QUEENSLAND PREMIER RUGBY 2021 | ROUND
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QUEENSLAND PREMIER RUGBY 2019 | ROUND 1 QUEENSLAND PREMIER RUGBY 2021 | ROUND 1
Ready to make your own
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H E E L PA I N
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CONTENTS TEAM LISTS | ROUND 1
FEATURES
President’s Message 5 33
Weekly Snapshot 9
Queensland Premier Women Fixtures
Allsports Physiotherapy Hospital Challenge
Cup set to resume this weekend
11
12
35
CLUB PREVIEWS
37
Bond University 14 NORTHS
39
Brothers 16
RUGBY CLUB
Easts 18
GPS 20 COVER PHOTO
The 2021 Queensland Premier Rugby club
Norths 22 captains at this week’s media launch at
Howard Smith Wharves.
Souths 24
Sunnybank 26
University of Queensland 28
Wests 30
TEAM LISTS
Easts v Sunnybank 33
University of Queensland v Brothers 35
Bond University v Norths 37
GPS v Souths 39
QUEENSLAND RUGBY UNION
231 Butterfield Street, HERSTON, QLD 4006
PHONE 1300 753 733
Queensland Rugby Union is a non-profit organisation.
All profits go back into the development of Rugby
in Queensland.
3
CEO MESSAGE
David Hanham
On behalf of Queensland Rugby, we welcome back Super Rugby AU, we have seen club products such
all the players, coaches, administrators, volunteers as Ryan Smith (Brothers), Seru Uru (Easts), Ritchie
and fans for the 2021 Queensland Premier Rugby Asiata (Easts) Sam Wallis (UQ) and Kalani Thomas
season. (UQ) all perform at the next level.
Ahead of Round 1 this weekend, it was announced QRU will continue to work closely with our Premier
that Healthia Limited have recommitted as the Rugby clubs throughout 2021 to provide coverage
naming rights partner of the competition for 2021. and promotion of the competition.
Healthia are an integrated group of health-based
While everyone is looking forward to a return to
companies, whose brands include Allsports
play this weekend, it is important to keep in mind
Physiotherapy, My Foot Dr, Extend Rehabilitation
some key COVID-Safe measures – practise hand
and Access Ortho.
hygiene, practise social distancing, stay home
Healthia have aligned Allsports Physiotherapy if you’re feeling unwell, carry a face mask and
with the Hospital Challenge Cup and as such the download the COVID Safe app to your phone and
competition will be continue to be referred to as follow the check in process at each club.
the Allsports Physiotherapy Hospital Challenge
The Hospital Challenge Cup is a high-quality
Cup.
competition delivering traditional rivalries, tribalism
2021 will see the Hospital Challenge Cup broadcast and outstanding community events. We’re looking
on Stan Sport, as part of Rugby Australia’s new forward to seeing a full season in 2021 and seeing
broadcast deal with Stan and Channel 9. the next generation of club Rugby talent to emerge
from the competition.
It’s a significant milestone for the game in
Queensland to have a high-quality broadcast Best of luck to all teams across the grades as the
partner in Stan Sport invested in the promotion of 2021 season resumes this Saturday.
the competition.
David Hanham
The Hospital Challenge Cup has been a breeding CEO - Queensland Rugby Union
ground for talent and in the opening rounds of the
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100 CAP CLUB
CONGRATULATIONS TO GPS PROP FRED BURKE WHO WILL
PLAY HIS 100TH GAME FOR GPS IN ROUND 1
QUEENSLAND PREMIER RUGBY WEEKLY
EASTS V SUNNYBANK | DAVID WILSON FIELD | 3:05PM BOND UNIVERSITY V NORTHS | BOND UNIVERSITY
RUGBY CLUB | 3:05PM
Easts and Sunnybank will play for the Rick Tyrell Cup
in Round 1, with the clubs raising awareness for mental Norths will face an imposing trip down the M1 this
health at David Wilson Field. weekend when they take on Bond University on the Gold
Coast.
The reigning premiers have a number of new faces in
their side after last year’s Grand Final triumph, with Alex Still riding high off of their maiden finals appearance last
Smit an exciting inclusion at openside flanker alongside season, the Bullsharks have named an exciting backline,
captain and number 8 Tom Milosevic. with the likes of Dan Boardman, Joey Fittock, Dion
Samuela and new recruit Tautalatasi Tasi set to light up
Jack Frampton and Eli Pilz form a halves combination with the field on Saturday.
plenty of attacking spark, while Dylan Taikato-Simpson
will be key at fullback. Connor Pritchard will be crucial in the backrow, as will
Devon Henson at lock.
