QLD Colts 2022

[Confucius Say]

Maybe UQ and Easts too but not sure if they have the player or the culture or the game plan. Easts window was 2021. And UQ too. George Gibson big loss. And a few other.

 

[RugbyReg]

Easts are rumoured to have the backline from heaven.

I reckon Floyd will play premier grade.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Alec Robinson ends up at lock for wests.

 

[Confucius Say]

If GPS are smart, they will give Floyd another season of hybrid Colt/grade. At the moment he is a good second half player that make a lot of error trying too hard. Fullback very tough in First Grade no matter how brilliant the player. Grealy will be ahead of him for QLD and Junior Wallaby so give him another season of careful development. Matt Burke won a RWC nine years after he left school because Eastwood and Rep team let him develop.

 

[RugbyReg]

Matt Burke an interesting reference point considering he made his Waratah and test debut as a 20 year old.

 

[Dean Moriarty]

Surely Easts in your top 4 Confucius ?

Annan, Sword and Vahiu in the midfield (assuming rumours of Vahiu to Easts be true) with Elekana at 15. Some big names and reputations there although I’d suggest all of them (bar Sword) would probably expect to be playing Prem Grade. The only holdover from last year’s backline (if he is back) is utility Mika Cooper-Finau.

A stack lost in the forwards with no Durheim , Finnichiarro, Scott , Livingstone which is pretty much the backbone of the forward pack that has been lost.

Which begs the question how have Easts gone with their recruitment - especially from the decent Churchie teams of 2020 and 2021. Sam Farrar ? Henry Wilson ? And then I guess you look at who from their competitive Colts 2 Team last year turning 19 or 20 this year figure to make a contribution in 1’s this year. Surely Easts have the depth as do the (historically) Brothers and UQ. That’s the problem with Jeeps and Bond …..depth when the inevitable injuries and / or calls ups happen

Easts, Jeeps , Bond and UQ as my 4 but not necessarily in that order

Then Brothers .Wests , Norths but not necessarily in that order with any one of those teams capable of knocking (likely) Bond from the final 4.

Then Souths , then Sunnybank ….in that order.

 

[PPRugby]

Sam Mataafa (8), Sunnybank, Alec Robinson (6) from Wests and Lachlan Howse (7) from GPS are the best back rower in U20. I would have include George Gibson until I hear he is now Waratah academy

Would like to see high rated Keynan T from Wests play with or against these 3 to benchmark whether he is back row or lock. Jones, Bryant and Baker are all good locks. Maybe back row but the top 3 are quick but also tough with great temperaments.

The most influential back could be the Brother 12 Lastus Aukai. Or Floyd could dominate from 15 with a lot of first touches.

I think Wests, Bond, Brothers and GPS will have the teams to beat in 22.

I agree Confucius… I do believe though that Sam Mataafa has moved clubs. Big blow for Sunnybank if true.

 

[Confucius Say]

Matt Burke an interesting reference point considering he made his Waratah and test debut as a 20 year old.

But much bigger boy than Aubrey. And could play 13.

 

[Dean Moriarty]

Maybe UQ and Easts too but not sure if they have the player or the culture or the game plan. Easts window was 2021. And UQ too. George Gibson big loss. And a few other.

Another question for you Confucius …..why do you think Easts Culture and Game Plan is questionable ? - assuming you meant to lump them with UQ in your original post, and presumably , based on immediate past results.

I agree with you that it’s a fair call on UQ from last year based on their previous regime in Colts 1 (now moved on) and chosen core prior players from last season also have now moved on to other Clubs in the QPR when they didn’t advance to where they thought should be or are just not playing at all this season.

I would have thought it’s a bit rough to link Easts into the coaching / culture query based off their results from last year , but also , how tight and tough their 1’s played. Always played committed and with heart.

 

[Confucius Say]

Surely Easts in your top 4 Confucius ?

Annan, Sword and Vahiu in the midfield (assuming rumours of Vahiu to Easts be true) with Elekana at 15. Some big names and reputations there although I’d suggest all of them (bar Sword) would probably expect to be playing Prem Grade. The only holdover from last year’s backline (if he is back) is utility Mika Cooper-Finau.

