Harold Matthews Cup 2021: The young stars already on a path to being NRL stars
From NRL Schoolboy Cup stars to rugby union prodigies, these are the kids to watch in this year’s Harold Matthews (under 17s) Cup.
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A big bopper from the Illawarra Steelers, an electrifying cross-code fullback from Cronulla, a 16-year-old Penrith hooker who is already training with the NRL squad and a Canterbury half with composure beyond his years.
These are just some of the best youngsters on a path to NRL stardom about to do battle in the coveted Harold Matthews Cup (Under 17s) competition which kicks off on Saturday.
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Iverson Matai (Canterbury Bulldogs)
A halfback whose performances for Endeavour Sports High School earned him a spot in last year’s NSW NRL Schoolboy Cup Team of the Year .For a 16-year-old, Matai shows great composure under pressure and makes things happen. The Bulldogs believe Matai is well on track to progress right through the ranks.
Siteni Taukamo (Cronulla Sharks)
Goal-kicking fullback with exceptional speed and match awareness. The Sharks beat multiple NRL clubs and interest from rugby union to sign Taukamo until the 2024 season. Attends rugby union powerhouse Newington College and last year trained with the First XV squad as a 15-year-old. Selected in the 2019 Australian Schoolboy merit team and the 2019 NSW Waratahs U15 Gen Blue Program. Taukamo might miss round one with an injury, but Cronulla expect the No.1 to be ready for round two.
Isaiya Katoa (Penrith Panthers)
The 16-year-old brother of Bulldogs hooker Sione Katoa. An exceptionally versatile player who has been training with the Panthers’ NRL squad one day per week this year. Starred for NSWCCC in the 2019 Australian Secondary School 15 Years National Championships and led Patrician Brothers Blacktown to take out last year’s NSW NRL Schoolboy Cup. Katoa will play both Harold Matts for Penrith and rugby union for Barker College this season. As a result, the teenager might only end up playing a handful of games for the Panthers. Regardless, the club is tracking the halfback and “born leader” as a player for the future.
Jesse McLean (Penrith Panthers)
Another Panther who will be juggling rugby league and union in 2021. Newington College student Jesse McLean also spent time around Penrith’s NRL squad this summer. An old head on young shoulders, the 16-year-old is known for his strong communication and power on the field. A capable fullback and centre, the Panthers are keen to keep McLean around.
Michael Abdow (Sydney Roosters)
Named player of the Tournament in the 2019 Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League Championship (15 Years). The second rower will skipper the Chooks’ Harold Matts side. A local kid who the Roosters are determined to keep in their system.
JC Ngarima (Illawarra Steelers)
A big bopper who is quickly working out how to use his impressive size. Steelers coaches estimate that the teenager is already 180cm tall and weighs over 100kg. Ngarima signed a four-year contract with the Dragons after a stellar 2019 season with the Canberra Raiders’ Harold Matts side. That same year, he was part of the NSWCCC team that took out the Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League Championships. Illawarra expect the edge back rower to add serious impact.
Solomone Saukuru (Western Suburbs Magpies)
A massive body with exceptional agility and skill. You’ll usually find him in the front row, but last year the 16-year-old had impressive stints at fullback, wing and centre for Westfields Sports High School. Already, Saukuru has exceptional balance. He’s worked out how to take contact - and not let it stop him.
Saxon Pryke (Parramatta Eels)
The words “relentless” and “tough” spring to mind. A Rouse Hill junior who has missed out - only just - over the last two years. But Pryke wasn’t phased. The youngster has worked so hard that Parramatta had no choice but to bring him into their Harold Matts side. So far, the club has been impressed by the back rower’s energy and willingness to do whatever he is asked.
Tony Sukkar (Balmain Tigers)
Local backrower who runs similar lines to retired Tiger Chris Lawrence. He’s different in size and shape to Lawrence, but the Tigers coaches believe there’s a touch of “Rowdy” about this kid. Will co-captain Balmain’s Harold Matts side. On the field, Sukkar has a large presence, attracts a lot of attention and leads from the front. Off the field, he’s a quiet and humble character.
Charlie Guymer (Parramatta Eels)
Will captain the Eels’ Harold Matts side. Played five-eighth last year but is settling nicely into the centres. A country kid from Temora who currently boards at St Gregory’s College, Campbeltown. Shone for St Gregs in last year’s NRL Schoolboy Cup and his exceptional attitude off the field earned him a nomination for the NRL Schoolboy Cup Academic High Performers.
Nicholas Tsougranis (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Local junior from Arncliffe Scots who has taken his footy to another level this pre-season. Runs hard, tackles hard. Leads the way with fitness, attitude and the first to volunteer for extras. Has developed his passing and kicking game over the last 12 months. Tsougranis will vice-captain the Dragons’ Harold Matts side.
Kit Laulili’i (Western Suburbs Magpies)
A Liverpool junior who attends rugby league juggernaut Westfields Sports High School. Teachers gave Wests a good wrap on Laulili’i. Since arriving at the club, he’s wasted no time in establishing himself as a leader. Exceptionally mature for a 16-year-old, can hold a conversation with anyone, gives more than a “yeah” or a “nah.” Wests are expecting big things from
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