The Bankers have named an imposing forward pack, with
the likes of Joseph Faulalo, Josh Fenner and Laurence The Eagles have been bolstered this season by the
Tominiko looking to lay the platform for the Dragons. returns of newly appointed skipper Jordan Luke (Western
Force) and Connor Chittenden (Shute Shield), while Shai
Liam McNamara will captain the side from fullback, and Wiperi will add attacking flair from fullback.
his combination with number-ten Hayden Sargeant will be
crucial for Sione Fukofuka’s side. Young halves combination Liam Prendergast and Jacob
Prideaux are set for big campaigns after their first full
UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND V BROTHERS | ST season of Premier Rugby in 2020.
LUCIA | 3:05PM
St.George Queensland Reds prop Dane Zander will start
UQ and Brothers will write another chapter of their storied at loosehead, forming a powerful front row combination
history in this weekend’s Templeton McLean Cup clash at alongside Tonga Ma’afu and Paulo Leleisiuao.
St Lucia.
GPS V SOUTHS | YOKU ROAD | 3:05PM
The hosts have named youngsters Finn Hearn and Lachie
Stewart in the halves, with Con Foley providing valuable The Gallopers will host Souths at Yoku Road as the two
experience in the midfield. clubs do battle for the Torkington Daley Cup.
The aggression of Connor Vest will be a key factor in the It’s a special day for GPS stalwart Fred Burke, who will run
forward pack along with captain Pat Morrey and rising on for his 100th Premier Grade cap in front of his home
flanker Will Roach, who was named the Heavies’ players’ crowd at Ashgrove.
player last season.
After a frustrating 2020 season, Matt Gicquel will start in
Exciting number-eight lona Halaholo will make his Premier the backrow, forming a premiership-winning combination
Grade debut for the club. with captain Michael Richards.
Brothers will run out prized recruit Phoenix Hunt at AJ Alatimu and Teti Tela make up an experienced
scrumhalf, partnering Paddy James, while Tom Moloney playmaking core, with Josh Collins providing electric
and Matt Faessler make up an experienced front row speed on the wing.
combination.
Luke Samoa will captain Souths from fullback, with the
After a full pre-season with the Reds, Hudson Creighton young Magpies looking to take the lessons learnt in 2020
should take his game to new heights at inside-centre this into this year’s season.
season.
Youngsters Jakob Morrison and Harry Leerentveld have
The club swaps of Brad Kapa (Brothers to UQ) and Ashton been given the keys in the halves, while the Farrell
Watson (UQ to Brothers), who’ll both start for their new brothers, Sean and Jack, have both been named in the
teams, adds even more spice to an already fiery rivalry. backrow.
Theo Fourie is a huge inclusion after a full pre-season
with the Melbourne Rebels, as is returning outside-centre
Elijah Kefu who is back from a stint in the Shute Shield.
9
QUEENSLAND PREMIER RUGBY
WOMEN’S XV FIXTURES
SATURDAY 10 APRIL
MATCH VENUE KICK-OFF
University of Queensland v
St.Lucia 5:00pm
Brothers
Easts v Sunnybank David Wilson Field 5:00pm
GPS v Souths Yoku Road 5:00pm
Bond University v Norths Bond University RFC 5:00pm
11ALLSPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPY HOSPITAL
CHALLENGE CUP SET TO RESUME THIS
WEEKEND
The Allsports Physiotherapy Hospital “This weekend will see those efforts
Challenge Cup returns to grassroots Rugby culminate in four matches being broadcast
grounds this weekend as the 2021 season LIVE on Stan Sport, shown and promoted
kicks off. alongside the professional game”.
Ahead of Round 1 this weekend, Healthia “The Hospital Challenge Cup is a high-quality
Limited have today announced that they competition delivering traditional rivalries,
will remain the naming rights partner of tribalism and outstanding community events.
the competition for 2021. Healthia are We’re looking forward to seeing a full season
an integrated group of health-based in 2021 and seeing the next generation
companies, whose brands include Allsports of club Rugby talent to emerge from the
Physiotherapy, My Foot Dr, Extend competition.”
Rehabilitation and Access Ortho.
Stan Sport has been broadcasting the 2021
Healthia have aligned Allsports Super Rugby AU season, as well as Super
Physiotherapy with the Hospital Challenge Rugby Aotearoa and Japanese Top League,
Cup and as such the competition will be and made their first foray into the club game
continue to be referred to as the Allsports with the Australian Club Championship Clash
Physiotherapy Hospital Challenge Cup. between Easts and Gordon.
“Allsports Physiotherapy has a long and To sign up for Stan Sport, visit https://www.
proud history of supporting grassroots stan.com.au/sport.
Rugby in Queensland,” said Healthia’s
Group MD & CEO, Wes Coote.
