Rising stars: 100 players to watch in Harold Matthews, SG Ball Cups competitions in 2025
Elite rugby league talent is on show as the Harold Matthews and SG Ball Cups return. We look at 100 players who are ready to fire and put their name up in lights in this year’s competitions.
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The NSWRL Junior Reps season is officially here and the brightest future NRL prospects are on display.
The Harold Matthews (U17s boys) and SG Ball (U19s men) Cups serve as the premier rugby league underage competitions across Australia.
Talent will come from all parts of the state, as well as Melbourne and New Zealand, for their share of the spoils.
We take a look at the 100 young men who are set to make their mark in this year’s edition.
JUMP TO
HAROLD MATTHEWS CUP
Harrison Aoake (Balmain Tigers)
An outside back who hails from Newcastle, Aoake showed promising signs in his maiden Harold Matts campaign last year and the Wests junior looks primed to improve with a year of experience under his belt.
Isaac Perkins(Balmain Tigers)
Adds plenty of size and strength in the second row. Was in the NSW Waratahs U16s Academy and the Holy Cross Rhinos junior is another Tigers who will line up for season two at the U17s level.
Geordan Amaiu (Canberra Raiders)
A powerful force in the back-row who packs plenty of punch as he gears up for his second season of Harold Matts. backs up for another season. A South Tuggeranong product, he can also make a difference in the middle of the field.
Kye Anderson (Canberra Raiders)
A handy pick-up for the Raiders by way of the Illawarra Steelers, the Kiama junior gets his chance to repay the faith at fullback. Has all the attributes and was a star throughout the pre-season.
Viliami Siale (Canberra Raiders)
Has made the move from Griffith to Canberra and he is evidence they breed them tough in the country. Best suited in the centres, A speedy and powerful centre, he had a bit of experience last year in this grade on the wing.
Braith Sloane (Canterbury Bulldogs)
The City U16s representative and Condoblin junior is coming off a breakout season. Looks set to feature in the centres this year as he looks to take his constantly evolving game to another level.
Wesley Papalii-Afoa (Canterbury Bulldogs)
All teams need size and Papalii-Afoa has it in spades. The hulking winger featured for the side last year and showed why the club has faith in the local St Johns Eagles junior to do the job once again.
James Peni (Canterbury Bulldogs)
One of the new recruits for Canterbury, Peni comes down to the side from Redcliffe as a bottom-age player. Gets the chance to start the season on the wing and will make people take notice, standing at 6-foot.
Caleb and Joshua Fesolai (Central Coast Roosters)
The promising brothers are among the key faces to return for the Central Coast in the new season. Middle forward Caleb and outside back Joshua bring plenty of leadership to the side as well as their undeniable ability that makes them vital pieces for success.
Carter Mareko (Central Coast Roosters)
The halfback and captain of the Roosters in 2025, it’s plenty of responsibility but nothing Mareko cannot handle. Was a standout when playing up a year last season as a game manager who can break the line.
Cruz Parkin (Cronulla Sharks)
When the Sharks are attacking close to the line they’ll be looking for edge forward Parkin to be hitting gaps at speed. The Joeys junior is a big, strong runner of the ball who can also do a job in the middle.
Jamie Curran (Cronulla Sharks)
A front rower who stands tall and brings the aggression from the opening whistle, Curran comes from the Joeys nursery. Comes back for his second season after lining up for the City U16s.
Liam Challenor (Cronulla Sharks)
Has been named as captain and will call the shots as the starting halfback. Coming off a stellar season that saw him represent the City U16s and NSWCHS while firing for Endeavour Sports High.
Cooper Morrison (Illawarra Steelers)
A talented centre/fullback who has cemented his spot after an incredible pre-season. Morrison is a natural leader within the group and the standards he has set in the lead-up have helped the Steelers lift a gear.
Mason Andrews (Illawarra Steelers)
Andrews brings the right balance of size and mobility to the front row, backed up by an unmatched work ethic and a determination to put the team first in whatever he does. So valuable to the Steelers.
Taj Barrett (Illawarra Steelers)
Steps up in grade after lining up for the Illawarra South Coast Dragons and the second-rower gives every indication he will handle it with ease. Hits hard in defence and is a real leader in that sense.
Beau McKee (Manly Sea Eagles)
A big goalkicking second rower who can get across the stripe as well. The Harbord United junior was strong on an edge as the Sea Eagles had a resurgence in Harold Matts, and he can help continue that.
