How did the ladder end up in the 16As last year?
Nudgee took it out and thumped most by an average margin of 20+ points
They got beat in 1 game ( by IGS ) and had one score games with TGS and GT though - which explains their dominance in big margins against all other teams.
IGS went down to BSHS - who pretty much got handled against most others , and , they (IGS) tied with BBC who didn’t win a game all year ( one other tie with GT but every other outing resulting in the L )
On the eye test through 15’s and 16’s if you had correct age group senior teams this year with everyone available ( IE no spiking with returning 18 year olds ) I’d rank the age group as
1. Nudgee
2. GT
3. TSS
4. BBC
5. TGS
6. Churchie
7. BSHS
8. IGS
9. BGS
2 to 7 is pretty wide open and fairly interchangeable though if you have a look at games / results over a 2 year period .
Interestingly , besides Churchie and BSHS, I can’t think of any other First XV team that had more than 3 x U16 starters . That’s as relevant , as the U18 returnees for each of these schools . I think Nudgee only had 1 x 16 year old in their team last year ( Robert Mapa )
On an adjusted basis I’ve got
1. Nudgee
2. BBC*
3. TGS
4. TSS/ Churchie
6. GT
7. BSHS ( gun U16 age group coming through )
8. IGS
9. BGS
This might be one of the more even competitions we’ve seen for some time - certainly moreso than the last 2 years where the gulf between the top 2 -3 teams and everyone else has been significant
*The reason I have BBC ranked 2 - notwithstanding the fact their 16’s didn’t win a game last year - is mainly due to their forward pack . To me : Howarth/Gordon/Annan is matched or possibly exceeded by Fifita/Schmidt/Ngamanu . It’s the forward pack. They have 4 returning starters ( 2 x 18 props and an 18 year old lock ) and 2 x other 18 year olds who were in their 25 last year at Prop and Hooker. They will largely have a proven 18 x year old tight 5 - who are rep credentialed that gives them a big advantage in the set piece - which then helps Gordon/Annan/Howarth more . Throw in a lock /8 recruit from NSW and a winger from the GC. They’ll compete again and be in the Top 2 or 3
It is most likely a flip of the coin between Nudgee and BBC as to who wins it - and they do face off at Miskin in the final round.
