GPS has recognised Kris Kuridrani’s late-blooming leadership by naming him captain for Saturday’s Halley Appleby Memorial Cup clash against University of Queensland.
It is clear recognition of how big a role experience will play now the StoreLocal Hospital Cup competition has reached the pointy end of the season.
Kuridrani is 30 and has been around professional programs as a centre-winger in Queensland, New Zealand and Japan since 2014.
With regular skipper Michael Richards missing the match through illness, this is a first-time chance for Kuridrani at Ashgrove in the final round of the regular season.
“Kris was thinking about retiring at the end of last year but he came back keen for another season,” GPS coach Shane Arnold said.
“He definitely adds a lot to the backline. The young Kris was probably limited to his strengths as a ball-carrier. Over the years in professional programs, his passing and kicking have improved a lot. He also sees the game better and with that has come more control and better communication.
“He still doesn’t say a lot but when he talks, the players listen.”
Kuridrani’s ability to punch through a hole out wide or dish off a high offload in the centres are valuable skills for a GPS backline that has been forced into a major restructure.
Pacy finisher Josh Collins is likely gone for the season. No sooner had he returned from a foot fracture in last weekend’s 19-13 win over Souths than he hurt his other foot.
It creates a chance for young Floyd Aubrey to play in his preferred position at fullback with Doug Rayment on the wing.
Arnold has also made the shrewd call to add extra experience at halfback over the past month. Young Hudson Meyer, the Toowoomba Rangers product, has had a fine season. He has played big minutes so Arnold made sure of back-up.
He hopped on the phone to former Queensland Reds halfback Scott Malolua, who is finding time in his busy career as a carpenter.
Malolua, 29, won the 2015 premiership with Souths, represented Queensland and played a Test for Samoa against the Wallabies in 2019 which was sadly shortened by injury.
GPS has beaten UQ (20-14), Wests (20-19) and Brothers (34-28) this season so there is already proof they can beat any club for the title.
“Those three opponents are fielding different teams to the ones we beat earlier in the year but we are confident, if we play well, we can contend with any team,” Arnold said.
“Our defence has been a really strong feature. Even with some injury-forced changes, we are building momentum in our attack. It’s starting to come together.
“Scott retired at the end of last season but was happy to make this comeback when we spoke. He’s been a really good player to come on at the back end of games, again adding experience.”
Barring a crazy run of results and scores on Saturday, the semi-finalists are set at Wests (60 points), UQ (57), GPS (52) and Brothers (52) ahead of fifth-placed Easts (47).A big GPS win that denies UQ a bonus point could grab second and a double-chance in the finals for the Ashgrove-based club. It’s worth pressing for.
The cherished memory of the late Halley Appleby has been a powerful force within the UQ Rugby Club since his tragic death at just 21 in 2011.
The young hooker died in hospital after suffering a spinal fracture and brain injuries in a legal tackle during a club game against GPS at Ashgrove.
Clubmates, friends and UQ Rugby Club have kept him strong in the thoughts and actions ever since.
The UQ v GPS game each season at Ashgrove is played for the Halley Appleby Memorial Cup.
A Halley Appleby Memorial Scholarship is awarded each year. It provides $3000 to help the cause of a UQ player with tools, qualifications, a vehicle or other expenses as he seeks to become a qualified tradesman.
Hooker-cum-carpenter Jake Tierney, who played first grade to open the season, was last year’s scholarship recipient.
Applications for this year’s scholarship close on September 2 and will be announced on September 23 as part of the club’s presentation dinner.
UQ Rugby’s medical manager Heather Arthy, on the field that tragic day in 2011, spoke with the current UQ first grade side in the gym on Tuesday night.
“Heather was there and reminded the players who they are playing for and what Halley means to this club,” UQ Rugby Club General Manager Jason Greenhalgh said.
“The trophy has gathered a few dents over the years. I think Halley would be proud that it has needed some panelbeating.”
