QLD GPS 2024
- Thread starter Make_Rugby_Great_Again
- Start date
GPSFootyLegend
Bob McCowan (2)
BBC VS NUDGEE at NUDGEE
tikkamungrel_3000
Chris McKivat (8)
The Gravedigger I think they call him, it has something to do with the new ticky tocky trend? Sorry to get sidetracked, any news on how the GT forward pack shaped up in their lineouts on the weekend? I noticed this was a weak point when I watched my boy play when we versed their side. I am working on my season prediction, and this is a bit of a measure of where I will end up putting the red and black on my list.
LawsonCreightonFan
Stan Wickham (3)
Yeah Taniela absolutely agree with that. Just caught word that forwards coach Fitzy has been in discussions with Tyrone Mandrusiak. Fitzy says it'll be a tough game for the red and black this weekend, lots of gritty work for the 'engine room'. I think a good game for new fullback Oscar Spicer could do the world of good for this team. A big result this weekend could definitely be the building blocks for a solid season. In response to your comment tikkamungrel_3000, my boy Joe has been telling me that highly touted second-rower Austin Ross might just be the 'missing link' that GT needs this week.
Wing whisperer
Herbert Moran (7)
Does anyone know if Benny 'Bulldozer' Grose got a run on the weekend for GT?
GPSFootyLegend
Bob McCowan (2)
Yes the bulldozer was a shining light for terrace the only player that standed out actually has passion and cares for there badge
Taniela Mcreight
Stan Wickham (3)
Haven't heard of this Austin Ross bloke. Is he the 'missing link' in terms of size ? Because the GT boys are definitely lacking a bit in that size department, they definitely aren't lacking that skill factor though. I just feel that a little extra size in their pack wouldn't hurt.
Wing whisperer
Herbert Moran (7)
must've missed him run out. Was very keen to see him play.
LawsonCreightonFan
Stan Wickham (3)
Not the biggest bloke on the field but he makes up for what he lacks in size in fight. The bloke truly embodies what it means to put in work without expecting any acknowledgment. Really think he could provide what GT lacks in the lineout department, seen him in a couple of 2nd XV games before, bit upset to not see him get a run around with the big dogs.
Kaspowicz
Armistead
Ioane
Conway - did play on the weekend and will only improve with time
Aleman
Weber
Muddled123
Frank Row (1)
Word out of Terrace is that time is already up for Thompson. Poor selections, unworkable game plans and this was evident against BBC. He’s lost the confidence of the players. Nepotism is derailing 2024, in a repeat of 2023. Not picking the NRL recruits or a Reds Academy player to even trial is puzzling, especially with the on field performances of those who are in.
Muddled123
Frank Row (1)
Thankyou for your opinion. If you’re not keen on reading a post relating to any of the teams in the comp, may I respectfully suggest you don’t read this forum in the future.
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RazorRamon
Frank Nicholson (4)
First time poster.
Had a chance to watch a few teams during trials and whilst Nudgee are definitely favourites I wouldn’t agree that the margin is as vast as some would suggest.
I think their size could be an issue with more a mobile pack than one with size, I believe this is why State High were able to get them a few weeks back in the trials as Nudgee struggled to cope with the physical threats State High threw at them on the day. (Yes, I know it was a trial, but keep in mind that was State High’s first trial and they managed to beat a Nudgee team that had plenty of quality prior games against Christchurch Boys NZ, Barker College NSW, and St Edmunds College ACT. )
Kasprowicz and Armistead will be relied upon heavily for this during the season, as well as Princeton Ioane, if he can get himself right from injury.
In the backs Conway will be one to watch out wide. I think Bradley has also trialled well so far. But, the Nudgee midfield is an issue for mine. Especially against established midfields with a bit of size like BBC or TGS. In saying that, the power of Nudgee has always been their cohesion so what they normally lack in individual talent they make up for because they know how to play as a team, especially under pressure.
State High is a dark horse for mine. Getting the Kefu’s into the fold was a god send for the boys there. Mainly to add a bit of much needed structure to what they never lack at South Brisbane, natural talent.
They’ll have attacking threats everywhere but for mine the main guys they’ll rely on upfront are Cyrus Suniula who’ll add punch in the carry and in the physical exchanges. Impressive flanker Trent Picot and second rower Eli Langi will also be vital pieces to the State High pack.
The concern with State High will be how well their set piece operates, particularly at scrum time but if they can at least gain parity in this area they are a genuine threat.
