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2023 Hostplus Cup - Squads & Previews

theinsideman

Juniors
Messages
58
Jon Reuben (Dragons NRL) returns to Norths Devils. Captain Jack Ahearn has re-signed for 2023 and will complete a train and trial with the Brisbane Broncos.

Ipswich Jets sign Khalil Rahme from Mounties.
 
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theinsideman

Juniors
Messages
58
Northern Pride

GAINS:
Rashaun Denny (2023, Norths Devils) Seamus King-Smith (2023, Melbourne Storm), Will Bugden (2023, Marist Brothers Rams)

OUTS: Nick Lui-Toso (2023, Dragons NRL), Gideon Gela-Mosby (2023, Wynnum Manly Seagulls)

RE-SIGNED: Paea Pua (2023), Chris Ostwald (2023), Ash Little (2023), Denzel King (2023), Bernard Lewis (2023), Julian Christian (2023), Whyatt Barnes (2023) Will Partridge (2023), Daniel Woodhouse (2023), Ewan Moore (2023), Matt Egan (2023), Eddie Daniel (2023), Evan Child (2023), Kenneth Fonoti (2023), Rhy Young (2023)
 
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TheGeneral

Juniors
Messages
88
Brisbane Tigers - 2023 HOSTPLUS CUP SQUAD (as at 11/11/2022)

Solomona Faataape (re-signed)
Baptiste Fabre (re-signed)
Ryley Jacks (signed)
Max Lehmann (signed)
Nat McGavin (signed)
Jack Miers (re-signed)
Charlie Murray (signed)
Bacho Salam (re-signed)
Zak Taibi (re-signed)
Daniel Ticehurst (re-signed)
Corey Thompson (signed)
Tony Thompson (re-signed)
Brayden Torpy (re-signed)
 

theinsideman

Juniors
Messages
58
Mackay Cutters

GAINS:
Josh Smith (Canberra Raiders) Logen Dillon (2023, Western Suburbs Magpies)

OUTS: Brenton Baira (Dolphins), Adam Cook, Kyle Schneider (NQ Cowboys), Jayden Morgan (Brisbane Broncos) Jordan Hill (Wests Tigers), Jack Brock (SC Falcons)

RE-SIGNED: Hiale Roycroft (2023), Luke Webley (2023), Ross Bella (2023), Sean Mullany (2023), Blake Paskins (2023), Kyle Krisanski-Kennedy (2023) Flynn Camilleri (2023), Brandon Finnegan (2023) Matthew Vessey (2023), Henri Stocks (2023), Adam Cook (2023), Kyle Schneider (2023), Jake Riley (2023)
 
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TheGeneral

Juniors
Messages
88
SP PNG Hunters 2023 Official Training Squad

Alex Max
Alex Rover
Benji Kot
Bernard Noel
Brandon Nima
Casey Dickson
Emmanuel Waine
Epel Kapinias
Francis Kembis
Henry Wan
Ila Alu
Jamie Mavoko
Jimmy Bob
Joe Joe Walames
Joel Torombe
Joshua Mire
Junior Igila
Junior Rop
Judah Rimbu
Kafu Ken
Kosova Badi
Leon Undupia
Limbi Henry
Liam Joseph
Matthew Jesse
Micha Tom
Morea Morea
Rodrick Tai
Saki Peter
Seal Kalo
Sherwin Tanabi
Solo Wane
Steven Bruno
Sylvester Bulu
Tapia Solu
Valentine Culligan
Wartovo Puara
Wesser Tenza
Willy Tirang
 

TheGeneral

Juniors
Messages
88

Burleigh Bears and Tweed Seagulls call on Rugby League Gold Coast stars to fight for Queensland Cup selection​


Celebrations of his triumphant return to the Gold Coast have subsided, and now Zane Harris is plotting his next move: taking the reins at the Burleigh Bears.
Calm and composed throughout Southport’s victorious Rugby League Gold Coast campaign, the Tigers halfback has been brought into the Queensland Cup fold in a bid to earn selection for 2023.

