Mareeba prop a standout in trial

CDRL MAREEBA metre-eater Ben Cocciolone has picked up right where he left off last season.

The Gladiators’ star prop caught the eye of Cairns’ Foley Shield coach, Ben Rauter, with a barnstorming performance in last weekend’s pre-season trial match against the Pride.

With plenty of spots up for grabs in the Cairns Foley Shield team, Rauter said Cocciolone (right) could force his way into the side by the time the tournament rolled around in May.

“We picked a younger side for the trial and Benny in particular really took the opportunity to go up against the tougher opposition,” said Rauter.

“He was a standout and took home our man of the match on the night.”

Rauter said the trial presented the opportunity to “test the waters” with Cairns’ fringe representative players.

“Their names were passed on by their CDRL coaches and clubs as potential rep players for us to have a closer look at,” said Rauter.

“A lot of them have now put themselves forward for selection in the squad come May,” he said.

“It keeps the seniors guys on their toes – they will need to play well if they want to make the team.”

Cocciolone was brought to Mareeba from Townsville Brothers in 2016 by former coach Josh Stowers.

The 20-year-old previously played representative football for Townsville Stingers in the Mal Meninga Cup under-18s tournament in 2015.

Cocciolone was named Mareeba Gladiators’ best and fairest player in 2016 and the club’s best forward in 2018.

Prior to the 2018 season, Cocciolone was one of 11 CDRL players to earn a trainand-trial contract with the Northern Pride.