A stack lost in the forwards with no Durheim , Finnichiarro, Scott , Livingstone which is pretty much the backbone of the forward pack that has been lost.

Which begs the question how have Easts gone with their recruitment - especially from the decent Churchie teams of 2020 and 2021. Sam Farrar ? Henry Wilson ? And then I guess you look at who from their competitive Colts 2 Team last year turning 19 or 20 this year figure to make a contribution in 1’s this year. Surely Easts have the depth as do the (historically) Brothers and UQ. That’s the problem with Jeeps and Bond …..depth when the inevitable injuries and / or calls ups happen

Easts, Jeeps , Bond and UQ as my 4 but not necessarily in that order

Then Brothers .Wests , Norths but not necessarily in that order with any one of those teams capable of knocking (likely) Bond from the final 4.

Then Souths , then Sunnybank ….in that order.

I am not talking up East until they have a game. Doubt on forward pack compared to fellow grand finalist GPS who will have Lucey, Howse and Baker in back row. All under 19 reps, experienced Colts and very mobile. Who do East have returning that was u19 and good?

Yes, their back could be good. But again GPS have 11, 12 and 13 returning. And maybe 15 for some game.

 

[Confucius Say]

Another question for you Confucius …..why do you think Easts Culture and Game Plan is questionable ? - assuming you meant to lump them with UQ in your original post, and presumably , based on immediate past results.

I agree with you that it’s a fair call on UQ from last year based on their previous regime in Colts 1 (now moved on) and chosen core prior players from last season also have now moved on to other Clubs in the QPR when they didn’t advance to where they thought should be or are just not playing at all this season.

I would have thought it’s a bit rough to link Easts into the coaching / culture query based off their results from last year , but also , how tight and tough their 1’s played. Always played committed and with heart.

Last year very united and tough all year. But very focus on defence. Just thought East play very individual attacking game in GF. Kirk brilliant but on his own. But this year, if recruiting a bunch of super star, it is come with the danger of individual interest. You said they expect to play first grade? I agree. Do they think recruit solve inability to attack when it matter? Not sure. Culture ok until it is not.

 

[Dean Moriarty]

Well I defer to you Monsieur as you would know more about what is happening in Tigerland than I would.

In the forwards I’m guessing Jacob Blyton might be right to go , and if he can stay injury free , he might replicate what you miss in Charlie Scott. I’m also guessing Tane Pardoe will be back at THP and if young Churchie prospects like Max Craig and Tom Zuidam are at Easts (don’t know if they are ) well you might have a few rookies in your Tight 5 to combine with Pardoe and Blyton. I’m also guessing Churchie / Easts Jnr George Stoddart will be there at 7 and possibly Henry Wilson (if not at Brothers)

But I agree , Easts have spots to fill in their forward pack this year , to be in the mix

 

[Dean Moriarty]

Last year very united and tough all year. But very focus on defence. Just thought East play very individual attacking game in GF. Kirk brilliant but on his own. But this year, if recruiting a bunch of super star, it is come with the danger of individual interest. You said they expect to play first grade? I agree. Do they think recruit solve inability to attack when it matter? Not sure. Culture ok until it is not.

Yeah I’m in agreement with you here.

 

[Dean Moriarty]

I am not talking up East until they have a game. Doubt on forward pack compared to fellow grand finalist GPS who will have Lucey, Howse and Baker in back row. All under 19 reps, experienced Colts and very mobile. Who do East have returning that was u19 and good?

Yes, their back could be good. But again GPS have 11, 12 and 13 returning. And maybe 15 for some game.

Again , agree on all this .

The question I have on Jeeps is their Tight 5 and their 9/10. And then they have no quality of depth (based on last year’s view) in positions where they are strongest as you have highlighted

Hard on rookie halves ( IGS 9 and Marist 10) if your set piece is under the pump - which if this happens nullifies who is back in the midfield / back 3 to some extent

I hear there is some wraps (from Maristians) on their 10 but I think the better bet would be to throw the keys to 20 year old Archie Halliday if he is going around again

 

[Confucius Say]

Jacob Blyton is an excellent forward but who will help him? Do you base confidence for UQ on their 2021 Colts 2 and 3 result? If so then Brother will also have the depth and the recruit? Why are they been write off?

