This year, the Central Queensland Capras have been 'getting the band back together' and out in front leading the way are 2022 season coach Lionel Harbin and forward Jamie Hill.
They’re not quite 'new' Capras, but are instead part of the comeback tour, having been involved with the club before.
Harbin has filled several roles at the Capras previously and is now head coach, while Hill has return to Central Queensland after playing for the Capras in 2018 and 2019 before taking a slight detour to Tweed and the Sunshine Coast.
“Lionel was pivotal to me coming back to the Capras,” Hill (main image) said.
“My dad was coaching a team on the Sunshine Coast, so I had a run with them last year and then Lionel got the head role.
“I rang him up and we were keen to get back to the Capras."
The thing that excites Hill the most one game into 2022 campaign is the his side's new resolve to be team that other teams fear.
“I want to be known as a team that takes you deep into the game, no more 60-minute efforts or honourable losses," Hill said.
“We can play finals.
“Our depth is the other thing that makes me really happy.”
The Capras started Round 1 with a great comeback win after being down 16-6 to Souths Logan Magpies. Things may have looked bleak early, but not for the 2022 Capras.
They came back to win 24-22 and start the season with a win away from home, which is something resilient teams do.
Match: Magpies v Capras
Round 1 -
home Team
Magpies
8th Position
away Team
Capras
7th Position
Venue: Davies Park, Brisbane
“In the middle, I think Bailey Butler and Tyler Szepanowski will really impress people this season, they were great against Souths.”
The Capras backed up that performance with a victory in Round 2, pleasing their home crowd with a 26-16 victory against PNG Hunters.
Match: Capras v Hunters
Round 2 -
home Team
Capras
1st Position
away Team
Hunters
10th Position
Venue: Browne Park, Rockhampton
In his time with the Capras in the past, Harbin has filled in at many roles, including interim coach, player and coach of the under 21 side.
Now, he now is the head coach of the Hostplus Cup team and has plenty of belief in his players.
“We have spoken all summer about the team we want to be; we want teams to know they’re coming here for a tough game,” Harbin said.
“It’s about being resilient and I think we showed that on the weekend against Souths.
“It’s about our players being another 12 months older and having another year of experience and that’s a great thing.
“They’ve gained different experience in different situations and Sunday was another one; down 16-6 with Souths and Ezra Mam (playing well), how are we going to counter this?”
The positive vibe out of Central Queensland is palpable.
Habrin was confident young forward and new signing Zev John would also make an impact on the field in 2022.
“Zev has joined us from Redcliffe where he played three games and he has joined us this season.
“He’s going to be a real impact player for us off the bench."
John played 20 minutes in his first game for the Capras and ripped in for the Capras. The young Kumuls player went the only way he knows how to, making 76 metres from his hit ups and bending the Magpies back.
Another new signing this year comes with plenty of experience, with outside back Jonus Pearson - who has spent time in the NRL with St George Illawarra, Brisbane Broncos and the Gold Coast Titans - joining the squad.
This year Capras have new - and familiar - players and a new - but familiar - head coach, but it might just be the new resilient and positive attitude that people are talking about when the 2022 season draws to a close.
Central Queensland Capras gains and losses
Gains: Jonus Pearson (Burleigh Bears - Gold Coast Titans), Zev John (Redcliffe Dolphins), Alan White, Jamie Hill, Harrison Leonard, Brandon Clarke, Jack White, Curtis Dansey Smaller (Burleigh Bears)
Losses: Jake Maizen (Sunshine Coast Falcons), Jack Gibbons (Sunshine Coast Falcons), Michael Naseri (Ipswich Jets), Caleb Daunt (Wynnum Manly Seagulls), Nathan Bassani, Joel Brown, Elliott Vincent, Jyde Dwyer, Sione Veukiso (released)
Other Hostplus Cup club gains and losses
PNG Hunters: Cup gains and losses for 2022
Wynnum Manly Seagulls: Cup gains and losses for 2022
Brisbane Tigers: Cup gains and losses for 2022
Burleigh Bears: Cup gains and losses for 2022
Norths Devils: Cup gains and losses for 2022
Redcliffe Dolphins: Cup gains and losses for 2022
Sunshine Coast Falcons: Cup gains and losses for 2022
Souths Logan Magpies: Cup gains and losses for 2022
Townsville Blackhawks: Cup gains and losses for 2022
Tweed Seagulls: Cup gains and losses for 2022
Ipswich Jets: Cup gains and losses for 2022
Mackay Cutters: Cup gains and losses for 2022
Northern Pride: Cup gains and losses for 2022
*Submissions made by clubs and correct at time of publication.