The 2019 champions will be out to rebuild their spine following a mini exodus to NRL clubs; with five-eighth Josh Rogers (Broncos), halfback Guy Hamilton (Roosters) and fullback Taine Tuaupiki (Warriors) all earning opportunities through the weight of their Bears performances.

Now Harris, who has cut his teeth in under-20s systems with Manly and Sydney, has the chance to form a new-look partnership with the club’s newest recruit — 158-game NRL veteran Tyrone Roberts.

“With both our halves leaving to NRL clubs it’ll be a great opportunity for Zane,” Burleigh coach Luke Burt said.

“His game management was very good, and he’s a bigger half like Josh Rogers size wise so he can hold his ground defensively.

“But he’s a confident young kid, when I first met with him he was very sure in his ability and a really good talker.”

Harris will be joined by fellow RLGC battlers Matthew Koellner (Tugun), Coen Rankmore (Ormeau) and Cruz Lasike (Runaway Bay) for the chance to crack the QCup side this pre-season.

Former Bear Toby McIntosh also returns to the maroon and white outfit, and will battle it out with Bears legend Kurtis Rowe for the number one jumper.

Following prop and rookie of the year Tristan Powell’s move to the Melbourne Storm and the retirement of Blake Leary, places in the forward pack have opened for Burt’s first title tilt in 2023.

That is where Koellner in particular comes to the fore.

The Seahawks stalwart has previously donned the Tweed Seagulls colours, and last season was a joint recipient of the Gold Coast’s representative player of the year mantle through his Vikings efforts.

And according to Burt, there is a weapon at Koellner’s disposal that could make him a valuable asset.

“We’re not a tall side; a tall strong middle that can use a bit of footwork and find his front for a quick play the ball, with the way the game is these days, you have a fast ruck to play off,” Burt said.

“He pretty much just wanted an opportunity, and we met with him and he’s a wonderful young man and he was really keen and eager to have a crack at that QCup level.

“It’s a great opportunity there with the middles, we’ve lost a couple of our forwards from last year so it might be a new look pack.”

Burleigh’s cross-town rivals in the Tweed Seagulls have also opened the doors to local battlers desperate to impress at a higher level.

New coach Dave Penna has cast a wide net, with Helensvale Hornets duo Campbell Pirihi (fullback) and Brayden Young (prop) as well as former Seagull Kirk Murphy spearheading the contenders.

Penna said given Tweed invited numerous players to train in their systems, the majority would take the knowledge gained back to their local clubs.

However he stressed effort at Piggabeen would prove telling when it came to final selections, presenting a chance for the likes of Pirihi and Young to earn promotions.


Celebrations of his triumphant return to the Gold Coast have subsided, and now Zane Harris is plotting his next move: taking the reins at the Burleigh Bears.
Calm and composed throughout Southport’s victorious Rugby League Gold Coast campaign, the Tigers halfback has been brought into the Queensland Cup fold in a bid to earn selection for 2023.

The 2019 champions will be out to rebuild their spine following a mini exodus to NRL clubs; with five-eighth Josh Rogers (Broncos), halfback Guy Hamilton (Roosters) and fullback Taine Tuaupiki (Warriors) all earning opportunities through the weight of their Bears performances.

Now Harris, who has cut his teeth in under-20s systems with Manly and Sydney, has the chance to form a new-look partnership with the club’s newest recruit — 158-game NRL veteran Tyrone Roberts.

“With both our halves leaving to NRL clubs it’ll be a great opportunity for Zane,” Burleigh coach Luke Burt said.

“His game management was very good, and he’s a bigger half like Josh Rogers size wise so he can hold his ground defensively.

“But he’s a confident young kid, when I first met with him he was very sure in his ability and a really good talker.”

Harris will be joined by fellow RLGC battlers Matthew Koellner (Tugun), Coen Rankmore (Ormeau) and Cruz Lasike (Runaway Bay) for the chance to crack the QCup side this pre-season.

