The Western Clydesdales are thrilled to announce the latest additions to their Hostplus Cup squad, as they gear up for an exciting season ahead. The Clydesdales have strengthened in 2024 with the retention of talented local juniors and the bulk of our 2023 squad, and these seven exceptional players are set to add significant depth and talent to the Hostplus Cup squad.
Let's take a closer look at each of these exciting acquisitions.
Emry Pere:
Emry Pere was born in New Zealand but has called Australia home since he was 9 years old. The 25-year-old is a 193cm Prop who has played 82 Hostplus Cup matches across his career. He made his National Under 20s debut in 2016 with the North Queensland Cowboys and also played for the Queensland U18 side that same year. 2017 saw Emry represent the New Zealand with the Junior Kiwis. He was elevated to the Cowboys NRL side in 2018 playing with the Northern Pride and then the Mackay Cutters in 2019. Pere made his NRL debut in 2020 against the Gold Coast. Pere joined the Burleigh Bears in 2023 playing 13 matches including the Hostplus Grand Final against the Brisbane Tigers. He has signed a 3-year contract with the Western Clydesdales.
Denzel Burns:
Toowoomba-born Denzel Burns gets his chance to pull on a long-desired Clydesdales jersey in the Hostplus competition. A 41 match veteran of the Hostplus Cup, Denzel possesses incredible speed and elusiveness that will add a spark to the 2024 backline. A fullback or centre, Denzel will provide a strong tryscoring options to the squad.
Tahj Amone:
Tahj joins the Western Clydesdales from the Melbourne Storm Jersey Flegg program. Good young middle edge looking for opportunity. Possessing a high work rate, this youngster will bring a world of experience to the squad from the professional environment.
Taniela Otukolo:
This Tongan-born 21-year-old has played 9 NRL matches for the New Zealand Warriors and represented Tonga in 2022. Released from the Warriors in January 2023, Taniela is looking for the opportunity to get back to the NRL one day soon. The versatile player can also play 13 and will be an valuable player for the 2024 Western Clydesdales. He has 6 games previous experience at this level having played for the Redcliffe Dolphins before heading to the Warriors.
Mitchell Leard-Lamont:
This young Prop comes to the Western Clydesdales after debuting in the Hostplus Cup in 2023 with the Central Queensland Capras. Leard-Lamont has been signed by our NRL affiliate, the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and will spend the 2024 season with the Western Clydesdales. Young and dynamic with strength that has impressed those in the game that know.
Luke Jurd:
The 25-year-old halfback joins the Club after 3 appearances for the Sunshine Coast Falcons in 2023. Jurd has the a strong kicking game and the proven ability to steer a team around the paddock. He has played 20 QCup matches starting his career with Tweed Seagulls in 2019.
Tareq Parter:
A quick and smart-thinking halfback, Tareq grew up in North Queensland with a dream of being Johnathan Thurston. Tareq spent time with the Townsville Blackhawks Colts with 2023 Clydesdale, Jordan Lipp. 2023 saw Tareq try his hand at rugby union spending time at the ACT Brumbies and with the First Nations squad. Parter is an asset with an exceptional kicking game.
The Western Clydesdales' Hostplus Cup squad is poised for an exceptional season with the addition of these seven talented players. As the team continues its journey to success in the Hostplus Cup, the Clydesdales' fans can look forward to an exciting and competitive campaign.
With a strong mix of experience, skill, and versatility, the Clydesdales are primed to make their mark in the rugby league world. Stay tuned for more updates and action-packed matches as the Clydesdales embark on their journey with these seven incredible recruits.