Hunter Paisami for at least the start of the season, with Lorenzo Skelton – Brothers
both Bulldogs now a part of the Reds main squad.
Jeral Skelton – Brothers
Stalwarts Liam Dillon and Jerry Lynch have also departed
to Bond University and New Zealand respectively, with Tyrone Pritchard – Easts
their departures a huge loss in terms of experience for Jone Tiko – Easts
the club.
Conrad Antonio – Easts
Talented flanker Connor Anderson will likely step into
Lynch’s sizeable boots both in the backrow, while the club Joel Atkins – Gungalen/Brumbies Academy
has looked in-and-out to replace Dillon, with a number of Inoke Nalaga – Fiji
new recruits and players from within the club tussling for
the starting number-nine jersey. Shane Tasi – Norths
The club has also lured the Skelton brothers – Lorenzo John Martin-Stewart – Perth
and Jeremiah – to Sylvan Road from Brothers, bringing a Josh Phillips – Souths
wealth of x-factor to their squad. Tiko Twist - Easts – Canberra
Bailey Tautau – Christchurch
THE INSIDE WORD Markus Jensen - Easts Tigers rugby league
Carl Marshall - Head Coach
Youri Petit – France
“It’s pretty exciting for the boys, obviously we had a
big break and then we came back and had some quite Eli Moata – Norths Wellington
KEY LOSSES
restricted training but now we’re pretty much back to
normal.
“It was a very unique period for everyone, and we Liam Dillon – Bond University
certainly tried a few things. Jerry Lynch – Christchurch (New Zealand)
“I guess we realised that this is going to be a lot longer Isaac Henry – Brumbies
than we thought, so what we decided to do was not worry
too much about the Rugby side of things. Efi Ma’afu – Sunwolves / Rebels
“We felt that if our group could connect through that Liam Mosesley – Southern Districts (Sydney)
whole period, when we got through it and came back it Joe Cotton – Southern Districts/Waratahs
would be a really comfortable and be easy in terms of
getting along. Leigh Ireland – Souths
“At Wests what we’re trying to create is an environment
where all players here can unleash their potential and
achieve their best and do what they want to do whether
it’s play professional Rugby or play regular First Grade.”
31John Eales
Rugby Excellence
Scholarship
Bond University has joined forces with former
Wallabies Captain, John Eales AM, to present
this sporting scholarship which provides an
opportunity for outstanding male rugby union
players to be mentored.
To learn more or to apply online, visit
sport.bond.edu.au/programs/sport-scholarships.
Applications close 6 September, 2020.
JOHN EALES RUGBY EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS 2020
(From left to right) Joey Fittock, John Eales and Wilson Blyth.
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