QLD GPS Rugby 2016

[Countryjack]

Churchie have brought in a new prop and loose forward for added size (correct me if I am wrong here)

You are correct. The lock is from Mackay and the prop is related to Tomeki from Keebra High in Qld 1.

 

[Corne Uyc]

Isn't he also an assistant 1st XV Coach as well at one of the GPS schools?

Unscuccessful coaches can still make sound selections, although some of his selections for Recent U20's have been a little puzzling.

Not sure how much sway he has for ASRU selections in his role as the Chairman of Selectors but each year there are a few baffling selections in Aust Schoolboys. As Chairman, his role may be to advise and oversee the selection process rather than actively select himself.

He has helped out IGS for a few years now. He also had Jason Gilmore as his assistant for Aust U20s. Coaches often select players they have coached previously, these two are no different. Whilst many of the players in the Aust U20s deserved their spot, there seemed to be a rather large sprinkling of IGS and Churchie boys who have been previously coached by these two.
On Thomson though, it's about time there was an open application system for 20s for head coach. For too long it has gone to ARU employees - Nucifora and now Thomson who've both been in charge of the HPU at the time. Jobs for the boys perhaps? The results haven't been flattering with this model.

 

[Oldschool]

Exactly my thoughts RE Nudgee. How is their fitness looking? Despite his size and lineout ability, Jefferies always seemed to me to be puffing a bit too much. He will be key for their grunt work

NC's fitness is looking good.
The problem I see, is that it's a rinse and repeat of their game plan last year, rather than looking at the current crops strengths, they are using their forwards in the 1st couple of channels, when they haven't got the size to make that work.

 

[Corne Uyc]

I'm yet to see State High play but interesting to read that they are viewed as premiership contenders. Good for them too but more particularly their coach. The haters have been after him for the last couple of years on this forum - clearly he has a good set up to go from the out house to the penthouse so to speak.
I reckon we are in for the most mixed up competition in years. Nudgee and Churchie back in the field. GT and TSS good chances of giving it a shake with IGS as smokeys for me.

 

[Blue & white]

Queensland usually get a good wrap from me as they always seem to have a monster tight-five backed up with nimble loosies and a pacy backline of ball runners and distributors. There is usually a fair bit of brash confidence oozing out of the various schoolboy forums from Queensland about their chances.
This year it is different. In response to some trolling on the forums from down south about their chances this year, the responses have been pretty tame and resigned. Queenslanders are not confident because they know little about the 2016 crop of players because their season hasn’t started yet; and, like NSW, they have only one Aussie-selected boy returning-being Len Ikatu who is apparently injured and only played half a match.
Sifting through the forums for information from the northerners some opinion has been gleaned:
I do not think Queensland will have the strength in the forwards to challenge.
It doesn’t help when the premier QLD schoolboy comp hasn’t even started yet and they’ve picked the Queensland team.
No big boppers like Luka, Swain, Vui , Hocking as in years gone by. Locks in particular lack size.
Players to watch out for: Fraser McReight, Jeral Skelton, Justin Sikementi, Willie Malala, and Len Ikiatau.

 

[Blue & white]

Whilst many of the players in the Aust U20s deserved their spot, there seemed to be a rather large sprinkling of IGS and Churchie boys who have been previously coached by these two.


Now that is an understatement = 6th place .

 

[Old Rugby]

After having a while to mull over the selections of the Combined Sates, Qld and Qld 2 sides, a few thoughts can be made.

• State high will have a strong side all around the park. With 2 Qld front rowers, 1 second row, 1 number eight as well as an 12,14 and 15 also selected, their side will be as good as any. They have some talented players such as Neal McNamara (#9) , Antonio Pouhila (#13) and Josh Fenner (#4) who will slip into the side and these guys will add some punch. As with previous years, the only thing that could let these guys down is injuries. Baring this, they could seriously go all the way and I would hate to play them in the first 4 rounds.

• BBC's outside backs will be red hot with the likes of Len Ikiatau, Nat Carswell and Ben Simpson all there in some combination of 12,13,14 or 13,14,15. This stresses the importance of getting Isaac Henry (#10) back into the fold to get them the ball. They do have a few pieces of timber in Trevor Hosea and Cal Hope.

• As always, TGS will be difficult to be up the range and they will have a strong forward back with Matt Wilshere (#4) and Matt Faessler (#2) in there as well as #8 Will Shelton. A smart half in Harry Green will guide them around to make space for Qld league representative Clayton Mack and Corey Oates little brother Kye. Will play some tough footy.

• Nudgee have seemed to fly under the radar this year but if they can position their stars right and lay a platform with their forwards Tom Jeffries (#4) and Blake Schoupp (#1), they will be as dangerous as any. Probably the most notable backline with Augustus Rangihuna (#10), Semisi Tupou (#15 or 13), Willie Malala (#13 or 14) and TJ Meni (#12 or 11). Give them the ball and a fair few points might be on offer.

• Ipswich seem to be the surprise packet with multiple reps including Tani (#1), Sheridan (#7) and Koorts (#2) from their pack but it's their wingers which excite most. Callum Hicks has pace to burn and Ratu Niumataiwalu is my favourite player in the competition because of his combination to have crazy on field ability as well as a crazy name.