Former Bear Toby McIntosh also returns to the maroon and white outfit, and will battle it out with Bears legend Kurtis Rowe for the number one jumper.

Following prop and rookie of the year Tristan Powell’s move to the Melbourne Storm and the retirement of Blake Leary, places in the forward pack have opened for Burt’s first title tilt in 2023.

That is where Koellner in particular comes to the fore.

The Seahawks stalwart has previously donned the Tweed Seagulls colours, and last season was a joint recipient of the Gold Coast’s representative player of the year mantle through his Vikings efforts.

And according to Burt, there is a weapon at Koellner’s disposal that could make him a valuable asset.

“We’re not a tall side; a tall strong middle that can use a bit of footwork and find his front for a quick play the ball, with the way the game is these days, you have a fast ruck to play off,” Burt said.

“He pretty much just wanted an opportunity, and we met with him and he’s a wonderful young man and he was really keen and eager to have a crack at that QCup level.

“It’s a great opportunity there with the middles, we’ve lost a couple of our forwards from last year so it might be a new look pack.”

Burleigh’s cross-town rivals in the Tweed Seagulls have also opened the doors to local battlers desperate to impress at a higher level.

New coach Dave Penna has cast a wide net, with Helensvale Hornets duo Campbell Pirihi (fullback) and Brayden Young (prop) as well as former Seagull Kirk Murphy spearheading the contenders.

Penna said given Tweed invited numerous players to train in their systems, the majority would take the knowledge gained back to their local clubs.

However he stressed effort at Piggabeen would prove telling when it came to final selections, presenting a chance for the likes of Pirihi and Young to earn promotions.

“Campbell is a terrific young player with a lot of skill. For whatever reason he sort of hasn’t got to where he wants to and we’re happy to try and put some tough pre-season into him and help him with his game,” Penna said.

“(Brayden) is a terrific young bloke that works hard and his coaches see that in him. I talk to the coaches regularly on the coast, they give guys opportunities who they feel deserve it.

“Sometimes they are just quality players that have been through programs for most of their young careers, so it’s more giving them an opportunity to try and chase the dream.

“It then obviously builds relationships with the local footy to say you can be 24, 25, 26, 27 and it doesn’t matter how old, if you’re chasing the dream we’re prepared to give you an opportunity.”

 

TheGeneral

Juniors
Messages
88
A change to the Cowboys’ affiliation agreements with feeder clubs could have a huge impact on their premiership hopes in 2023.

THE Northern Pride and Mackay Cutters will no longer field contracted North Queensland Cowboys after a change to the affiliation agreement between the state and national league clubs.
And it could make Townsville Blackhawks the team to beat in the Hostplus Cup.

Under the new agreement, the Cowboys will send all contracted NRL players not selected in Todd Payten’s top squad to the Blackhawks, who are based down the road from Cowboys HQ.

It is a plan discussed for years which will finally spring into action in 2023, and could transform the Blackhawks back into a team which start among the favourites.

Cowboys CEO Jeff Reibel and the club’s head of football Micheal Luck were in Cairns on Friday to meet with stakeholders across both the Pride and FNQ Rugby League, as the club gears up for its historic trial match against NRL newcomers, the Dolphins, at Barlow Park on February 12.

He said it was to better enhance the potential success of the NRL club, with the obvious benefit to North Queensland being that all contracted players will play in the same system, alongside the same players, and better develop the on-field relationships which are crucial to success.

“What we, as a NRL club, has been looking to do is trying to ensure our pathway is a pathway that is attractive to players, but also, from our perspective, how can we ensure all of our players are playing together week in, week out, whether that’s at NRL level or at state league level,” Reibel said.

“What we’ve been able to do is work with the Northern Pride, Blackhawks and Mackay Cutters, but this year all of our players will be allocated back to the Townsville Blackhawks.”

