The 2024 Hospital Cup season kicks off this Saturday and after a long, tough preseason, there’s a plethora of players ready to take the competition by storm.

Ahead of opening weekend, we asked all nine Hospital Cup coaches to pick a few players  from their club to watch this season.

Mick Heenan – Bond Uni

“Tyler Campbell has been exceptional all summer. He’s a very underrated player when you look across the the competition,” Heenan told Rugby News.

“Rhian Stowers is another outstanding player and he’s been wonderful.

“Then we’ve got a few colts who might not play first grade every week but they’ll certainly have an impact this season. Guys like Oliver Barrett, Fergus Gillan, Zeb Misios and Harry Bell.

“I’d expect them to play between first grade and colts this year and do really well in both competitions.”

Ben McCormack – Brothers

“Although he’s already contracted, I’m really excited to see what Timmy Ryan does this year. He’s just a really good footballer and he’s only 21,” McCormack said.

“Jaiden Christian is a pretty unique player. He spent a bit of last year with the Melbourne Rebels but hasn’t signed anything for this year.

“There aren’t many 6’1-6’2, 145kg props with his ability not playing professional rugby and I can’t see him being with us for too long.

“He’s been training really well. He’s fitter then he’s ever been, he’s great at scrum time and he’s got good skills. I think he’ll do some real damage early this season but I’m not banking on having him all year because I think someone will pick him up and hopefully his opportunity is in Australia.”

Simon Craig – Easts

“Massimo De Lutiis signed with the Brumbies straight out of school and has spent the last few years in Canberra. He didn’t get much opportunity down there but he’s obviously back up in Brisbane now with the Reds,” Craig explained.

“He is a massive human. There aren’t many players his size in Australian rugby and he’s still very young. I’m excited to see what he can do for us this year.”

Sio Kite – GPS

“We’ve got a young player who has graduated through our juniors and colts and into seniors named Campbell Moller. He’s an inside or outside centre who has been killing it throughout preseason and I think he’s primed to have a really good season,” Kite said.

“He had a pretty bad shoulder injury last year so it’s good to see him back on the park.

“I’d also keep an eye on our hooker Tevita Kaitu’u. He’s got big shoes to fill being the brother of Feleti who is over at the Force, but he’s another that has graduated from our colts program and has a lot of potential.”

Dan Ritchie – Norths

“Will McCulloch has a lot of potential. He was an 18-year old playing first grade last year and scored six tries in five games for us,” Ritchie explained.

“Better judges than me have said he was far and away the best player in the Queensland U19s side last year and he’s right in the mix for the Australian U20s. I can’t see how he won’t be picked and play quite a bit with them.

“He’s also been part of the Reds academy for two seasons now and seems to be getting better year on year.

“Our halfback Connor O’Regan probably doesn’t get the kudos he deserves. He’s heading in to his fourth season of first grade as a 21-year old which is pretty incredible.

“A lot of people talk about other halfbacks in the competition and there are plenty of good ones, but I think Connor is the most underrated No.9 out there.

“He was a Reds U19s player a few years ago and he’s not far off 50 first grade games, which is unique for such a young player. I don’t know how he didn’t get picked in the Challenger Series last year.”

Garrick Morgan – Souths

“I think Sam Von Blanckensee could be anything. He’s 6’9 with an incredible work rate and really good lineout skills. There aren’t many players like that,” Morgan said.

“He’s matured a lot and is training the house down.

“Sean Farrell, enjoyed a professional stint in Italy in the off-season, and returns with a sharp focus. He wants to be the the difference for the team.

“Jake Kurbatoff is definitely one to watch. He was 2023 QPR U20s player of the year and ready to step into grades.

“Finn Hearn has great talent and this season will be one to keep an eye on.

“In the backs, Vilikesa (Raboiliku) and Alofa Alofa, who made a big impact at the end of last season, are also going to be dangerous.”

Rob Roiri – Sunnybank

“Liam McNamara has a lot of potential and he probably hasn’t really been given an opportunity at a XVs level because he is such a good Sevens player,” Roiri explained.  

“I think he’s got the ability to play Super Rugby if not international rugby. He came on the scene in a really good Australian U20s team a few years back and he showed his class in a pretty good team. 

“He’s had a stint in Ireland since and now he’s back in Brisbane and will play No.10 for us.”

Elton Berrange – UQ

“I think our captains Brad Twidale has been knocking on the door for the last few seasons and he nearly got a chance to play professionally this year and didn’t,” Berrange told Rugby News. 

“He’s very hungry and has had a really good preseason. He’s got 70 odd Premier games under his belt as well and he’s still only 25 years old. 

“I think he could be the best player in the competition this year. 

“Ethan McFarland at outside centre has got a season of Premier Grade under his belt and learnt some tough lessons last year. 

“He’s come back bigger, faster and stronger and I think he’s going to cause some headaches throughout the season.”

Elwee Prinsloo – Wests

“Moses Sorovi is with us full time at the moment because he isn’t signed anywhere professionally. He’s spent the last seven or eight years playing Super Rugby and that sort of experience is invaluable to our program,” Prinsloo said. 

“He’s been fantastic with our younger guys and all the players at the club. He was working with the halfbacks we’ve got in colts recently, which was really beneficial. 

“We’ve also picked up a new player from New Zealand, Victor Olaaiga. He’s a big No.8 that reminds me a little of Hoskins Sotutu.

“He’s from Auckland and played North Harbour 7s recently. He’s still a young fella but he’s a very handy footballer.”