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Clubland is buzzing right now as Super Rugby players are returning to their sides and making their presence known.
But as many clublands are now heading into the business end of the regular season many of the younger guns have now picked up promising form, making for great one-on-one battles.
David Tifa – Loose Head Prop (Perth Bayswater Rugby Union Club)
Starting in the West, the Bayswater have been one of the big improvers over the last few years, transforming themselves from being part of the chasing pack to a side that has started to regularly make finals and challenge the bigger clubs in the West.
A big reason for this success has been their strengthening at the set piece, and David Tifa has been a major part of that success. A regular inclusion in the team of the week honours, David is a rock solid option in the scrum and a major part as to why Bayswater have been able to compete against the likes of more experienced scrums in the competition.
Adding to that, his go-forward has been very impressive, and it was capped off with him picking up a try for his efforts on the weekend in his side’s demolition of the Southern Lions. The forwards as a whole also were rewarded for their dominance with a penalty try.
He will be an exciting player to watch in the coming rounds, especially as he’ll go head to head against clubs bolstered by the return of Western Force players not involved in the upcoming Cheetah tour.
Josiah Leali’ifano – Fly-Half (Tuggeranong Vikings Rugby Club)
Sound familiar to Brumbies and Wallabies fans? It shouldn’t be a huge surprise in all honestly. Tuggeranong have a stranglehold over the John I Dent Cup this year so far, and that was even before the Brumbies semi-final exit.
A big part of that is an exciting twenty-two year old at flyhalf, the nephew of Wallaby and Brumbies veteran, Christian Leali’ifano. Josiah is in his first year in first grade, and honestly has barely put a foot wrong, currently leading the competition ladder board in total points scored (110).
His ability with the tee is only one of his skills, with versatile capability at unleashing a powerful Vikings backline at will. His skills have been ever growing since his real breakout with the ACT School Boys XV in 2018.
Considering his involvement and his success in the Canberra system, it is likely he’ll be called into the Brumbies ranks sooner rather than later.
Rhian Stowers in action for Bond University (Photo by Stephen Tremain)
Rhian Stowers – Fullback (Bond University Rugby Club)
The Bullsharks are looking to make history this year. The club has been progressing and progressing for the last few seasons, and it seems like their destiny that they will eventually bring the Hospital Cup to the Gold Coast, winning for the first time as Bond Uni.
As they sit right now, they hold the slenderest of margins at the top of the ladder, with Easts and current premiers Wests hot on their tail. They’ll be set to come up against clubs who will be rejuvenated with Super Rugby experience, but that is where a great young talent like fullback Rhian Stowers comes in.
A rising star amongst the ranks of the Queensland competition, Stowers is currently the highest point scorer for Bond Uni (and seventh overall). But what has also made him stand out this year is his quality approach to tactical kicking and game awareness, a selection of skills that are critically needed in higher levels of the game.
Having already being selected in multiple Queensland representative teams at lower levels, throw in a Hospital Cup to his resume and the sky is honestly the limit for this exciting rising star. Expect the Reds to come knocking soon.
Who are the club players that you think are deserving of higher honours? Let us know in the comments!
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.