QLD Premier Rugby 2015

[TheBigDog]

Ryan Freney who played hooker for Qld Country NRC might get a look in. He's more of a utility front rower rather than a specialist tight head.

 

[rugbynerd]

Was great to see Bond university take on the Gold Coast Suns last weekend in a charity cricket match at Kerrydale Oval. All proceeds went to Autism Gold Coast. BURC won by 26 runs.
There is such a buzz around the local gold coast community and in particular at Bond. New Coach Sean Hedger has been doing wonders down here and fingers crossed that results improve this year. New Coach, new signings, new sponsors and new supporters should make for a great year here at Robina.

 

[TheBigDog]

Can anyone from Shaw Rd tell me if Norths have retained the nucleus of their Premiership winning 2nd grade side? I have heard a few of the guys might be staying at Norths but playing 'for real' this time.

 

[Tigers Tale]

Just wondering whether anyone has a view on Curtis Browning is he more viable as a #7 rather than a #6/#8 @ S15 level?

I think think that Ed Quirke is probably the same and Jarrad Butler thrived @ #7 for the Brumbies last year after starting the season @ #8.

Clearly Gill @#7 & Thomson @#6 may have the jump on Browning for the Reds this year, but Browning's time is near.

 

[Samking]

Premiere Trial Wests 14 beat Souths 5
Wests forwards looked really good. Back line still not full strength with Kiwi Centres away for week, Byron Hutchison away sevens and Tim Smith injured due back next week
Promising

 

[Tigers Tale]

Samking, TD & SX - that result would put a smile on your face - regardless of the result it shows that Wests are continuing on the upward spiral.

What position will Hutchinson play?

 

[Samking]

Hutchison will play either 15, 14, or 11 Depending on where they choose to Play Sam Caslick

 

[GPSMick]

I watched last nights trial game as well as I was interested to see how Souths were looking after appointment of buzz and Turqui as coaches. Both games were extremely scrappy but I did think wests looked a touch better organised as a unit. Souths looked ok but definitely pretty rusty across board in both grades. I spoke to buzz and turqui after game as I was interested to see what there thoughts on the both trial games. Apparently both teams were pretty mixed prems/reggies and 1st grd players and there were at least 10 players unavailable for last nights trial game due to injury and work commitments. Mind you there was one massive unit in 1st half 2 metres plus and 130kgs? Who's apparently only 20yrs old and that was his 1st game of rugby coming from rugby league last season as turqui was telling me. Early days yet but wests definitely looked ok last night

 

[Cat_A]

Just wondering whether anyone has a view on Curtis Browning is he more viable as a #7 rather than a #6/#8 @ S15 level?

I think think that Ed Quirke is probably the same and Jarrad Butler thrived @ #7 for the Brumbies last year after starting the season @ #8.

Clearly Gill @#7 & Thomson @#6 may have the jump on Browning for the Reds this year, but Browning's time is near.

My thoughts are that he's a really big unit and I think the extra mobility and distance coverage requirements he'd have as a 7 would be a stretch for him, especially over a season, and even more so year in and year out.

 

[Waradog]

Went to the Souths-Wests trial last night as well and pretty impressed with my beloved Doggies. Very well organised Premier side and though that dropped off with the 1st Grade squad there are some good signs.

Some real spark in the Premier backline with soem real jets out wide and looked to have a very good kicking game already sorted out. I don't know what players are due back in but woudl be nice to have that extra depth.

Thumbs up to Souths who put on a good event and it was a great intro back into the rugby season

 

[TheBigDog]

Interesting to hear Daymon Tuka is coaching Premier Reserve grade at Souths this year. He's come up the coaching ranks at a good pace. I remember when he was coaching 3rds (now Brisbane 2nd Grade) down at GPS about 5 years ago. Good on him.

 

[GPSGPSGPS]

Happy to see 8 Gallopers in the Reds 23 for Friday night, that would have to be a record for GPS in terms of representatives in a QLD side in one game?

 

[TheBigDog]

Also have former Gallopers in the Smith twins on the bench for the Brumbies. Not a bad showing for the club.

 

[GPSGPSGPS]

As well as Sean McMahon with the Rebels and Junior Rasolea with the Force

 

[Tigers Tale]

Hegarty at the Rebels is one that you may have missed.

 

[Matty Thushker]

That is truly a great achievement for the GPS club, and one other clubs would be jealous off...........but all these players playing Super Rugby and not one premiership since 1996, and only 1 Finals appearance since then!

Possible low blow I know (sorry GPS supporters)

 

[TheBigDog]

Nah not low blow - its a fair point MT.

I'm sure if GPS were able to get all 13 of those blokes on the park for a season together then things might be different!

I still reckon 2014 was GPS best chance to get the gold. Guys like Kerevi, Kuridrani and Kotze may not see much time down at Yoku from now on.

 

[FilthRugby]

G.P.S having eight players selected is a great achievement.

Brothers having no players selected - is no surprise.

I have been pretty quiet this year. However, one thing that is really impressing me is how well Norths, Gold Coast and Wests are going in pre-season - they're really knuckling down and putting in effort.

When having a look on Facebook & Twitter, you can see Norths gaining a few more players, doing road runs, etc.

Wests are developing a strong forward pack which is looking dangerous. Gold Coast are really looking professional.

I dare say these three teams, along with Souths, will upset the apple cart in 2015. By what extent is another question. However, I doubt there will be many 'easy games' for top four teams this year.

 

[Tigers Tale]

Big Dog - granted great level of S15 involvement for the GPS Rugby Club but I think the GPS premiership window was 2013-14, and I don't think it will extend to 2015 but if GPS manage to finish top 2 and then get most of these guys back for the finals you never know.

I am sure that they will forever rue 2013 when Sunnybank missed the 4 and GPS beat Uni in the prelim.

Much like Brothers rue the events of the 2008 Grand Final!!!

 

[TheBigDog]

TT I hate to use the word 'rebuilding' but it may very well be what GPS will need to do in 2015. A few questions may get answered in the trials v UQ this weekend but looking at the players currently down at Yoku and the unfortunate draw arrangement (not trying to use that as an excuse though) it may not align to a successful year.

I think its fair to say that quite a few clubs in Brisbane Premier Rugby have been rebuilding over the last 3-4 years and the culmination of those efforts should result in a smaller gap between the top and bottom teams for the next few years.