It means the Pride and Mackay Cutters will no longer receive fringe talent from the Cowboys to bolster their squads, with the Cowboys’ focus shifting to the development and grassroots level as they finetune the production of future NRL stars.

It is not an overnight development, with discussions ongoing for more than 18 months, but Reibel said the move would help ensure the strength of the NRL club and region in future.

“What we needed to do was find the balance, what’s good for the Cowboys but still supporting our footprint throughout all of northern Queensland,” Reibel said.

“We were quite open and transparent with this conversation which started more than 18 months ago about what we needed to do, we believe, to be better as a club.

“If the Cowboys are strong, then rugby league is strong within north Queensland

“It’s no different to what any other club is doing, whether that be Penrith and Parramatta.

“What’s important though is what we do on the field together, but off the field.

“It’s through our academies, both female and male, and what we’re doing in the community.”

It means the Pride and Cutters will field teams which prioritises locally sourced and developed talent, but it doesn’t totally disrupt how the Cairns club has gone about roster construction in recent years.

In 2022, Cowboys players allocated to the Pride played a combined 27 games, with winger Robert Derby, second-rowers Connelly Lemuelu and Brendan Frei, and utility Ben Hampton accounting for the bulk of the appearances.

The Pride prioritised their own players over the Cowboys allocations in that season, and it’s how they’ve gone structuring their squad for 2023 as they eye another run to the finals.

Pride CEO Garreth Smith conceded that working through the affiliation had been a process, but their focus was clearly on catering to local talent.

“For us as a club, we need to focus on and we have been focusing on, what do we do first for our local talent and how do we build as a club without focusing on the players who come back,” Smith said.

“That’s a focus for us anyway, we continue do that this year.

“In conjunction still working with the Cowboys, but what does that mean for the development pathway for players like Julian Christian.

“The focus is still on building a squad which heavily relies on local talent first.”

 

TheGeneral

Juniors
Messages
88

Pulu leads the way as Tigers set new culture standard​


The Brisbane Tigers want nothing more than to break their 32-year Cup title drought.

They know to do so, they first need to set a solid foundation.

The Tigers’ Hostplus Cup squad is going through a period of change this year, after coach Jon Buchanan and skipper Darren Nicholls both retired at the end of season 2022.


There has also been an overhaul in the playing roster, with Bessie Aufaga-Toomaga (Western Clydesdales), Brett Greinke (Ipswich Jets), William Samuel, Darius Farmer and Tony Pellow (Wynnum Manly) among those who have moved on, while PNG international Daniel Russell has earned an NRL train-and-trial with the St George Illawarra Dragons.

For new coach Matt Church, who has spent the past three years at the helm of the PNG Hunters, he now sees an opportunity to not only build on the proud history of the club, but to establish a fresh, player-led culture.

With a number of new faces among the squad, Church said the priority for him coming into the Tigers was not just to find or re-sign good players, but good people as well.

“I’m happy with the playing group we’ve been able to assemble,” Church said.

“We know they can play rugby league but they’re even more impressive human beings. Establishing the right culture, for me, it’s really important.

“We want to have a culture where everyone feels like they belong. You can get some ego at times in certain organisations, but we want to have a team-first mentality.

“If you ask any coach at this time of year, of course they want to win a premiership. We’re no different to anyone else. But you can’t do that without good people in your organisation.

“That’s what we’re trying to encourage and support and highlight to all our group.”

The Tigers have made a number of big-name signings for 2023, including former NRL forward Leivaha Pulu, Tigers junior and former Melbourne and Gold Coast half Ryley Jacks, and Easts Mt Gravatt junior and NRL veteran Corey Thompson.

As the club celebrate their 90th anniversary this year, Church said at the start of pre-season he assembled a leadership group to help set the cultural standard, with a focus on “acknowledging the past and building better standards and values".

Jacks, Thompson, Pulu and senior forward Bennett Leslie make up that group, with more players to be elevated during the final weeks of pre-season.

