Team of the Year 2024: Bench

Author: crrl.com.au
Timestamp: Fri 1 Nov 2024, 02:59 PM

Congratulations to Lachlan Bristow (Queanbeyan Kangaroos), Allan Wratten (Queanbeyan Blues), Taylor Withington (West Belconnen Warriors), Tyson Greenwood (Goulburn City Bulldogs), and Mo Tiotala (Gungahlin Bulls), for their selection on the bench in the 2024 Canberra Raiders Cup Team of the Year.

#14 - Lachlan Bristow (Queanbeyan Kangaroos)

Fresh off premiership success in the French Elite 2 competition, Bristow joined the Queanbeyan Kangaroos midway through the season and made immediate impact.

Despite being a natural hooker, he seamlessly slotted into the five-eighth role, highlighting his versatility in ball-playing positions.

When starting hooker Lachlan Ingram took a spell, Bristow often stepped in, showcasing his elite ability in the dummy half role with elusive and strong ball-running.

His big game experience shone in the finals, scoring great individual tries coming out of dummy half in both the major semi and Grand Final, picking up a total of six tries in 10 games.

Bristow’s influence was key to the Roos’ strong finish to the season, securing back-to-back minor and major premierships.

His versatility across spine positions makes him the ideal 14 in the Team of the Year.

#15 - Allan Wratten (Queanbeyan Blues)

Switching codes to join the Queanbeyan Blues in 2024 alongside his union teammate Dylan McLachlan, Allan Wratten made a seamless transition to rugby league.

Part of the Blues’ major off-season recruitment, Wratten was part of one of the competition’s most dominant forward packs.

Known for his powerful ball-running, he wreaked havoc on opposition defences each week while also displaying textbook tackle technique.

His contribution was vital to the Blues’ remarkable turnaround, going from a seventh-place finish in 2023 to a Grand Final appearance this year.

Wratten consistently made an impact in a team stacked with talent, which saw him feature in the Team of the Week frequently, and now his spot in the Team of the Year.

#16 - Taylor Withington (West Belconnen Warriors)

Taylor Withington had an impressive debut season in the Canberra region after moving from Byron Bay.

Signed by the Raiders as a junior representative, the 19-year-old lock played eight games in the SG Ball competition before he quickly established himself in the West Belconnen Warriors’ first-grade team.

Despite a disrupted Canberra Raiders Cup season due to Raiders commitments and injuries, he was a standout performer in his nine appearances, scoring two tries.

His efforts earned praise from captain-coach Ryan McQueen, who regularly named Withington to feature in the Team of the Week.

He also made his Jersey Flegg debut mid-way through the year, and the CRRL is excited to see his continued development.

#17 - Tyson Greenwood (Goulburn City Bulldogs)

With the early-season blow of captain-coach Mitch Cornish’s season ending injury, Tyson Greenwood stepped up as skipper for Goulburn.

Greenwood embraced the leadership role, leading by example with his powerful ball-running and relentless effort.

His low centre of gravity and leg drive in contact made him difficult to bring down, gaining metres with every hit-up.

He was particularly good to watch charging off the back fence from the kick off, scattering defenders.

As Goulburn’s most consistent performer, Greenwood regularly featured in the Team of the Week, earning him a well-deserved spot in the 2024 Team of the Year.

#18 - Mo Tiotala (Gungahlin Bulls)

Mo Tiotala made an immediate impact in his debut season in the Canberra Raiders Cup, moving from Queensland after signing as a junior representative for the Raiders.

A powerful ball-running second-rower, Tiotala scored four tries in 10 games for the Bulls and consistently proved a threat near the line.

His standout performances in the SG Ball competition saw him score four tries in his seven appearances, and at just 18 years of age, Tiotala made his Jersey Flegg debut during the season.

Tiotala regularly featured in our Team of the Week, earning him a spot as the 18th man in the Team of the Year.

A promising young prospect, Tiotala has a future ahead of him, and the CRRL is excited to follow his journey.