We’re a month in to the 2024 GPS first XV season and this year’s competition looks to be one of the closest in recent memory. 

In the opening four rounds, nine of the 12 matches played so far have been decided by seven points or less and things look like they’ll continue that way in the weeks and months ahead. 

With no rugby over the June long weekend, we thought we’d take a look at some of the standout individual performers in the opening four rounds. 

While it would be easy to list more than 10 players, here are a few that have caught our eye so far. 

Issac Fonua – Kings No.8

As the only returning player from last year’s undefeated premiership winning side, Issac Fonua has been outstanding in a young and fairly inexperienced Kings side.

Still only in year 11 but in his second season in the first XV, Fonua is already one of the most dominant physical threats in the competition but has also shown poise and leadership this season. 

Angus Grover – Riverview No.9

Another year 11 player impressing early this season, Grover has sparked plenty of Riverview’s attack from the base of the ruck and has controlled the tempo of the match well in his side’s better performances this year. His goal kicking, including a match winner in round one, has also been important. 

Henry Connick – Shore No.12

While results haven’t gone Shore’s way in the opening month, Connick has solidified his spot as one of the dominant backs in the competition. The hard running, hard tackling inside centre is extremely consistent and is the competition’s leading point scorer after four rounds. 

Johannes Logan – Joeys No.7

The pick of Joeys’ extremely impressive forward pack so far this year has to be Johanness Logan at flanker. The ferocious No.7 has been everywhere and in everything across the opening four rounds and is arguably the form player of the competition. His backrow partner, Lucas Arnautovic, has also been impressive. 

Toby Rodwell – Newington No.10

Playing in a side filled with attacking threats, Newington flyhalf Toby Rodwell’s game management has been outstanding in his side’s last two wins. There are plenty of good No.10s in the competition, but Rodwell’s influence has been clear to see in recent weeks as Newington got their season back on track. 

Jay McKenzie – Scots No.15

Like Shore, things haven’t quite gone to plan for Scots in the opening month of the season but one player that has made the most of every opportunity he’s got so far this year is fullback Jay McKenzie. The tall, athletic outside back played on the wing for the NSW U18s earlier this year and has continued his good form at Bellevue Hill. 

Hayden Lavercombe – Kings No.1

Another year 11 gun, Kings’ prop Hayden Lavercombe has been another standout for the defending premiers in his first full season in the top grade. Lavercombe is strong at set piece time and does a mountain of work around the park despite his big, strong frame. 

Henri Dempsey – Riverview No.7

Iggies flanker Henri Dempsey is another backrower that seems to have a big impact on his team’s performance every week. When Riverview have played well, Dempsey and Grover have stood out and haven generally scored points so far this season. 

Max Palmisani – Joeys No.15

In fairly horrendous conditions across the opening month of the season, Joeys have scored some fantastic long range tries and fullback Max Palmisani has had a hand in most of them. Palmisani, a little like alumni Max Jorgensen, just seems to do all the little things really well and that’s helped his side to the top of the ladder. 

Callum Grantham – Newington No.14

Newington winger Callum Grantham must be the form goal kicker in the competition. He just doesn’t miss and has been slotting goals from the sideline all season, particularly in his side’s most recent two wins in the wet.