• Churchie have brought in a new prop and loose forward for added size (correct me if I am wrong here) and the Sharp twins will add to this with their line out work. With a smart halves pairing of Tarabay and Mason and a dangerous Stanghorn at (#13), they will be extremely well coached. Watch for Henry Lennon's kicking game from either 12 or 15.

• TSS's side has unusually featured less reps then expected but this could be due to a whole heap of reasons. Nevertheless, the will have a strong front row with the likes of Day and Dobb and the power Mavoa possess at either 6 or 8 is scary. With what will be most likely a small backline, they won't lack on speed, footwork or skill and will try run around some poor backline reads this year.

• BGS will struggle to compete on a size front but have been aided by some of their boys returning from injury this year. They have multiple players returning and will have a few season veterans such as McReight. Another side that will be drilled very well in the things they can control: Lineouts, pattern play, exits, scrums. If Hogan's boot can be on song, I would not be surprised to see them knock off more than 1 or 2.

• Terrace have suprised most with their Queensland reps barring Nasser, Lucas and Eadie who were all shoe ins. One thing is for clear in this side with two returning opensides in Kelly and Webster added to Tweedy (#6 Qld 2, returning from injury) is that they will turn a lot of ball over. Wilson and Nasser add some much needed size to their side compared to last year and with not many decent 12's running around, Ralston looks the real deal.

There are my thoughts and let the tipping begin.

Terrace vs State High in Round One should be a cracker. I wish there was a rugby channel in Qld to capture these games. I know I would to watch some of these classic games.
I think the game is a State High home game so I think they may be favorites..just.
Who ever wins that one will be hard to toss for the title. Whilst there may be some great match ups e.g 12 vs 12. It is the weakest link that will be the telling point. Here I think State High 13 may be better.

 

[Chazz]

I don't know about BSHS 12 being their weakest link though.


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[Old Rugby]

I don't know about BSHS 12 being their weakest link though.


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Geez, nor do I. I think you misread my post

 

[Chazz]

So sorry mate my bad,read again hhhh


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[Garry Owens]

I'm with Old School

I like BSHS's chances this season

 

[Blue & white]

I won't say I told you so.!
Victorian Schools just beat Qld 1"

"I do not think Queensland will have the strength in the forwards to challenge.
It doesn’t help when the premier QLD schoolboy comp hasn’t even started yet and they’ve picked the Queensland team.
No big boppers like Luka, Swain, Vui , Hocking as in years gone by. Locks in particular lack size."

 

[jl75]

And CS beat Qld 2.
1 week of preparation.

 

[Getwithme]

This week is key for most teams preps and the teams with reduced reps actually benefit the most in the lead up with their players being fit and available. TSS will benefit hugely here.

 

[TheKing]

Pretty dark day for Queensland Schools Rugby I think.

A real shame that 'Sports Recording Services' forgot to start the Queensland I livestream. I really want to have a look at these Victorians!

Asides from McReight, I can't think of a single forward from Queensland who I'd like to see in the Australian Schoolboys. Mavoa on the bench might be my next favourite, but overall a pretty weak class of forwards.

I hear Isaac Lucas had a fair crack, and that Eadie scored a good try.

Apparently Vic's centres ran all through Mahina and Stanghorn.

Hopefully the standard of First XV Rugby is as high as always when the season runs around.

 

[Gungenia]

Pretty dark day for Queensland Schools Rugby I think.

A real shame that 'Sports Recording Services' forgot to start the Queensland I livestream. I really want to have a look at these Victorians!

Asides from McReight, I can't think of a single forward from Queensland who I'd like to see in the Australian Schoolboys. Mavoa on the bench might be my next favourite, but overall a pretty weak class of forwards.

I hear Isaac Lucas had a fair crack, and that Eadie scored a good try.

Apparently Vic's centres ran all through Mahina and Stanghorn.

Hopefully the standard of First XV Rugby is as high as always when the season runs around.

and lets not forget that the biggest and one the best Victorian schoolboys was not playing - because he now lives at Toowong! Why is he not playing for Qld ?

 

[Gungenia]

I cannot remember the last time a Qld side lost to combined states.I agree with other posters that this year really lacks size in the tight 5 s

 

[The sage]

Exactly my thoughts RE Nudgee. How is their fitness looking? Despite his size and lineout ability, Jefferies always seemed to me to be puffing a bit too much. He will be key for their grunt work

That said Getwithme and Old School, have a look at the Australian Championships results before you commit. If the two Queensland teams perform as poorly as they did yesterday in either of two remaining matches....then the "rock stars" from GPS may be more deflated than expected and give NC a sniff.

That said yes, forwards need to be forwards.....(listening NC 4,5,6,7 & 8) do the work...this is not league!!! GPS rugby, IMO, need to get rid of some of league influence, particularly in the forwards because guess what??? IT DOESN'T WORK!!

 

[Countryjack]

Asides from McReight, I can't think of a single forward from Queensland who I'd like to see in the Australian Schoolboys. Mavoa on the bench might be my next favourite, but overall a pretty weak class of forwards.

I hear Isaac Lucas had a fair crack, and that Eadie scored a good try.

Apparently Vic's centres ran all through Mahina and Stanghorn.

Qld Parent told me as above Mr King

 

[Monday's Expert]

What schools are the Coaches and Asst Coaches from for Q1 and Q2 this year? I think Q2 is Jon Fitzgerald from Marist Ashgrove.