Team of the Year 2024: Backrow

Author: crrl.com.au
Timestamp: Wed 30 Oct 2024, 01:46 PM

Congratulations to the Josh Ayers and Jesse Dent of the Queanbeyan Kangaroos for their selection in the backrow of the 2024 Canberra Raiders Cup Team of the Year.

#11 - Josh Ayers (Queanbeyan Kangaroos)

Josh Ayers had an exceptional season in his two-decade long first grade career.

He kicked off the year with a standout Monaro Colts Country Championship campaign, which earned him a spot in the NSW Country team to face City.

Ayers was recognised for his Country Championships performance at the NSWRL Brad Fittler Medal ceremony, where he was named the Men’s Country Championship Player of the Year.

He reached the rare milestone of 300 first grade games, before putting the cherry on top with a premiership, the final piece to his rugby league puzzle.

In his long career, a first-grade premiership had eluded him, until he finally secured one with the Kangaroos this year, where he earned the Bradley Clyde Medal as Player of the Match.

On top of all that, Ayers coached his daughter’s U13 team to a premiership, adding to his list of achievements in 2024.

He was a key addition to the Roos, providing leadership and experience to help guide the team to back-to-back premierships.

A handy player in attack, Ayers picked up 10 tries in 16 games, while showcasing his grit in defence every week.

The CRRL was thrilled to have Ayers back in the Canberra Raiders Cup after his stint in Group 9, and it has been great to see him achieve such significant milestones and accolades.

#12 - Jesse Dent (Queanbeyan Kangaroos)

Ayers’ partner in crime, Jesse Dent, had another stellar season, earning back-to-back Team of the Year honours.

As a consistent top performer in a talent-filled side, Dent regularly featured in our Team of the Week.

He’s the epitome of a workhorse, delivering quality performances each week with his powerful running game and strong defensive efforts.

Dent’s leg drive in contact consistently gains valuable metres, and his ability to break defensive lines saw him score 11 tries in 15 games, ranking him sixth in the competition.

A loyal clubman for the Queanbeyan Kangaroos since U6’s, Dent’s dedication to the club has paid off, lifting the Canberra Raiders Cup in back-to-back seasons.

Dent also had representative honours, playing for the Monaro Colts in the Men’s Country Championship.

The edge backrow combination of Ayers and Dent was a point of difference for the Roos all season and is the perfect pairing for the Team of the Year.