The Sunshine Coast Falcons have come close to winning Queensland’s top rugby league competition in recent years, and it’s hoped they can “get the monkey off the back” in 2023.
The team and their supporters would love to break a 14-year premiership drought, after finals appearances in four of the past five seasons.
“We’re putting ourselves in the frame consistently,” coach Brad Henderson said.
“The club really punches about its weight.
“But it would be nice to get that monkey off our back and go that one step further.
“I think we have the roster to do it.”
The 15-year-old team, based at Sunshine Coast Stadium in Bokarina, won their only premiership in 2009, when they were known as the Sea Eagles and were aligned with Manly.
When their link with Manly ended they went on a demoralising run and received three wooden spoons in four seasons.
But an affiliation with Melbourne Storm, from 2015, proved to be a turnaround point.
They have since reached the finals regularly, featured in a thrilling grand-final loss to PNG Hunters in 2017 and won the minor premiership in 2019.
The Falcons got to the preliminary finals last year and they are eager to press on this year.
Henderson, who took over as coach at the start of 2022, believed the squad was talented enough to win but said “the jury is out”.
“The team looks a bit different to last year,” he said.
“We have had guys move to the next level (NRL) and some guys have moved to other clubs.
“There has been a fair shift in the roster … so that has been a bit challenging and leaves us unsure where we figure in the competition.
“But we have recruited well.”
The Falcons still boast prop Patrice Siolo and fullback Luke Polselli. The latter was their best player “by a long way” last season.
They have also signed powerful back-rower Joshua Patston and prolific try-scoring back Scott Galeano, from Tweed Heads.
“But we’re actually still on the lookout for a half, believe it or not,” Henderson said, before admitting the team’s chances “might hinge” on the Storm players that will lace up for them.
Some Storm players who are not required on NRL game days will play for the Falcons instead.
The Falcons could be boosted by ball player Jayden Nikorima, winger Will Warbrick, backrower Chris Lewis, prop Tepai Moeroa, back Grant Anderson, highly promising centre Jack Howarth and potentially winger Young Tonumaipea.
“Those guys are 50-50 for us. They know they can step in and do a job at NRL level but can find themselves back with us for short periods of time,” the coach said.
The Falcons have, in the past, benefited from the likes of now-stars Nicho Hynes, Jahrome Hughes, Ryan Papenhuyzen and Harry Grant when they were coming through the Storm ranks.
Despite some uncertainty surrounding the make-up of the team, Henderson still believed they could be a threat.
“I think we can be one of the top teams. If I was to predict where we should finish, I certainly believe we should be in the top eight and if we have a bit of luck, we can be in the top four again,” he said.
“I think we have the roster to do it (win the premiership).
“If we have too many injuries, we may struggle … but if we stay fit we can give it a shake for sure.”
It’s expected the Falcons will be hard to beat at Sunshine Coast Stadium, where they will be bolstered by hometown fans.
“It’s always nice to play at home,” Henderson said.
“When you play at opposition grounds, they tend to be emptier, so it’s really nice to play at home, where the fans really get behind us. And it’s always a good day for sponsors and members.
“We had some really exciting games and good wins at home last year, and it was nice to repay the people who invest in us and support us.”
The stadium is due for a 20,000 capacity expansion by the end of 2026, with football fixtures to be contested there during the 2032 Olympics.
Henderson said the Falcons should relish playing at the venue in years to come.
“It’s a long way off but it’s a really exciting development for the Coast,” he said.
“I think it’s long overdue, a stadium like that, and if we get to play some home game there it will be a real bonus for us.”
The Falcons have had three pre-season games and they will start their 2023 campaign with a tough trip to Townsville on Saturday, March 11.
The club also boasts a women’s team, reserve grade team, under-20s team and youth teams that compete in Queensland competitions.
For more information on the Falcons and game days, see Sunshine Coast Falcons and Sunshine Coast Stadium.