“In 2021 we are happy to continue our
support of community-based Rugby, with
injury prevention and rehabilitation advice
in what has been a challenging year for
all Queenslanders and Queensland Rugby
players and supporters. We are excited
about the season commencing with a new
broadcast partner coming on board as
well.”
This weekend will see the Hospital
Challenge Cup broadcast on Stan Sport for
the first time, with all four matches available
live, and with commentary, for Rugby fans.
QRU’s CEO David Hanham said: “It’s
a significant milestone for the game
in Queensland to have a high-quality
broadcast partner in Stan Sport invested
into the promotion of the Allsports
Physiotherapy Hospitals Challenge Cup.
12VIEW THE FULL DRAW
13CONNOR PRITCHARD
BOND UNIVERSITY
14Fresh from a history-making finals appearance in “We’re just looking to improve on certain areas of
2020, Bond University will be looking to establish our game, we have had a skills-based pre-season
themselves as competition heavyweights this focus, we want to establish what Bond Rugby looks
season. like,” Anderson said.
With a band of supporters travelling up the M1, the “We attack well but a big work on for us in defence,
Bullsharks defeated GPS in last year’s minor semi- that will win premierships. Our set-piece is another
final, before going down to eventual premiers Easts area of focus.
in the preliminary final.
“2020 was the first year we fielded Third Grade,
Their first top-four finish will provide the side with we want to do that again this year and create
a shot of confidence this season, as they aim to pathways for players to progress through. We have
break the premiership drought on the Gold Coast. some good talent coming through Second and
Third Grade and we want to perform as best as we
The club has recruited well, with gun centre
can across the board.
Tautalatasi Tasi returning to Queensland from the
Shute Shield, after stalwart Ryan Menzies departed “We’ve been training as a club, not just as teams,
south. and the players in Third Grade are benefiting from
training alongside Premier Grade.”
Flyhalf Mitch Third has also moved on, as has
livewire winger Rhian Stowers and standout
forward Jack Winchester. PLAYER TO WATCH
The Bullsharks will again boast plenty of attacking Dylan Rowe
weapons, with the likes of skipper Dan Boardman,
Dylan Rowe joined Bond mid-way through 2019
scrumhalf Liam Dillon and electric fullback Joey
and immediately made an impact in the backrow.
Fittock providing spark across the backline.
Having played at Souths for many a season and
with experience playing international Rugby for
2020 WRAP Croatia, Rowe has a wealth of knowledge that will
help him guide the Bond back around the field.
Tearing the finals monkey off of the Bullsharks’
Having been intrenched with the Gold Coast side
back not only made history for the club but has set
for over 12 months now, Rowe has settled into a
the standard on and off the field at the Canal.
leadership role within the playing ranks and has
“I think we were really happy with the result, the helped lure fellow former Souths stalwart Declan
boys worked hard and the club has been building Dinnen to the club.
for a long time,” Anderson said.
“It established that we’re here for more than just to KEY RECRUITS
make up numbers and we made history, no other
Tautalatasi Tasi – Gordon (Shute Shield)
team will be the first Bond team to make finals.
Salesi Manu – return from a sabbatical
“We worked really hard to get our culture right at
the club and players led that and it culminated in Lloyd Johansen – Melbourne Harlequins
the support for all the three teams making finals
Jordan Kahu – Broncos (NRL)
– Colts 1, Women and Premier Grade, supporters
getting up to Ballymore.
“Culture doesn’t happen overnight, it takes time
KEY LOSSES
and we made some big steps last year. Ryan Menzies – Southern Districts (Shute Shield)
Rhian Stowers – Eastwood (Shute Shield)
2021 FOCUS Jack Winchester – Western Force
Whole club success is the focus for the Gold
Mitch Third – work commitments
Coasters, as they bid to form a known and travelled
Gold Coast Rugby pathway. Luke Papworth – work commitments
With their potent attack well-known, improving the Callum Ball – work commitments
team’s performance on the other side of the ball
has also been a focus for Anderson.
15TOM MOLONEY
BROTHERS
16Whilst Brothers celebrated a colts triple crown in defence – we want to have as complete of a game
2020, claiming premierships in Colts 1,2 and 3, for as possible.
Premier Grade, they narrowly missed out on finals
“In terms of transitioning colts through to seniors
and will be rueing missed opportunities.
we have a good formula and even as colt players
With new head coach Brendan Gabbett at the they sit on the bench in reserve grade and start to
helm, making his return to Crosby Park where he get some game time. There will be a few players to
was previously an assistant coach before spending look out for this year.”
some time at GPS, a new era dawns at Brothers,
with a former Brothers greats overseeing the
operation in former Queensland and Wallabies
PLAYER TO WATCH
coach John Connolly. Phoenix Hunt & Sam Hyne
With Reuben Wall ruled out for an extended period,
2020 WRAP Brothers have welcomed former Easts scrumhalf
Phoenix Hunt to Crosby Park.