 

XXXX Cap

Juniors
Messages
1,266
Good to see the Tigers sticking to their template for breaking their drought - another new coach, plenty of big name signings, win games early and be Premiership favourites at Easter. Shame it hasn't got them a GF win all these years, even losing the unloseable in 2013.

Historically, Wynnum aren't an overly successful club but they have managed to win three Premierships since Easts last one. Listening to the arrogance of many Tigers supporters, you would think it was the other way around.
 

ALX25

Juniors
Messages
2,493
A change to the Cowboys’ affiliation agreements with feeder clubs could have a huge impact on their premiership hopes in 2023.

THE Northern Pride and Mackay Cutters will no longer field contracted North Queensland Cowboys after a change to the affiliation agreement between the state and national league clubs.
And it could make Townsville Blackhawks the team to beat in the Hostplus Cup.

Under the new agreement, the Cowboys will send all contracted NRL players not selected in Todd Payten’s top squad to the Blackhawks, who are based down the road from Cowboys HQ.


This could truly backfire spectacularly. Can see the Pride looking elsewhere now and so they should.
 

Santino Patane

Juniors
Messages
243
This could truly backfire spectacularly. Can see the Pride looking elsewhere now and so they should.
I’m disappointed in this outcome- I can’t see how it helps the Pride or Cutters, or regional League at all. Does anyone know true feelings in the ejected teams?
 

TheGeneral

Juniors
Messages
88

CQ Capras: Hostplus Cup gains and losses for season 2023​


Staying at the club for 2023


Blake Moore
Brandon Roberts
Jack White
Trey Brown
Bailey Butler (doing Dolphins’ pre-season)
Nixon Putt
Zev John
Cooper Marshall
Jack Madden (captain)
Lachlan Hubner (doing Dolphins’ pre-season)
Roarke Christensen
Riley Reid
Aaron Teroi
Herman Seumanufagai
Kurtis Farr
Thallon Peters (rookie from under-21s)
Laish Salam (under-21s)
Tyler Szepanowski (doing Dolphins’ pre-season)
Mitchell Leard-Lamont (rookie from under-21s)
Ilami Buli (rookie from under-21s)
Sam Strohfeldt (rookie from under-21s)
Jackson Harris

New or returning to the club in 2023


Carsen Huth (returning from Wynnum Manly Seagulls)
Larson Dale-Doyle (returning from Bulldogs)
Tom Farr (returning from Wynnum Manly Seagulls)
Aaron Moore (returning from Townsville Blackhawks)
Jake Jackson (Yeppoon Seagulls)
Dylan Wall-Riley
Samuel Yegip (PNG)
Bob Tenza (PNG)
Harry Barham (Emu Park A-grade)
Kurt Donaghue (Newcastle Knights NSW Cup, doing Dolphins’ pre-season)
Isaiah Conway (Emu Park A-grade)
Jordan Heke
Ethan Jackson (Yeppoon Seagulls)

Leaving the club


Jesse Jennings (Souths Logan Magpies)
Jamie Hill (Beerwah)
Harrison Leonard (North Sydney Bears)
Ethan O’Neill (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Jonus Pearson
Radean Robinson (Souths Logan Magpies)
Curtis Dansey-Smaller
McKenzie Yei (Featherstone Rovers, England)

 

TheGeneral

Juniors
Messages
88

Mackay Cutters list changes ahead of a 2023 ladder push​


NEW SIGNINGS

Garrett Smith: Prop Forward
Logen Dillon: Fullback / Centre
Josh Smith: Centre / Wing

RESIGNINGS

Adam Cook: Halfback
Kyle Schneider: Hooker
Hiale Roycroft: Prop
Brandon Finnegan: Halfback
Ross Bella (Captain): Prop
Sean Mullany (2022 player of the year): Hooker

NRL PURSUIT AND NEW OPPORTUNITIES

Brenton Baira: Fullback
Jayden Morgan: Prop
Jordan Hill: Winger
Jack Brock: Prop

 