 

[Dean Moriarty]

First of all a better description of JB would be workmanlike. Excellent is a stretch. He hasn’t really played in 2 years so let’s see how he goes. But all locks in discussion prior , earlier in the thread , I would have above him. Very personable and likeable guy and great to have around your Club. A Club Man.

There is a base to work with him , Pardoe and Stoddart. Would also be helpful if a guy like Will Markham found his way back to lock with JB.

With Brothers …I’m sort of meh. They were ordinary last year and if not for Louis Werchon would not have boasted the record that they did. Their forwards always get more from their pseudo intimidatory huff and puff but without Lowrie and Thompson from last year , on talent IMO, they are in the main barely average with one or two below average. Harry Grant was Ok at 10 and no doubt having Werchon at 9 was a significant benefit. Lastus was injured all season and didn’t really impact their season. He’s deceiving as well. Has some talent and really works that right foot step, but, only seems to have effectiveness off a go forward pack and multiple phase play where he gets to work as a 2nd receiver / play maker on unders lines.

Brothers 2’s were not all that despite their GF appearance and despite having a double digit lead into the 2nd half , once UQ made the adjustments that needed to be made in the halves and at loose forward in a conscious decision to try go and win it Brothers got out classed down the stretch as UQ steam rolled their way home to tie it up for the tied Prem.

Re : UQ , I reckon they’ll be in the discussion with the best forward pack / depth in the competition.

Swane and Hay are back up front and should be complemented by Quentin ( 1’s / 2’s last year ) and then you have Carl Hansen from last year’s 3’s who is unquestionably a 1’s talent and Massimo Musso in the mix. Pheely and Tierney are also eligible. All are 20 with the exception of Swane / Hay who will still be U19.

VDS / Robinson / Perceval is the likely lock crew who are all 20 year olds and who should be supported by 2’s/ 3’s James Caton

Jonathan Burnett / Will Bradley*saw time in 1’s / 2’s last year and arguably played better with less opportunity than the guys in front of them . They are both 20 year olds as is everyone’s favourite red headed mongrel dog Benji Waller who should be in the mix to round out the back row with Ferg Nasser also in the loose forward / lock mix. *I think Bradley went to school in SA a few years ago and ended up playing Australian Schools back in 2019 (FWIW) and has been unobtrusively playing away in 2’s / 3’s his first year and 2’s / 1’s (cameo) in his 2nd club year.

And all this in the forwards without even considering / taking into account any school leaver yet with double depth in a lot of spots

So pretty much a 20 year old pack who have had 2-3 years at the Club with individual success across 1’s / 2’

And then you have ex Red’s and UQ Prop Herman Hunt as forwards Coach and set piece specialist in a very promising Coaching / Management re-boot

 

[The Whisperer]

I agree Confucius… I do believe though that Sam Mataafa has moved clubs. Big blow for Sunnybank if true.

Where has he moved to?

 

[PPRugby]

Where has he moved to?

I heard that Brothers & Norths had gone after him as he’s a Padua OB.

 

[Ruck n Maul]

I heard that Brothers & Norths had gone after him as he’s a Padua OB.

For the sake of the competition, I really hope this isn't true. He played a bit of 1st grade at the bank and would expect he would most likely start this season as well as having played juniors there, I would have thought Josh Afu as 1st grade forwards coach would be a great mentor for Sam. I really hope this isn't a case of an upstart player agent getting involved and trying to be relevant here. If I were a young loose forward looking to be developed, Brothers isn't where I'd be heading.

 

[Greenwhiteblack]

Any one know where Dimitrius Williams is playing his rugby this season?

 

[Lion]

For the sake of the competition, I really hope this isn't true. He played a bit of 1st grade at the bank and would expect he would most likely start this season as well as having played juniors there, I would have thought Josh Afu as 1st grade forwards coach would be a great mentor for Sam. I really hope this isn't a case of an upstart player agent getting involved and trying to be relevant here. If I were a young loose forward looking to be developed, Brothers isn't where I'd be heading.

R&M,
Why would you discourage a young loose forward from going to Brothers for their development?