RR’s Predictions for 2025
1. IGS
Key players: James Grey, Hemi Rakuita, Tyson Walker, Lane Edmonds, Jack Calleja.
Strengths: Backline finishers - A La Walker, Grey, Rakuita, it will rain tries. Also, with one of the healthiest representations in the recent ERC, the Ippy boys look ready to make a run.
Areas of concern: Front row.
2. BBC
Key players: Tai Taka, Isaac Kefu, Jonah Wilde, Oscar Donovan & Tevita Loughland.
Strengths: Game managers.
Weaknesses: Outside backs - Taka moves into the centres to cover Howarth means BBC will need to find some finishers.
3. Churchie
Key players: Treyvon Pritchard, Austin Fletcher, Sio Kite, Tom Wood & Sam Williams
Strengths: Game managers - The Vikings will be spoilt for choice with Fletcher, Bowman, Noy and Underwood on their books.
Weaknesses: Centres & Tactics. The Vikings look very skinny in the Centres especially in terms of gain line exponents. Will the Vikings again refuse to kick in 2025?
4. Nudgee
Key players: Ethan Grimshaw, Bond Bradley, Aidan Luke, Isaac Rauluni & Jack Burton.
Strengths: Inside backs - what they lack in actual First XV experience they make up for in potential. Bradley, Poluleuligaga, & Mesritz.
Weaknesses: Backrow. Teina Graham staying injury free will be crucial to a somewhat small backrow Nudgee trio if he succumbs to injury in 2025.
5. BSHS
Key players: Angus Tagicakibau, Flynn Corbett, Laquan Afamiliona, Cyrus Suniula, Manasa Vunibola.
Strengths: Inside and outside backs. Spoilt for choice with Tagicakibau, Corbett, Afamiliona, Patea & Beals.
Weaknesses: X Factor in the forwards. How do you replace the likes of Siulepa, Langi and Picot? State High have some work to do to fill these massive losses, of which they will rely heavily on Suniula and Herniman.
6. TGS
Key players: Rhymen Tusi, Harrison Humphries, Ruben Kruger, Rupeni Baravilala, Keegan Cook
Strengths: Tight forwards
Weaknesses: Outside backs
7. TSS
Key players: Dylan Terblanche, Killarney Lavender, Sioeli Vea, Kingsley Uys, Agapetos Lote-Felo
Strengths: Uys & the Back row
Weaknesses: Game managers - Tom Goldie’s departure will leave a big hole in Southport’s territorial game.
8. GT
Key players: Sosaia Poese, Ioane Feaunati, Archie Ilott, Jeremiah Harbottle,
Strengths:
Weaknesses: Depth
9. BGS
Key players: Harper Enasio, Lincoln Dalton, Dyer Akauola
Strengths: Individual stars in Enasio, Dalton and Akauola
Weaknesses: Depth