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!
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
“ If it was all played in Adelaide even better” Interesting detail Mo. Regional Stadiums, multiple games per venue. Maybe it’s not a case of turnstile dollars per game at first. Maybe it’s a case of building tribal identity for teams, before worrying about turnstile dollars per game. A national comp will necessarily be about a screen audience, primarily because of Australian distance tyranny. But travelling rounds allow squads to meet the people, preach the gospel. Design more game minutes per dollar so that NRC squads have cash lubrication till the next season’s comp iteration.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
It wasn't very expensive. It was cost neutral.
K.F.T.D.
Roar Rookie
Mo McCackie looks like Chieka, but Roy Rene doesn’t look like Rennie.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Luxury!
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Okay CM Newcastle + Nthn Regions QLD Country Crocs Bris City Bris Burbs (I’m not familiar with Brisso) So that makes 10 teams. 4 nsw, 3 qld, Act, Mel, Wa. A good start. Now all we need is a Roar Microsoft Project Document to run out the permutations.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Mo is Mo. Are you telling me that Mo is actually a no?
K.F.T.D.
Roar Rookie
Shoebox in middle o’ road.
K.F.T.D.
Roar Rookie
They would be if only NRC players are considered for Wallaby selection.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Agreed Phil. Bring it on. Let’s have more not less celebration of the genuine grass roots (i.e. clubs with juniors/without scholarships) where the rugby pigs grow like all pigs grow, from the sty to the sky. Off the Grass or similar could be the title of a regular column/vlog/pod around the clubs. From the root of the grass to the top of the brass/smart farce, opiniotators will offer their genius on the trajectory of select colts, calves and piglets destined for upper tier glory. And here’s the contentious bit - a bit more rooting for the roots via a national celebration of our finest roots (aka nrc) Educated guesses (or gahsses) might imagine NRC catchments and squads Ad nauseum (or until a budget arrives, whichever comes first) Sell granny’s flat and Get Off the Grass.
K.F.T.D.
Roar Rookie
‘Mo’ is supposed to be a Laughing Chieka Clown.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
$30 million? So a granny flat then.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Et tu, Mo? Marco Antonio, actually – hairdresser, studios in Leichardt and Marrickville. Great hair doesn’t happen by chance, it happens by appointment. Book now.
JB
Roar Rookie
We had an NRC. Concept was good; helped the career of a number of players and coaches (Brad Thorn). Unfortunately, not popular and VERY expensive due to the tyranny of distances (an Australian problem) and the cost involved. Also, as mentioned in a comment, Sydney players were not that motivated and fully engaged.
Cheika_Mate
Roar Rookie
Onto something Ken, I’d add in a stand alone side from Newcastle and yep a third team up north QLD. Got to add in the women as well. If RA keep looking after their own pockets, wondering if it’s worth a shout to Ziggy.
K.F.T.D.
Roar Rookie
Is this Othello or Henry the Fifth speaking?
Busted Fullback
Roar Rookie
:laughing:
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Well done Nick and editors! Bring more of this on. MORVA Make Oz Rugby Visible Again And on that note, perhaps we punters could start picking our NRC Fantasy teams, based on assumed geographic catchments. Probably would need to Draft the catchments first. Here’s my first rough guess (fire at will) Syd N and northern regions Syd E (and Uni ) Syd W and Western Regions) Bris City QLD Country ( need to draw a line through the edge of the city to balance these two teams) ACT and Southern Regions Melb Perth That’s eight teams. Do QLD need a 3rd one. GRADES Firsts Reserves Colts
K.F.T.D.
Roar Rookie
Don’t wish to be snide, but if someone we know in Sydney sold his recently purchased $30 million dollar home to support it, it might get off the ground, but pigs would fly. Sydney is the self appointed centre of Australia’s rugby universe. But rugby in Australia is constipated, and I know where to place the suppository.
Busted Fullback
Roar Rookie
This NRC thing you speak of sounds like a good idea. I wonder if it would take off in Sydney? :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:
Bliksem
Roar Rookie
David Tiga. A gun prop from club rugby that could step up to play for the team with a prop disability….couldn’t script it better. I hope he is as good on the pitch as he appears to be in this article.