While Gabbett wasn’t coaching at Brothers in 2020,
he watched from affair as narrow margins cost the Hunt has been looked in a two-way tussle with Eli
Brethren their chance to contest the finals. Pilz for the nine-jersey over the past few seasons,
and in 2020 Pilz was the preferred choice leaving
“Missed opportunities,” he said.
Hunt hungry for more minutes in first grade.
“I think they were one kick away from winning
“Phoenix is screaming for an opportunity at Premier
the comp, given the talent they would have had
Grade level, we’re excited to see how he manages
coming back from the Reds for the finals I think
a game of Rugby,” said Gabbett.
they would’ve been competitive in the finals.”
Hyne has been a mainstay at Brothers over the
Brothers have arguably been victims of their own
past few seasons, but injury has prevented him
success, with players including Ryan Smith and
from building regular back-to-back matches, but he
Lawson Creighton called into the Reds squad, and
is fit and ready for what lies ahead in 2021.
with the likes of Harry Wilson and Fraser McReight
progressing through to the Wallabies. With Crosby “Sam has the attributes to play professionally, he
Parks best talent unavailable for the majority of the just needs an opportunity to show that.”
abbreviated season, it would be understandable
for the Brethren to use that as an excuse, however
the club sees it as a badge of honour.
KEY RECRUITS
Phoenix Hunt – Easts
“We want to promote that, we want to promote our
pathway,” said Gabbett. Richard Clift – UQ
“We want out guys to progress through juniors, Ash Watson – UQ
then colts, into senior Rugby and then hopefully go
on to play professionally. Jadion Christian – UQ
“You can’t promote that and then be disappointed Blaise Barnes – Randwick
when you don’t have the services of those players Kirisome Auva’a – Rugby League NRL
anymore. At the end of the day, it is about the
individual player and we want to reach their
potential and it’s our jobs to prepare them as best KEY LOSSES
we can to succeed in a professional environment.” Rohan Saifoloi – Shute Shield
2021 FOCUS Matt Mafi – GPS
Brad Kapa - UQ
Brothers have two key focuses heading into 2021,
as they look to welcome the next generation of
Brethren into the senior ranks.
“We want to compete in all facets of the game,”
said Gabbett.
“We want solid set piece, solid attack and solid
17TOM MILOSEVIC
EASTS
18With six Grand Final wins from six attempts, there’s Rauluni is well aware of his side’s need to go to a
no denying 2020 was an incredible year for the new level this season and is putting the triumphs of
entire Easts Rugby Club. last year firmly in the rear-view mirror.
Capped off by an Australian Club Championship “It’s a new year, a lot of new forwards with key guys
victory over Gordon last month, a winning culture who have retired and Rhys Jacks back to league,
has been firmly established at Tigerland, but with we’ve lost senior voices and others in the team will
success comes the weight of expectation and a need to step up, light and match the intensity we
huge target on the Tigers’ back this season. had last year,” the head coach said.
A number of Grand Final stars have moved on over “We’ve had a good preseason so far, a two round
the off-season, with the experienced trio of Ben season will be tougher than last year.”
Mowen, Aidan Toua and Michael Gunn all hanging
up the boots, while Alec Evans medallist Rhys van
Nek has taken up a Super Ruby opportunity with
PLAYER TO WATCH
the Rebels. Zac Crothers
Toua’s absence means playmakers Jack Frampton, With Rhys van Nek taking up a contract with the
Eli Pilz and Dylan Taikato-Simpson will need to step Rebels and Richie Asiata earning his own deal with
up, with Tom Milosevic to fill Mowen’s boots as the Queensland Reds, young hooker Zac Crothers
both captain and number-eight. will start for the Tigers.
The Tigers again loom as one of the teams to beat Easts gained ascendancy at set-piece time last
in 2021, with head coach Moses Rauluni back on year, using their dominant pack to lay the platform
deck as the side aim to become the first team since for their backline and seize momentum, meaning
Canberra in 2003 to win back-to-back Hospital Crothers and fellow front rowers SJ Tamala and
Cups. put that to bed and it’s a time for new George Francis will play a huge role this season.
“Zac had a really good pre-season and has had a
memories.
head knock but will back next week,” Rauluni said.
2020 WRAP “Alex Smit has been great coming into the backrow
and Shane Kennedy will be one to watch with his
Six premiership wins across the grades was a exposure and experience from Sevens.”
monumental achievement for Tigers, and they’ll
take those lessons and memories into this year’s
campaign.