Out wide State High are also spoiled for choice but I feel their chances hinge on their 9 and 10. At the moment Ngatai looks to have first shot at 9 and the very underrated Seamus Boakes will get the all important 10 jersey if trial form persists. Wherever young Tagicakibau plays (either on the wing or fullback) he will provide spark from the back.
Definitely excited for the upcoming season. Will put up more observations on the other schools later.
Had a chance to watch a few teams during trials and whilst Nudgee are definitely favourites I wouldn’t agree that the margin is as vast as some would suggest.
I think their size could be an issue with more a mobile pack than one with size, I believe this is why State High were able to get them a few weeks back in the trials as Nudgee struggled to cope with the physical threats State High threw at them on the day. (Yes, I know it was a trial, but keep in mind that was State High’s first trial and they managed to beat a Nudgee team that had plenty of quality prior games against Christchurch Boys NZ, Barker College NSW, and St Edmunds College ACT. )
Kasprowicz and Armistead will be relied upon heavily for this during the season, as well as Princeton Ioane, if he can get himself right from injury.
In the backs Conway will be one to watch out wide. I think Bradley has also trialled well so far. But, the Nudgee midfield is an issue for mine. Especially against established midfields with a bit of size like BBC or TGS. In saying that, the power of Nudgee has always been their cohesion so what they normally lack in individual talent they make up for because they know how to play as a team, especially under pressure.
State High is a dark horse for mine. Getting the Kefu’s into the fold was a god send for the boys there. Mainly to add a bit of much needed structure to what they never lack at South Brisbane, natural talent.
They’ll have attacking threats everywhere but for mine the main guys they’ll rely on upfront are Cyrus Suniula who’ll add punch in the carry and in the physical exchanges. Impressive flanker Trent Picot and second rower Eli Langi will also be vital pieces to the State High pack.
The concern with State High will be how well their set piece operates, particularly at scrum time but if they can at least gain parity in this area they are a genuine threat.
Out wide State High are also spoiled for choice but I feel their chances hinge on their 9 and 10. At the moment Ngatai looks to have first shot at 9 and the very underrated Seamus Boakes will get the all important 10 jersey if trial form persists. Wherever young Tagicakibau plays (either on the wing or fullback) he will provide spark from the back.
Definitely excited for the upcoming season. Will put up more observations on the other schools later.
Forwards except for Conway
RazorRamon
Frank Nicholson (4)
BBC
From the games I’ve managed to watch this year, the College boys look to be the best balanced team, in terms of size and experience. They have good players in the right positions and are ready (IMO) for a shot at the premiership.
Amongst a well balanced group of forwards I can’t go past number 8 Kiama Jione as a player to watch. Jione had somewhat of a breakout year at 16’s after initially getting named in the Country squad for the 16’s ERC competition last year. From this point he has cemented himself as a genuine future prospect with selection in the Queensland and Australian 16’s teams. Saw a few of his trials and his foot speed and physicality in defence and offence has only improved and as such he will be key for his team’s chances.
In the backs, I think BBC’s fortunes will have a lot to do with how well man mountain Frank Howarth is able to execute his role to get over the ad line in the midfield. If Howarth is able to do this for his College team mates to launch the quick front foot style of play BBC want to play they will be hard to beat in 2024.
My only worry for BBC is how they react when things don’t go to script. Respectively, in years gone by (except their most recent premiership year) they can probably be a little guilty of slipping up in games they should have or could have won. Very good front runners but can stumble when they have to chase a score. Nevertheless, BBC are among the legitimate contenders for mine alongside State High and Nudgee.
From the games I’ve managed to watch this year, the College boys look to be the best balanced team, in terms of size and experience. They have good players in the right positions and are ready (IMO) for a shot at the premiership.
Amongst a well balanced group of forwards I can’t go past number 8 Kiama Jione as a player to watch. Jione had somewhat of a breakout year at 16’s after initially getting named in the Country squad for the 16’s ERC competition last year. From this point he has cemented himself as a genuine future prospect with selection in the Queensland and Australian 16’s teams. Saw a few of his trials and his foot speed and physicality in defence and offence has only improved and as such he will be key for his team’s chances.
In the backs, I think BBC’s fortunes will have a lot to do with how well man mountain Frank Howarth is able to execute his role to get over the ad line in the midfield. If Howarth is able to do this for his College team mates to launch the quick front foot style of play BBC want to play they will be hard to beat in 2024.
My only worry for BBC is how they react when things don’t go to script. Respectively, in years gone by (except their most recent premiership year) they can probably be a little guilty of slipping up in games they should have or could have won. Very good front runners but can stumble when they have to chase a score. Nevertheless, BBC are among the legitimate contenders for mine alongside State High and Nudgee.