Callum Miskell (Manly Sea Eagles)
A big change in scenery for the young halfback who moves to Manly from Orange. Coming off a strong season of Johns Cup with the Western Rams, Miskell gets his chance in the spotlight.
Ashton Large (Manly Sea Eagles)
Not only did the Sea Eagles secure Onitoni, they also brought across younger brother Ashton Large for good measure. Has stood tall at every level he’s played at, including helping Wests to a Harold Matts grand final last year.
Malachai Taupau (Melbourne Storm)
Really set the tone last year by providing impact off the bench and will be a key locker room figure among the group. Plays in the front row and his defensive speed and leg drive makes him a key man for the Storm.
Jayden Matatumua (Melbourne Storm)
Steps up to the role as captain this season and will lead from the front as lock. Officials are impressed with his willingness to lead with both actions and words, as well as demanding high team standards.
Sefita Tauali’i (Melbourne Storm)
After a campaign on the wing in his first stint of Harold Matthews, Tauali’i moves closer to the action in the centres. His natural size will see him adapt early and his experience will be crucial out wide.
Cooper Townsend (Newcastle Knights)
Gets the nod as skipper for the side as a reward for his strong work during the pre-season as a hard-running lock-forward. Led the Western Rams in the Johns Cup last year and the Dubbo junior is as tough as they come.
Chase Butler (Newcastle Knights)
Made a great impression in the halves with Newcastle Maitland last year and that form saw him line up in the Country U16s team. Has set the standard for this season and the talented half can live up to it.
Ashton Allen (Newcastle Knights)
Front rowers with a year of experience at this level are worth their weight in gold and Allen fits the build. Runs at the line like a man on a mission, the Newcastle halves will have a field day playing off the back of him.
Tyson Hansen (New Zealand Warriors)
Is a returning face from their incredible grand final success last season and his development will take another big step forward with a largely new team around him. Has great control of the side at five-eighth.
Lucian Mikaele (New Zealand Warriors)
Will feel like he has unfinished business with this team after missing out on last year due to injury. A big front rower will be a man with a point to prove from the opening kick-off.
Jeremiah Lemana (New Zealand Warriors)
Played his role on the wing in last year’s premiership and now will step into the fullback position. Looks like he will be able to handle the rise in responsibility at the back.
George Peacock (North Sydney Bears)
Definitely not one of the biggest front rowers in the competition but defies a perceived lack of size with his strong carries, aggression and footwork that makes him an X-factor player in the middle.
Archie Morris (North Sydney Bears)
The captain of the Bears for the new season, Morris is no stranger to taking on a big challenge. Played up in U18s at club level last year with Lithgow and the lock can get through a mountain of work.
Hayden Moynihan (North Sydney Bears)
The young half got a taste of what the U17s rep comp is all about last year and was one of North Sydey’s best coming through the U16s Academy side. Gets first crack at halfback and will form an exciting partnership with Saxon Gaw.
Cyrus Bloomfield (Parramatta Eels)
There are some big opinions on this young gun who has been ultra impressive in his time with both the young Waratahs and Eels. An outside back with plenty of pace and has already represented the City U16s.
Talen Risati (Parramatta Eels)
Another Parramatta talent who has rugby union eyes on him is Risati. Already has a national honour to his name as an Australian U16s representative, the five-eighth looks a natural to continue his upwards trajectory.
Michael Nauer (Parramatta Eels)
A young gun from the Guildford Owls who was a standout among a strong Eels forward pack, ultimately seeing him claim a City U16s jersey. An exciting prospect for the club as a gun second rower.
Owen Knowles (Penrith Panthers)
In the backs, Penrith welcome Owen Knowles from the Central Coast Roosters. A product of Central Coast Sports College, the talented playmaker is set to pull the strings in the No. 7 jersey.
Talmage Brown (Penrith Panthers)
With City U16s rep Brown leading the charge upfront, Penrith should have no trouble getting on the front foot. Blessed with a big engine and loud voice, the St Dominic’s product is poised for a big year.
Leo-Stipe Latu (Penrith Panthers)
Latu comes back for his second season with the Panthers at this level. With a background in rugby union, the Patrician Brothers Blacktown backrower combines slick footwork with infectious desire.
Darcy Feltham (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Possesses genuine X-factor at the fullback role and is desperately what the Rabbitohs need. Was one of their standout players last season as an electric player who can slice through the line at will.