KEY RECRUITS
SJ Tamala – University of Queensland
“2020 was a great year for the club, it wasn’t just
First Grade it was the whole club,” Rauluni said. Ben Grant – Western Force
“Every team in a Grand Final won and that Andy Owens – previously Sunnybank / study
continued into this year with our win over Gordon.
It was a great way to cap off to the season and we Api Naiyabo – Norths
put that to bed and it’s a time for new memories. Tyrell Naleper – Southern Districts (Shute Shield)
“The year before in 2019, we had a bit of a Jack Hardy – injury
makeshift team due to injuries and UQ taught us a
lesson and showed us what finals intensity is about.
I said to the guys at the start of 2020 that we never KEY LOSSES
wanted to experience that feeling again, Uni lifted Ben Mowen – retirement
and taught us a lesson and our players took a lot of
learnings from the game. Michael Gunn – Sabatical
“Especially last year with COVID to come back from Aidan Toua – Retirement
that it showed out mental toughness and we have Phoenix Hunt - Brothers
to try and improve that this year.”
Rhys Jacks – Ipswich Jets
2021 FOCUS Sam Richards - Canberra
19FRED BURKE
GPS
202020 was an interesting year for the Gallopers.
PLAYER TO WATCH
Heading into the season they had welcomed a
number of new recruits, and players such Abele Josh Vuta
Atunaisa produced some early highlight reel Josh Vuta has returned to Queensland after a stint
performances, but depth tested the Gallopers in New Zealand within the Chiefs program.
throughout the season.
The Somerset College product had previously
Without a star fetcher, with both Tom Kibble and played Colts for Bond whilst still at school, before
Matt Gicquel injured, the boys from Yoku Road had heading across the ditch.
to adjust their game plan as they didn’t have the
same breakdown presence that we saw in their “Josh is a young halfback who has spent time in the
premiership season in 2018. Chiefs system,” said Brown.
However, we saw some star youngsters emerge, “He’s a Gold Coast product who has spent time
with Cullin Cooper-Jones showing great promise abroad and represented the Fiji U20s.
at halfback, and veteran recruit Teti Tela was a “I’m keen to see how he fits into the team and
revelation. Not to mention a cameo appearance there is great competition between him and Cullin
from Will Genia in Round 2. Cooper-Jones, as well as Tom Christie and Nigel
The Gallopers made it through to the finals for yet Genia.”
another year, but fell victim to a fast-finishing Bond
University side on a roll in the minor semi-final. KEY RECRUITS
With Shane Arnold returning to the club as head Josh Vuta – Waikato
coach, 2021 is a new era at GPS.
Ollie Bartlett – Scotland
2020 WRAP Matt Mafi – Brothers
With a star studded squad, the Gallopers were Iopu – former New Zealand Sevens / Japan
touted as early season favourites in 2020, but for Pat Nicholson – sabbatical
assistant coach Paul Brown, he feels like the squad
struggled to come together as a group. Matt Gicquel – back from injury
“I think as a squad, we had an individually talented Chris Kuridrani – Highlanders
group, but we didn’t come together and perform as Alex Samoa – sabbatical
well as we would have liked,” he said.
“We also learnt that to win any competition, you
need to have dominant set-piece.
KEY LOSSES
Ruan Smith – Brothers
“We continued to build depth last year, especially
trying to create a pathway for our colts, and we saw Abele Atunaisa – Newcastle (Shute Shield)
that with the like of Cullin Cooper-Jones coming Jono Kent – Wests
into the team.”
2021 FOCUS
With a new coach at the helm in Arnold, the
Gallopers are getting back to the fundamentals in
2021.
“Back to basics is our theme this year,” said Brown.
“Set piece is a corner stone of our game, and
developing a good skill set for our players. There
has been a real emphasis on that.
“We also want to create a fun environment where
guys want to keep coming back and enjoy their
time.”
21JORDAN LUKE
NORTHS
22With a new coach and a number of former stars returning
to club, there’s plenty to like about Norths in 2021. PLAYER TO WATCH
Former Wests head coach Pat Byron has taken over the Tonga Ma’afu
reigns at Shaw Road, while backline stars Jordan Luke Injuries have limited Tonga Ma’afu’s career in recent
(Western Force) and Conor Chittenden (Shute Shield) are years, but the front-rower is back fit and primed for a big
back at the club after pursuing opportunities elsewhere season on the Northside.
last season.
He’ll move to his preferred position of hooker, and Byron
The club will have to do it without stalwart Nick Chapman, is excited to see what he can do this year.
who was called into the Australian Sevens squad, with “Talking to Tonga, he’s as fit and as confident as he’s ever
Reece Tapine (Brumbies), Cody Blackhurst and livewire been,” the coach said.
winger Jon Reuben also moving on.
