Junior State Cup: Rockhampton’s best players in U14 grand final wins

Rockhampton scored an under-14 clean sweep in the Junior State Cup played on home soil. Meet the teens who starred for the boys and girls teams.

Rockhampton took out the under-14 double at the 2025 Junior State Cup.

It was a case of third time lucky for coach Bailey Assay at this year’s Junior State Cup.

The Australian touch representative guided the Rockhampton under-14 boys to a memorable victory on home soil in Saturday’s grand final.

It was his third year in the role, with the team finishing second in 2023 and being knocked out at the quarter final stage last year.

Just as it was for his players, Assay said it was exciting and satisfying to get the job done.

The boys had to work for it though, holding off a fast-finishing Palm Beach to score a 5-4 win in the decider.

Rockhampton won the under-14 boys division at the 2025 Junior State Cup.

More than 250 teams contested divisions from under-10 to under-18 at the three-day carnival, with honours shared across eight associations.

Rockhampton scored a deserved double in the under-14 division, with the girls winning 4-3 in a drop-off against the Gold Coast.

Assay won a few JSC titles of his own as a player and said it felt pretty good to get one as a coach, even though he found it a little challenging watching on from the sideline.

“I’d say it’s more stressful and more nerve-racking being a coach than a player because you can’t really control what’s happening out there,” he said.

“Most of the boys in this team played together and won as under-12s so it’s their second win in three years, which is pretty cool.

“They have a real connection on and off the field and when they click, they’re a really talented team.”

See who starred for the winning teams.

Under-14 boys

Geordie Wakeman (middle)

The victorious Rockhampton under-14 boys coach Bailey Assay with captain Geordie Wakeman.

Team captain and Player of the Final, setting up three tries in the team’s victory. Talent to burn and a calming influence on the field. A natural leader who lets his actions do the talking.

Ronan Ramsay (link)

Tall and lightning fast, he plays eyes-up footy, always searching for opportunities to attack. Provides great flow for his team up and down the park.

Finn Wyatt (wing)

A talented sprinter who uses his speed to great advantage. Went scooting down the sideline to score a brilliant individual try in the final. A good communicator who reads the game well. Division’s top try-scorer with 13.

Nate Turner (link)

Does things on the field that inspire his teammates. Consistent all carnival. Cool under pressure, he’s agile and elusive. Controls the ball well and throws a great pass.

Rocco Hansen (middle)

Small in stature but with the heart of a lion. Always gives 110 percent. Great footwork and controls the tempo of the game well. Scored the opening two tries in the grand final victory.

Under-14 girls

Heidi Keen (link)

A consistent performer who is always reliable. A smart player who is quick off the mark. Was the leading try-scorer in the division with 12.

Rockhampton under-14 girls touch player Maddi Johns with coach Tahlia Shuker.

Maddi Johns (middle)

Has speed to burn and great ball skills. An awesome defender who has all the attributes to be able to make it to the elite level of the sport.

Evelyn McIntyre (middle)

A workhorse who runs really hard. A great team player who has improved dramatically over the past 12 months to the point where she was named a shadow for the Queensland under-15s.

Sienna Harmsworth (middle)

Smart quick learning player who defensively gives everything. The ultimate team player.

Sunni Chopping (middle)

Dangerous attacker and a great defender. She can make something out of nothing. Has a bright future in the sport.