Clayton McGoon (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Steps up for his second season of Harold Matts after earning a shot on the wing. Big enough to handle the move a position inward in the centres and can make a big impact if given early ball.
Keone Anitelea Tsioussis (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Also featured in the rugby union system with the Waratahs, Tsioussis has been named as Rabbitohs captain for the new season. An absolute workhorse in the middle of the field and one who leads from the front.
Jasais Ah Kee (St George Dragons)
Returns from last season and will take plenty of benefit from a challenging campaign. Had some nice moments at five-eighth and has been given first opportunity to lock down the spot this year.
Christian Mardini (St George Dragons)
The Guildford Owls junior has been named as co-captain for the upcoming season and the young hooker will be vital in getting the Dragons on the front foot. A smart player.
Jayden Rawson (St George Dragons)
After playing most of the season on the wing in 2024, Rawson steps back into the St George side in the centres. This shapes as a great opportunity for him to show his ability and defensive skills.
Lachlan Metcalfe (Sydney Roosters)
Was outstanding for the Roosters after making the switch from Parramatta. The young halfback was named as the club’s best back in 2024 and with a season of this level already under his belt, he’s set to rise to a new level.
Jeziah Papa (Sydney Roosters)
Papa was a City U16s representative from last season and the halves partner of Metcalfe. Is set for a shift this season however, starting the season in the centres. Has enough size to suit his new role.
Triston Ross (Sydney Roosters)
Makes the move to the big smoke after impressing with the Western Rams last year in the Andrew Johns Cup. Shifts from five-eighth to fullback, but his willingness to get involved will see him fit there like a glove.
Siotame Havea (Wests Magpies)
A member of last season’s grand final side, Havea returns as captain and continues to impress officials. Starts at lock, has a great workrate and the All Saints junior and City U16s rep looks set for a huge season.
Jake Gaffney (Wests Magpies)
A front-rower with a massive engine, Jake Gaffney is a Country rep with the silky ball skills of a No. 13. Coming off an impressive pre-season, the coach expects him to make a significant impact throughout the season.
Kingston Finau (Wests Magpies)
Still a year young, Kingston Finau is a pocket rocket with the versatility of play anywhere in the back line or even hooker. A Narellan junior, the livewire keeps the older boys on their toes with his no nonsense approach to every session.
SG BALL CUP
Jared Haywood (Balmain Tigers)
Brings a level of maturity and footy knowledge well beyond his years. The hooker and team skipper is an Australian Schoolboys rep who has continued to flourish during the pre-season while training with the NSW Cup and NRL squads.
Marc Tannous (Balmain Tigers)
Concord-Burwood Wolves junior Tannous spent time training with the NRL squad throughout the summer months and will bring that experience back to this level. A good halfback who will benefit from a stronger squad.
Zeke Edmed (Balmain Tigers)
Coming off a stellar season for the Tigers in Harold Matthews where he was named the club’s Player of the Year and Players’ Player. Hard running middle forward who will relish the chance to play up in age.
Braydan (BJ) Darmody (Canberra Raiders)
Backing up for another year of U19s, the respected outside back is equally electric running the ball in the halves. Has been given the honour of captaining the team and forms a good halves partnership with Jamie Cowling.
Jayze Tuigamala (Canberra Raiders)
A former Endeavour Sports High student and Cronulla Sharks Harold Matts talent, Tuigamala went down with injury in his maiden Canberra season. A big body who can have an impact all across the forward pack.
Sam Hyne (Canberra Raiders)
A cult hero among the Raiders squad due to his likeable personality and uncompromising willingness to play the game 100 miles per hour, the reliable forward from country Queensland has already had a taste of Flegg footy.
Alex Conti (Canterbury Bulldogs)
Named as captain of the side and looks destined for further honours after spending the pre-season training with the Jersey Flegg side. Starred for the Bulldogs in his first year from Balmain and will only continue to grow.
Marcellus Iakopo (Canterbury Bulldogs)
Comes into the Bulldogs system from Penrith and shapes as an exciting new signing. Spent two years in Harold Matts with the Panthers and the big, strong centre won’t look out of place in the U19s.
Kaawyn Patterson (Canterbury Bulldogs)
Joins the Bulldogs on a three-year deal from the NZ Warriors where he was co-captain of their inaugural Harold Matthews premiership team. A workhorse hooker who will have a big impact.