“He’s been one of the players that’s probably been one of
The likes of Matt Wilshire, Liam Prendergast and Jacob the better performers in Queensland Premier Rugby and
Prideaux will only improve after a full season of Premier it could be a really good season for him.”
Grade in 2020, with the club out to move up the ladder.
KEY RECRUITS
2020 WRAP Jordan Luke – Western Force
Conor Chittenden – West Harbour, Shute Shield
The scoreboard may not have shown it, but this young Will Rogers – Noosa Dolphins
Norths side showed plenty of promise last season.
Paulo Leleisiuao – Manawatu (New Zealand)
A number of late losses ensured their win-loss ratio
wasn’t pretty viewing, but Byron saw plenty of positives
watching from afar. KEY LOSSES
“They were in a lot of games last year, but just weren’t Nick Chapman – Australian Sevens
good enough to win more games so from that point of Reece Tapine – Brumbies
view it was tough,” Byron said.
Cody Blackhurst
“I think they lost three games basically in or right on full-
time, it is hard to take, but in terms of the playing group
there’s still a lot of potential within that team.
“The biggest thing they took away was that we need to
improve our preparation a little bit.
“We’ve had a really good pre-season and working with
the group and the coaches, it has been really enjoyable.”
2021 FOCUS
Expectations are high at Norths, with the side aiming for a
top-four finish in 2021.
“Like any team, you go into a season wanting to make
that top-four, most teams in the competition will have
that goal, and if you’re good enough to get there, then
anything can happen,” said Byron.
“The big focus this year is actually on winning games and
making that top-four.”
Byron and his staff have also focused on the squad’s
preparation and conditioning, marking mindset and
fitness as a work-on following last season’s finish.
“A big focus for us has been getting the boys physically
ready to play in terms of the strength and conditioning
side of things, but also just the clarity of roles around
what we’re trying to achieve as a team,” Byron said.
“Like every other team, we’re working out some systems
we think are going to work well for us.”
23LUKE SAMOA
SOUTHS
24Last year was a season of learning for the young “As a club, we want to be a lot stronger across the
Souths side, and they’ll be better for it in 2021. whole club,” he said.
Results may not have shown it, but this up-and- “You’ll see a lot better showing across the entire
coming group of Magpies showed they have what club.
it takes to match it with the Hospital Cup’s best, and
“From a Premier Grade team point of view, for us
they’ll be out to show that on a consistent basis this
we just want to keep improving.
season.
“Last year was very much a learning year and
The Farrell brothers – Sean and Jack – will both
anyone outside of our group doesn’t really
feature heavily after returning from the St.George
understand that, but we knew where we were at.
Queensland Reds and Brumbies respectively, while
the likes of Phransis Sula-Siaosi, Billy Rutherford “This year is about taking that step up. There’ll be
and Reagan Leslie now have plenty of Premier hiccups along the way, I have no doubt about it, but
Rugby games under their belts. we’d like to think we’ll be there when the finals are
on.”
Theo Fourie is back after a full pre-season with the
Melbourne Rebels, as is Romanian international
Luke Samoa and last seasons’ players’ player,
centre Mike Siaki. PLAYER TO WATCH
Hear what head coach Todd Dammers had to say ELIJAH KEFU
about his young charges and the season ahead of
After a season in the Shute Shield, destructive
them. already paying dividends at Chipsy Wood
centre Elijah Kefu is back at the Nest, and the club
Oval.
is excited about his return in the black and white.
“You’ve got guys like Elijah Kefu who I still rate
2020 WRAP as one of the better young 13’s running around,”
Dammers said.
The wins may not have come, but 2020 remained a
“He’s six-foot-two, 105 kilograms, he will be a
positive and enjoyable season for the Magpies.
damaging footballer when he gets going.”
“Like anything, they learnt a lot,” Dammers said.
“We maintained a pretty healthy group and learnt KEY RECRUITS
what it takes to play at Premier Grade level, it made
Sean Farrell – Queensland Reds
them mature a little bit.
Jack Farrell – Brumbies
“We got up for that Brothers game which was that
first trial and they showed that when they were Elijah Kefu – Southern Districts, Shute Shield
really into it, they could compete and they got out
there and they did a great job. Brad Kelegai – sabbatical
“They got dealt a few lessons by a couple of the Tom Lane – injury
big teams. They just weren’t confident they could Cullen Ngamanu – GPS
compete, and when they were in the trenches, they
were looking around at other 19 and 20-year-olds.
KEY LOSSES
“By the back-end of the year they started to think
‘hang-on, we know we can do this’ and that’s Kalani Thomas – University of Queensland
when you started to see the performances change Lukas Ripley – University of Queensland
because they started to believe it rather than talk
about it.
2021 FOCUS
Dammers and his squad are intent on continuing
on the upwards trajectory that started last season,
while whole-club success is a focus at Chipsy
Wood Oval.
