The Northern Territory juniors on rugby scholarships in 2024
A growing group of the Territory’s junior rugby talent has been given a chance to play interstate. See the juniors pushing for their dream at interstate rugby schools in 2024.
Northern Territory
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NT Rugby young guns have been given more chances to show their stuff in 2024 with plenty earning scholarships in the southern states.
The amount of juniors with scholarships has increased in the past year, with many of those getting their chance in 2023 still pursuing their dreams interstate.
It comes off the back of a major focus on pathways for junior players in Darwin, who while separated from the big leagues by distance have proven themselves potential stars of the future.
Pathways and Participation Manager Paul Healy said it was great to see so many Territory juniors getting their chance to play in the southern states.
“Many of them have ventured to the Southern States for opportunities, aiming to enhance not only their sporting skills but, more importantly, to receive a quality education,” he said.
“As well as these players there are many more who are now playing down south or elsewhere, reflecting the accomplishments of the NTRU’S most recent programs.
“It’s important to emphasise our continued focus on providing opportunities and developing all players in the NT, while maintaining connections with our eligible NT players interstate.”
NT Rugby Union ran a four-week development program heading into the Darwin Rugby finals to further refresh and develop the talent still in the NT.
The sessions were a success that Healy said attracted an average of 65 players, both boys and girls, with a notable percentage being new faces across various age groups.
Ipswich Grammer School – Qld
Anaru Morgan (South Darwin)
Morgan is well known for being a strong and tough player, who slots in perfectly as an extremely fit midfielder.
Jerome Garling (Casuarina Cougars)
A strong outside back who has great speed and elite footwork, enough to take any opposition defender by surprise. He previously represented the NT Warriors in league at the 2021 Murri Carnival.
Jias Mick (Casuarina Cougars)
Mick is in his second year away at Ipswich Grammar. He’s a fast and tough outside back who competes hard in every part of the game. Started his rugby journey in 2021 and quickly impressed.
Lance Po-Ching (Casuarina Cougars)
Another Territory prospect in his second year at Ipswich after proving a dominant player in his position at age group level. Po-Ching is a forward who has a good work ethic and skills and is looking to play in the first XV this year.
Noah Po-Ching (Casuarina Cougars)
A skilful backline player who knows how to organise his squad and leads by example. Was named captain of the NT under-14s representative side in 2023 and will be keen to push on further from that experience.
Toowoomba Grammar - Qld
Cale Maurice (Swampdogs)
Maurice was a known talent early on when he was named captain of the NT under 14s squad in 2021 and went on to Toowoomba Grammar the following year. He quickly established himself becoming a first XV player in 2023 and earning selection in the under-16s SEQ Emerging Reds Cup team.
Bodhi Bohme (Darwin Dragons)
An outstanding, athletic outside back who coaches regard highly for his hard work and attentiveness. Was previously selected as NT vice-captain and was rewarded with Queensland junior rep selection in later 2023.
Fraser Brown (McKillop Rugby)
Brown is a big front rower with silky skills not common for a junior of his size. He is a well-regarded NT rugby leader in junior sides and often looked to for that reason.
Al Ferguson (Casuarina Cougars)
Ferguson is another Cougars junior to get their opportunity interstate. He is a strong outside back with good speed, and represented the NT under-16s in 2023.
Tautua Reea (Palmerston Crocs)
Reea is a real success story, a big kid who has worked extremely hard to get match fit and achieve his goals. An outstanding prop forward in his age group with excellent skills and work ethic.
Downlands College - Qld
Jake Stephens (University Pirates / Swampdogs)
Stephens has become a highly rated player for at Downlands and has made consistent appearances for the 1st XV. He always leads by example and leaves everything on the field. Joined Cale Maurice on a winning return to the Swampdogs under-17s side.
Sonny Yates (Darwin Dragons)
Yates is a New Zealand born talent who lived in Darwin for nine years playing his code before securing a scholarship to Downlands college in 2023. He’s a skilful playmaker who has an strong overall understanding of the game.
Damien Seubert (Darwin Dragons)
Seubert is a fast outside back from the Darwin Dragons who has plenty of pace to put to use. He’s a player who’s all willing to learn and improve.
TSS - QLD
Jack Kerr (Swampdogs Rugby)
Kerr is a strong prop forward who does the hard work his role demands. He has an appreciation for the game and has an excellent work ethic.
Nudgee College - Qld
Oliver Ledek (Darwin Dragons)
Ledek is a strong ball runner and defender who impressed in the Darwin rugby junior ranks since he started playing in the under eights. He applied to join Nudgee College in 2022 and was accepted into Australia’s leading school rugby nursey.
Harry O’Hare (Swampdogs)
O’Hare has become known for his big, strong runs with the ball at Swampdogs. And as good as he is on the offence with ball in hand, he’s just as able when he’s defending.
Melbourne Grammar School – Vic
Elijah Batty (Casuarina Cougars)
A talented and agile back who can play any position in the backline if needed. Batty brings both speed and toughness to the ground.
Marist Brothers College - Qld
Oliver Liddicoat and Couper Liddicoat (Palmerston Crocs)
The twin brothers from Palmerston complement one another perfectly. The skilful inside backs have a great understanding of the game considering their age.
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Originally published as The Northern Territory juniors on rugby scholarships in 2024
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