Callum Grantham (Cronulla Sharks)
Rising playmaker Grantham has committed to the Sharks despite offers from the rival code. The Newington student was a class above in Harold Matts and his strong running game is once again expected to be a feature in his rise to U19s.
Alex Isdale (Cronulla Sharks)
The arrival of Isdale from the Wests Magpies offers variety in the halves. A scheming No.7, Isdale captained the Magpies to last year’s Harold Matts grand final. A natural leader and takes the line on.
Thomas Dellow (Cronulla Sharks)
An absolute workhorse as a lock-forward, the former Matts player was a standout for Endeavour Sports High in last season’s Peter Mulholland Cup grand final. Can rise to a new level.
Charlie Heidke (Illawarra Steelers)
Was struck down with injury for a majority of last season, and has been chomping at the bit during an impressive pre-season. Officials see him as a powerful centre who has risen through the local academy.
Kade Reed (Illawarra Steelers)
Spent the pre-season training with the NRL squad, such is the regard Reed is held upon within the club. A rising halfback who had injury concerns last year, a full year of health will see him shine.
Aaymon Fitzgibbon (Illawarra Steelers)
The son of Cronulla Sharks NRL coach Craig, Aaymon has made the most of limited opportunities in the SG Ball side as a year young player, and now steps into the starting five-eighth role.
Onitoni Large (Manly Sea Eagles)
One of the biggest signings in the off-season was the Sea Eagles managing to land rising Tigers star Onitoni Large. Was scouted by plenty of teams and the five-eighth will show why he is one of the best young talents in the game.
Beau Alexander (Manly Sea Eagles)
The Narraweena junior and son of former Panthers great Greg, Beau is easy to spot in his maroon headgear and silky skills. A halfback who is locked into the club and can shine next to Large.
Simione Laiafi (Manly Sea Eagles)
An absolutely towering front rower who boasts a sheer ability to run straight over the top of defenders. Looks set for bigger things in the future as evidenced with his strong showings for NSWCHS.
Phoenix Woods (Melbourne Storm)
Coming off the back of a strong season in the Harold Matts program, devastating front rower Woods will get the chance to lead from the front again. Exciting prospect of the future who will aim up against bigger forwards.
Jordan Hamlin (Melbourne Storm)
Joins the club from Tamworth and he’s a quiet achiever in the side. The five-eighth was crucial in helping the Northern Tigers claim the Daley Cup last season and appears to be a shrewd signing by the Storm.
Waka Hammond (Melbourne Storm)
Will have to wait to get his opportunity in the No. 7 jersey with Riley Brannock given first crack, but Hammond was one of Melbourne’s best in the U17s last year as a halfback that could do it all.
Jack Hilliar (Newcastle Knights)
Brings a typical country toughness to the front row stocks of the Knights as a no-nonsense player who does everything at full speed. The Cessnock prop also isn’t a stranger to getting across the line.
Sosaia Latu (Newcastle Knights)
The only outside back to return from last year’s team, Latu will play a key role as an experienced centre who will need to be a vital link. A strong player who will benefit in his second year of SG Ball.
Haami Loza (Newcastle Knights)
Was able to shine with some gun players around him last year. The challenge with a new-look backline will be for him to be the dominant voice, but from what he has shown he can rise to the occasion.
Jack Thompson (New Zealand Warriors)
Proved to be a classy mid-season signing for the Warriors in Harold Matthews Cup last year, helping the side to a title. Will be knocking on the door for an opportunity to showcase his skills against older players.
Joseph Ratcliffe (New Zealand Warriors)
An electric fullback who can kick goals as well, Ratcliffe looked every bit the star on the rise as he improved in every game in the U17s title win. Has some good older players in front of him but will fire if he plays.
Kairus Booth-Hill (New Zealand Warriors)
A winger who is also handy with the boot, but best known for his finishing ability. Looks to have an element of class as he progresses through the grades.
Tainyn Clarken (North Sydney Bears)
A new face at the North Sydney club by the way of the Gold Coast. A fullback who was looking for an opportunity in the elite competition and he’s keen to show he belongs at this level.
Brandon Navarro (North Sydney Bears)
Into his second year with the U19s and Navarro will be determined to help turn the fortunes of North Sydney around. An exciting halfback who can play off the cuff when needed.
Aiden Crowley (North Sydney Bears)
Rises from the Harold Matts side into SG Ball and you won’t be able to miss him. Standing at over 6-foot tall, Crowley has been described as a silent assassin who has been outperforming expectations.