25LIAM MCNAMARA
SUNNYBANK
26Grit and determination characterised the set piece to build pressure and score points, then
Sunnybank side of 2020, and the Dragons will look defend them.
to take both of those traits into this season.
“Pre-season has been really positive. The boys
Although the side were unable to break through for have worked hard at building a good physical
as many wins as they deserved, their ability to stay base and really embraced the detail in the physical
in the contest ensured the Bankers remained one conditioning.
of the competition’s toughest sides and has laid the
“Rugby wise we have worked hard on upskilling
platform for more success in 2021.
our squad, building depth, learning the content and
The club will have to do it without last year’s improving our capacity to make good decisions
skipper Tom Lucas, who is taking some time away consistently.
from Rugby, while key forwards Zac Shepherd,
“It’s been pleasing to see our set-piece grow in
Josateki Murray and Simana Halaifonua have also
confidence and the players owning that space.”
moved on.
After a number of seasons playing in the United
Kingdom, powerful lock Josh Fenner has returned
PLAYER TO WATCH
to the Bank to bring some starch to their pack, JOSH FENNER
while Dave Feao will also bring professional
Josh Fenner returns from a stint in England with the
experience to the front row.
Wasps ready to leave his mark on the Hospital Cup
Head coach Sione Fukofuka is back for his second competition.
season with the Dragons, with his technical
“A player to watch for us will be Josh Fenner and
proficiency holding the side in good stead in 2021.
his ability to exert physical pressure on and off the
ball,”
2020 WRAP “He’s a big body and has come back from the UK
A series of narrow losses soured the Sunnybank with lots of experience.
season in 2020, with Fukofuka and his team
“His lineout work is also an attribute that will be
learning plenty.
important for the team’s success.”
With a number of key recruits in the pack, the side
will look to improve and gain ascendancy off their
set-piece.
KEY RECRUITS
Josh Fenner – Wasps (UK)
“The big learnings from 2020 were the importance
of a strong scrum and line out,” the head coach Lawrence Tominiko – Southern Districts
said.
Nese Solia – Melbourne
“Easts exerted pressure in both these areas and
built momentum off them. Tevita Ahosivi – Easts
“We were happy with how we finished the season Connor Mulhern – Newcastle
in both these areas but need to be better from the Tametai Lomax – Manly
start and have worked hard to ensure we have
a good set piece platform to play off and defend Lathaniel Tiatia – Oz Tag/Sevens
from.” Ravu Vueta – Easts
2021 FOCUS Jason Lim – Souths
Sparky attack and stubborn defence will be key for
the Bankers this season, with the side looking for
KEY LOSSES
dominance on both sides of the ball. Tom Lucas – sabbatical
“Our focus is to play Sunnybank Rugby: up-tempo Zac Shepherd – Randwick
attack, skilful counter and physical hard-working Josateki Murray – work
defence,” Fukofuka said.
Simana Halaifonua – retired
“We want to be a smart team and play off a strong
Rex Tapuai – coaching
27PAT MORREY
UNIVERSITY OF
QUEENSLAND
28The University of Queensland fell just one game short of will be the same way, and I think some of the clubs that
lifting the Allsports Physiotherapy Hospital Challenge Cup finished in the bottom four last year will also improve.
in 2020, and Mick Heenan’s men are out to go one better
this season. “I think it will be a good even competition.
The perennial title contenders again loom as one of the “If you look at last year, I think there was only one win
teams to beat in 2021, with the majority of last year’s separating first and fifth, and then the bottom four sort of
squad remaining together at St Lucia. dropped away a bit, but I think this season it will be tighter
again and I think there’ll be more teams in contention
Favourite sons Scott Gale, Con Foley and Pat Morrey will towards the back half of the season.”
again be key for the Heavies, while abrasive backrower
Connor Vest will look to take his game to new heights
following an impressive debut season in Queensland. PLAYER TO WATCH
After last year’s COVID enforced bubble, the Students MAC GREALY
may be further strengthened by the increased availability
of their Reds contingent, with the likes of Sam Wallis, Mac If his debut season was anything to go by, the Heavies
Grealy, Josh Nasser and new recruit Kalani Thomas a have a special talent in Mac Grealy.
chance to feature heavily this year.
The versatile outside back spent time between fullback
The Heavies have welcomed back three of their favourite and wing last season and has Heenan excited for what’s
sons, Scott Gale, Con Foley and Connor Mitchell as a to come in 2021 and beyond.
result of the coronavirus pandemic, while the side has
“I expect Mac Grealy to have another big season,” the
also picked up the services of experienced professional
head coach said.
and former Sunnybank front rower Albert Anae.
