Schoolboy rugby league stars set to make mark in Dolphins Cup
From flying fullbacks to rampaging forwards, we reveal the players you need to watch in the Dolphins Cup. Find out who cracked the list from your school here.
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The region’s leading schoolboys rugby league players are limbering up with the Dolphins Cup competition to kick-off on June 3.
Bundaberg’s Shalom College will host reigning champions St Brendan’s while Emmaus College and The Cathedral College will clash in Round 1.
This publication and all News Corp Australia digital mastheads will again be your home of NRL National Schoolboy and Schoolgirl Cup rugby league competitions.
All games will be exclusively live streamed on Kommunity TV.
We take a look at the players who will have a big say on this year’s results.
ST BRENDAN’S COLLEGE
Jay Marsh
Spent 2024 in the centres in the Dolphins Cup winning team as a Year 10 student but will play a more familiar role in 2025 back in the middle of the field. Fresh off a stellar game for the Queensland Country under-17s, he has recently signed a long-term deal with the Dolphins NRL club. Will be a threat in both attack and defence this season.
Kobe Oberhardt
Younger brother of Jake from the 2024 First XIII squad, he brings a different skill set to the table. A fast-thinking fullback who has an uncanny knack of beating defenders and creating for those around him. A special talent who will no doubt make his mark in 2025.
AJ Gilbert
A newcomer to the competition hailing from Blackwater, he was instrumental in Queensland Country’s victory over City alongside Marsh. Strong, athletic and aggressive, he will be a constant threat on the edges when given the slightest opportunity.
ROCKHAMPTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Leo Fanuatanu
The skilful centre comes into the Dolphins Cup after strong showings with the Capras under-17s and the Capricornia 16-18 years schoolboys team. A big, powerful ball runner, he is also a force in defence.
Mason Broadhurst
Has real football smarts. The tall and rangey centre has blistering speed and is always pushing up on the ball and looking for opportunities. This will be his second year in the Dolphins Cup and he too comes in after an impressive season with the Capras 17s and a strong campaign with the Capricornia open schoolboys.
Xavier Nott
A powerhouse front rower renowned for his hard carries and work rate in defence. Made a big impression in his first season in the Dolphins Cup last year and will be better for the experience. Has hardened his contact game playing with Emu Park in the Rocky A-grade competition.
THE CATHEDRAL COLLEGE
Alekisio Siale
At 200cm and 114kg, the Tongan colosseus is an imposing on-field presence. Built in the same mould and plays in a similar vein to his cousin, NRL star Jason Taumalolo. Strong and fast, the North Queensland Cowboys’ contracted forward will lead from the front this season.
Harley Biles
A gifted fullback with startling speed and agility and great ball skills. A workhorse in defence. He reads the play well, directs the defensive line and sets up countless attacking raids for his team.
Epafelasi Noa
Another hulking Tongan front rower who has been snapped up by the North Queensland Cowboys. Big, strong and fast, he is a damaging ball runner who makes a big impact every time he’s on the field.
EMMAUS COLLEGE
Lathan McMeeken
Team captain and fullback who is tough as nails with speed to burn. Moves from hooker to fullback to enhance the team’s attacking capability. An exceptional ball player who can break down the opposition’s defence, he is fleet of foot and has a huge engine. He will also be instrumental in organising the defensive line.
Will McLaughlin
Skilful, fast, elusive and unpredictable, the talented halfback is a nightmare for every defensive line. A natural talent whose running game is his greatest asset. A constant threat with ball in hand, he also possesses a great kicking game.
Sam Adams
The back rower’s leadership and communication out wide will be invaluable, though he will likely slip into the middle throughout the season. He’s defensively strong and a good ball runner. Will be set the task of defending some of the competition’s leading back rowers.
SHALOM COLLEGE
Jimmy Gear
The playmaker is back with a vengeance after missing the 2024 Dolphins Cup due to injury. An inspirational player, he leads by his actions and gets the best out of the players around him. Possesses a great kicking game, which will be vital this season.
Parkka Perrotta Dowling
A rock at the back, he had some big moments last season and will be keen to continue that strong form this year. A big body, he has a great running game and returns the ball with venom. He has great hands and is ever-reliable under the high ball.
Nic De Lacy
Got his first taste of Dolphins Cup as a Year 10 student last year. Certainly held his own and continues to come on in leaps and bounds. A towering 198cm, he moves from the centres to the back row, where he’s relishing the tough stuff.
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