1. Hayden Sargeant - Sunnybank
With the ability to play fullback, flyhalf and wing, Sargeant was Bond University’s ‘Mr fix it’ in 2018. He received plenty of praise after his performance at flyhalf against Souths, and he proved to be a headache for opposition defences in the wider channels when playing in the outside backs. With Jake Strachan moving to Souths, Sunnybank head coach Damon Virtue knew he needed some more play makers at Oldmac Oval and put in the call to Sargeant. With Tom Lucas also returning to the Dragons from Australian Sevens, watch the Banker’s backline fire in 2019.
2. Jake Strachan - Souths
With Quade Cooper heading to Melbourne, and Teti Tela’s commitments with the Reds ever increasing, Souths head coach Elia Tuqiri knew he needed to find a more stable play making option for 2019 - enter Jake Strachan. Strachan has been one of the hottest young talents in Premier Rugby since bursting into the scene from Brisbane State High and has NRC experience with Brisbane City under his belt. He’ll form an exciting combo with scrumhalf Scott Malolua.
3 - Rhys Van Nek - Easts
With a full Reds Academy pre-season behind him and a fresh start at Tigerland, former Souths hooker Rhys Van Nek has come to Easts at an opportune time. The departure of Andrew Ready to the Western Force and Richie Asiata to Christchurch has left some holes in the Tigers frontrow, and a young talent like Van Nek is a nice addition to an already strong forward pack. With the ability to play both prop and hooker, new head coach Moses Raulini will be more than happy with the recruitment of Van Nek.
4. DP de Lange - GPS
The diminutive South African flyhalf proved his worth for the Gallopers in last Saturday’s Australian Club Championship clash with Sydney Uni. de Lange converted all four of GPS’ tries and slotted three conversions to secure the 37-31 win. With fellow South African Elwee Prinsloo taking the reins at Yoku Road, and with a dominant forward pack to work off, we could see the Gallopers implement a Bulls brand of Rugby reminiscent of Morne Steyn’s best days in Super Rugby. Time will tell.
5. Aidan Toua - Brothers
A former Tiger who hasn’t played Premier Rugby since 2015, Toua has opted for a fresh opportunity in club land while he waits for his next crack at the Reds match day 23. With his family living on the North-side, Toua has been drawn to Crosby Park with the team now under the direction of new head coach Rod Seib, who could make this list as a top recruit on his own merit. With some cracking young talent at Brothers, an experienced coach in Seib and experienced player like Toua in the backline, expect big things from the Brethren this season.
This list is far from complete and some names like Carter Gordon (Wests) and Matt McGahan (Norths) haven’t been mentioned, namely because we had too many flyhalves already. We’ve also seen an influx of Shute Shield talent head north, hopeful of a shot at NRC later in the year and there are probably also blokes that coaches are reluctant to talk about because they want to keep an element of surprise. One thing is for sure, it’s going to be another belter of a Premier Rugby season and everyone should get out this weekend and soak up all that Round 1 has to offer.