“We saw glimpses of what he could do last year and
2020 WRAP
with a full pre-season with the Reds, hopefully – COVID
permitting – he can play a bit of club footy.”
Premierships are currency at Uni, meaning last season’s
efforts have left the side with no shortage of motivation as
the 2021 season approaches.
KEY RECRUITS
Brad Kapa – Brothers
Heenan believes his side never played to their full
potential last year, despite their second place finish on Fred Keil – Wests
the ladder and Grand Final appearance.
Kalani Thomas – Souths
“As a club we had a reasonable year without really
breaking through for a great year,” Heenan said. Lukas Ripley – Souths
“From a performance point of view, we kind of got our Tom Molloy – Randwick (Shute Shield)
way through to the Grand Final without ever really hitting
our straps and Easts were clearly the best team in the
comp.” KEY LOSSES
The side’s performance at set-piece is one area of the SJ Tamala – Easts
game that has come under the microscope during pre- Ashton Watson – Brothers
season, after Easts’ star-studded forward pack gained
ascendancy with ease on Grand Final day. Richard Clift – Brothers
“Obviously at the end of the season our set-piece let us
down so that’s one area of improvement,” Heenan said.
“We were pretty good in most areas of the game, we
just need to look at making small improvements in every
area.”
2021 FOCUS
As per usual, lifting the Hospital Cup remains the ultimate
goal for the Heavies in 2021.
The squad has enjoyed a promising pre-season and
looked steeled to again contend for the title come
August.
“We’ve had a pretty good run over the last ten years or
so, and that’s always the aim at the start of the season,”
Heenan said.
“We know that there is a number of clubs there that
29CONNOR ANDERSON
WESTS
30The 2020 season didn’t go to plan for Wests, with the
side falling short in a number of tight losses to end their PLAYER TO WATCH
campaign in the bottom half of the ladder.
JOHN-MARTIN STEWART
A renewed focus on both team camaraderie and
Injuries limited John-Martin Stewart’s first year at Sylvan
defensive has hopes high at Sylvan Road, with head
Road last season, and Marshall is tipping the Western
coach Carl Marshall ready to lead the side in his second
Australia product to bounce back in a big way in 2021.
year in the driver’s seat.
“He was a guy we got out of Perth and sort of missed
Flanker Connor Anderson will skipper the Bulldogs, with
most of the season last year,” Marshall said.
his hard-working, determined style of play holding the
team in good stead in 2021. “He got injured early on and obviously because it was an
abbreviated season, he missed most of the games.
Gungahlin Eagles and Brumbies Academy product Joel
Atkins is a promising young scrumhalf, and he’ll partner “He’s a backrower, just really abrasive around the
new recruit Jono Kent in the halves, who has the move to breakdown and we’re just trying to develop his lineout
the Kennel from Yoku Road over the off-season. work and set-piece skills.”
The possibility of more game time for Queensland Rides
flyer Ilaisa Droasese is another tantalising prospect for
the Sylvan Road faithful, as is another season with the KEY RECRUITS
destructive Jeremiah Skelton in the pack and the return of Joel Atkins – Gungahlin (Canberra)
Isaac Henry.
Latu Talakai – Eastwood (Shute Shield)
With a positive club culture building, Marshall believes
Jono Kent – GPS
there’s plenty to be excited about for Wests fans in 2021.
Ethan Dobbins – Brothers
2020 WRAP Isaac Henry – Brumbies
Wests competed for the full 80-minutes in 2020, although
the end results failed to satisfy the Bulldogs.
“Overall, we were pretty disappointed with the end
KEY LOSSES
result,” Marshall said. Fred Keil - University of Queensland
“I think we showed that we certainly have the ability on
Will Dearden - Sydney University (Shute Shield)
the field, but there were some areas in terms of the way Gavin Luka - Retired
we approach the game, both from an attitude perspective
as well as tactically, that we need to fix up and sort out.
“I’ve always said it, there’s a lot of talent there and we
need to harness it in a better way. After being there for a
year now, I’ve got a better understanding of the playing
group and their strengths.”
2021 FOCUS
Marshall and his team have focused on fixing Wests’
leaky defence, and furthering the side’s culture and
togetherness.
The Bulldogs showed they have the ability to score
points, but defending them proved to be the issue last
season.
“At the end of the day, every team wants to win the
competition, but for us, it’s all about caring for each other
so individually and collectively we can achieve what we
want,” Marshall said.
“The big thing for us is our goal line defence, how we
defend our line and trying to really work hard for each
other and put our bodies on the line to turn the ball over
or prevent the opposition from scoring.
“We have no problem scoring tries but definitely the
defensive aspect is something that’s been a focus.
We were leaking 30-odd points a game, it’s obviously
unacceptable.”
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REFEREE AR 1 AR 2 NO. 4
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