Daza06

Juniors
Messages
112

Mackay Cutters list changes ahead of a 2023 ladder push​


NEW SIGNINGS

Garrett Smith: Prop Forward
Logen Dillon: Fullback / Centre
Josh Smith: Centre / Wing

RESIGNINGS

Adam Cook: Halfback
Kyle Schneider: Hooker
Hiale Roycroft: Prop
Brandon Finnegan: Halfback
Ross Bella (Captain): Prop
Sean Mullany (2022 player of the year): Hooker

NRL PURSUIT AND NEW OPPORTUNITIES

Brenton Baira: Fullback
Jayden Morgan: Prop
Jordan Hill: Winger
Jack Brock: Prop

These are great! Keep them coming.Cutters certainly lost more talent than gained.
 

TheGeneral

Juniors
Messages
88

Burleigh Bears 2023 gains and losses​

Gains​

Shallin Fuller (Gold Coast Titans), Heath Gibbs (Newcastle Knights), Matt Koellner (Tugun Seahawks), Toby McIntosh (Murwillumbah Mustangs), Nick O’Meley (Newcastle Knights), Emry Pere (North Queensland Cowboys), Tyrone Roberts (Brisbane Broncos), Tom Steadman (Northern Pride), Creedence Toia (Canterbury Bulldogs)

Losses​

Brock Illett (retired), Blake Leary (retired), Api Noema-Matenga (work), Kai O’Donnell (Leigh Leopards), Nathaniel Peteru (Southport), Tristan Powell (Melbourne Storm), Josh Rogers (Brisbane Broncos), Kurtis Rowe (retired), Taine Tuaupiki (New Zealand Warriors)

 

TheGeneral

Juniors
Messages
88

Central Queensland Capras 2023 gains and losses​

Gains​

Harry Barham (Emu Park), Isaiah Conway (Emu Park), Larson Dale-Doyle (Canterbury Bulldogs), Kurt Donoghoe (Newcastle Knights NSW Cup), Tom Farr (Wynnum Manly Seagulls), Carsen Huth (Wynnum Manly Seagulls), Jordan Heke (Sunshine Coast Falcons), Ethan Jackson (Yeppoon Seagulls), Aaron Moore (Townsville Blackhawks), Bob Tenza (Mendi Muruks – Papua New Guinea)

Losses​

Curtis Dansey-Smaller (returned to Gold Coast), Jamie Hill (Beerwah), Jesse Jennings (Souths Logan Magpies), Harrison Leonard (North Sydney Bears), Ethan O’Neill (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Jonus Pearson (retired), Radean Robinson (Souths Logan Magpies), McKenzie Yei (Featherstone Rovers)

 

TheGeneral

Juniors
Messages
88

Souths Logan Magpies 2023 gains and losses​

Gains​

Jack Campagnolo (Souths Sydney Rabbitohs), Tyler Coburn (Ipswich Jets), Caleb Daunt (Wynnum Manly Seagulls), Alex Fidow (Hurricanes – rugby union), Chris Humphris (Wynnum Manly Seagulls), Brandon Jackonia (Wynnum Manly Seagulls), Jesse Jennings (Central Queensland Capras), Te Rangiatea McDonald (Mudgeeraba Redbacks), Kingstimer Paraia (PNG Hunters), Radean Robinson (Central Queensland Capras), Jack Svendsen (Brisbane Tigers), Leonard Thomas (Norths Devils), Braden Whittaker (Wynnum Manly Seagulls)


Losses​

Cameron Booth (retired), Benaiah Bowie (retired), Raiden Fonoti (retired), Bradley Frith (West Brisbane Panthers), Christian Hazard (Taree Bulls), Jack Hickson (released), Josh Johnson (released), Richard Pandia (West Brisbane Panthers), Lachlan Perry (Western Clydesdales), Kelly Tate (retired), Cole Waaka (Western Clydesdales), Harradyn Wilson (Manly Sea Eagles)

 

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