Ryda Talagi (Parramatta Eels)
Despite the defection of older brother Blaize to the Panthers, Ryda remains committed to the blue and gold. A big front rower who carries the ball strongly and was crowned the club’s best U17s forward last season.
Lachlan Coinakis (Parramatta Eels)
An Australian Schoolboys representative hooker who has shown plenty of promise coming through the grades. Brings an incredible footy IQ to the side and his pace around the ruck is an asset for the blue and gold.
Lorima Rokosuka (Parramatta Eels)
Rises from a Harold Matts campaign and was an exciting player in that side as a high-flying winger. Provides a great target for his halves to kick to and is a noted finisher that will flirt with top tryscoring honours.
Cameron Bamblett (Parramatta Eels)
Was snapped up by the Eels from their western rivals Penrith. Showed a lot of good signs at five-eighth during the Harold Matts season last year and he can shine around a gun roster at Parramatta.
Kye Raven (Penrith Panthers)
A regular in the pathways program, Raven returns for another season of SG Ball. A lock with all the skills, the Brothers junior brings an infectious work ethic and never-say-die attitude to the Panthers.
Heinz Lemoto (Penrith Panthers)
The younger brother of Jersey Flegg (U21) bound Hokafonu, continues to make his own name. A punishing backrower, the former Harold Matts player of the year has also represented Australia U18s in rugby union.
Tyson Sanglang (Penrith Panthers)
A high-profile recruit from Parramatta who will slot into the back-row. An Australian Schoolboys representative who is coming off a belter of a Peter Mulholland Cup campaign, he’s earmarked for higher honours.
Harrison Rooke (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Brings the perfect mix of controlled aggression and ability for the Rabbitohs as a hard-running forward, best suited at lock. A local La Perouse junior, he’s a vocal and action-first leader in the group.
Taj Alvarez (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Was a clear standout for the Rabbitohs during a strong trial period that saw them take a few big scalps. The Terrigal junior won the battle for the five-eighth spot and will form a dynamic partnership with Matthew Humphries.
Charlie Poynton (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Is being scouted by rugby union and has featured in a number of junior Waratahs teams over the course of his young career. A speedy winger who has looked good when given room to move.
Cooper Hale (St George Dragons)
Makes the transition from Penrith to St George and is a centre of size destined for bigger things. Trained with Jersey Flegg in the pre-season and his tough carries and defence are impressing officials.
Lewis Sargent-Wilson (St George Dragons)
A product of sporting powerhouse Endeavour Sports High, Sargent-Wilson has spent time with Jersey Flegg and been rewarded with the captaincy. The halfback is a true leader who is finding his voice.
Charlie Boyle (St George Dragons)
A new face at the club after making his way down south from Manly. Trained the house down during the pre-season, a half comes across from Manly and he’s trained the house down. A talented half with a good kicking game and isn’t scared of the physical stuff.
Toby Rodwell (Sydney Roosters)
Steps into the NRL’s top 30 on a four-year deal with the club. He was a major part of their unbeaten regular season last year and will again be a standout if he is given time in this grade this season.
Rex Bassingthwaighte (Sydney Roosters)
The Dubbo prospect made a lot of people take note with his blistering speed when playing fullback during the Harold Matts season. Makes the step up to U19s and will start the season at the back.
Jaxson Allen (Sydney Roosters)
With another big forward pack set to line up, Jaxson Allen will be crucial at hooker to getting them on the front foot. Has been given the task of captaining the side, a role that looks suited to the talented hooker.
Jack Nicholas (Wests Magpies)
A formidable force out wide. Big and strong, the outside back is a danger at either end of the field and last season proved a smash hit for Patrician Brothers Blacktown in the Peter Mulholland Cup.
Denzel Schaafhausen-Mino (Wests Magpies)
Schaafhausen-Mino is a former skipper of Westfields Sports High and rejoins the squad and after an off-season with the Flegg squad. Gets through a mountain of work in the middle and has been named captain.
Phoenix Godinet (Wests Magpies)
Godinet is a schoolboy sensation who has already caught the eye of talent scouts around the country. A tearaway on the edge, officials believe he can make a big impact with the rise to SG Ball.
Heamasi Maksini (Wests Magpies)
The Wests Tigers were desperate to fend off the approaches from rugby union to keep him in league, and it’s not hard to see why. A classy centre who has so many strings to his bow. Elite-level talent.
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