2024 Harvey Norman under-19 girls season preview: Every club previewed
The Harvey Norman under-19s is a proven pathway for local talent to make the big step to the NRLW. We preview every club set to line up this year.
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The Harvey Norman under-19 girls competition is building a reputation as the biggest pathway from junior reps to the NRLW.
Players were making the transition from the under-19s into the big league, while for others, simply being involved in community rugby league with a famous club like the Tigers was a win.
Check back regularly as we progressively preview all clubs who are lining up in the premier under-19s women’s competition.
Jump to: Wide Bay Bulls |Western Clydesdales | Sunshine Coast |Townsville Blackhawks | CQ Capras | Northern Pride | Ipswich Jets |Mackay Cutters | Norths Devils | Wynnum Manly | Souths Logan | Burleigh |Redcliffe | Tweed Seagulls | Brisbane Tigers |
■ Explained: How do the finals work? What are the key dates?
WIDE BAY BULLS
Captain: TBC
Coach: Neil Tuima
Last season: 15th (zero wins, six losses)
Why they will be competitive: It was extremely tough going for the Bulls last season, scoring just 28 points and conceding 316 in their six round season. They’ll no doubt be looking to improve in 2024.
Key fixture: The Bulls play their first three matches at home in 2024 where they’ll welcome the Clydesdales, Falcons and Jets and will be looking to surprise their rivals early on in the season.
Players to watch: Fullback Abbie Renouf-Dowdle will be looking to make her mark on the competition while Lluana George and Anneleise Dilger are the Bulls halves pairing for the opening round. George grew up playing footy in Gayndah and Bundaberg since the age of seven and has committed to play for Maroochydore in the Sunshine Coast women’s competition for 2024. Props Charli Beazley and Julie Munro are also players to keep and eye on and should give the Bulls some solid momentum in the middle of the park.
Round one team: Abbie Renouf-Dowdle, Karly Tanner, Ebony Rose, Bridget Woodman, Kymberly Hillier, Lluana George, Anneleise Dilger, Charli Beazley, Maddysen Lauman, Julie Munro, Summer Livett-Spence, Courtney Jackson, Chelsea O’Neill, Phoebe Millar, Tamieka Matheson, Kodie Doherty and Kendall Ace.
WESTERN CLYDESDALES
Captain: TBC
Coach: Elle Moss
Last season: 11th (2-4)
Why they will be competitive: “The girls have had an amazing pre-season they are the fittest and strongest that they have ever been,” Moss said.
“They have that confidence in themselves to know they can push themselves to their limits.
“Having a good preseason fitness wise, you can tell after watching the trial matches that their improvements are unbelievable.”
Key fixture: “Ipswich are always big games for us, they are our number one challenge,” Moss said.
Players to watch: “Mackenzie Zellar and Katelyn Collie are coming back from playing in the BMD side,” Moss said.
“They are required to play the first three rounds with the under-19s and it is exciting to see them bring that experience from being with the BMD squad - they will be exciting.”
Squad: TBC
SUNSHINE COAST FALCONS
Captain: Takoda Thompson
Coach: Josh Shuttlewood
Last season: 4th (4 wins, 2 losses)
Why they will be competitive: Fitness, speed and well-drilled is the Falcons mantra this season with Shuttlewood stepping into the head coaching role after serving as an assistant coach in 2023. “We know we’re not the biggest team but we know if we can play smart footy we can hold the edge over a lot of other teams in the competition,” he said. Captain Takoda Thompson echoed Shuttlewood’s claims and explained the squad had already ‘come a long way’ since the beginning of pre-season.
Key fixture: All eyes are again on the opening fixture where the Falcons will welcome rivals Ipswich who beat them on both occasions last season. The two teams finished their opening trial with a 28-28 scoreline.
Players to watch: “Takoda Thompson will play in the middle as a lock forward. She’s already proved she can organise the forwards well and create some good go forward for us. Sky Antoniolli is our fullback and she’s the x-factor of our side.
Mia Vines has come across from rugby union and has shown a lot of promise at five-eight and will be nicely paired with Kahurangi Hetaraka who was in the second row last year but is going to play halfback this season. Shannyn Harm at second row is hard to leave out as well, she’s already taken a big leap in the off-season,” Shuttlewood said.
The squad:
Fullbacks: Sky Antoniollu
Wingers: Sophie McGuire, Caitlyn Smith
Centres: Keely Jackson, Jasmine Murray, Olive Payne, Kaylee Pollard, Shae Prescott
Halves: Kahurangi Hetaraka, Mia Vines, Keely Davis
Hookers: Georgie Williams, Marissa Nicholson
Second Row: Shannyn Harm, Allira Rose Purtell, Arran Loughlin
Locks: Tadkoda Thompson
Front Row: Ayla McEniery, Chekyrah Pita, Sienna Wheeler, Violet Black
TOWNSVILLE BLACKHAWKS
Captain: Jairel Martin-Savage
Coach: Rob Hall
Last season: 3rd in Northern Pool (three wins and a draw, two losses)
Why they will be competitive: “A number of our group started with us as under-17s and they’re now in their final year of under-19s,” coach Rob Hall said.
“They’ve got experience and they’ve been here before. A lot of under-19s have been playing women’s local A Grade so that experience will be helpful.
“Our forward pack should be good, it’s just going to be tough for them early in the year with it being hot. We’ve got some handy outside backs who might surprise a few people.”
Key fixture: A tough round 1 round trip to Rockhampton and the Capras will be tough but ideal preparation to host Mackay in round 2. Hall said the team would know where they stand after opening their season with a trial by fire.
Players to watch
Ana Malupo: Kirwan State High School’s female player of the year made the Queensland Schoolboys as a fullback in her first season after moving east from the Northern Territory. She’s a big body who shapes as a centre for the Blackhawks - a position she has already shown promise in after scoring a hat-trick from centre in 2023. The flyer is an excitement machine.
Brandy Yallop: Two years out of the game recovering from an ACL injury has Yallop hungry to make the most of her comeback season. Yallop was in the Cowboys system and has trained the house down while in rehab. She will reclaim the No.1 jersey she filled for the team before her injury and coach Hall predicted the speedster would be a “massive weapon” for his side.
Jairel Martin-Savage: There is hope that a strong season with the Harvey Norman Under-19s can catapult Martin-Savage onto the representative stage. The younger sister of former Penrith and Blackhawks playmaker Sam Martin-Savage won grand final MVP honours in Western Lions’ A Grade premiership last season as a hooker.
Final Squad
Fullbacks: Brandy Yallop (also outside back)
Outside backs: Eadie Baxter (also edge), Ashlyn Hoey, Tahlea Kelly, Ana Malupo (also fullback), Zahleah Mosby-Nona, Ebony Raftstrand-Smith
Halves: Makeilla Gibson (also outside back), Jairel Martin-Savage (also hooker), Lara Parter (also hooker), Vanessa Scarborough (also hooker)
Hookers: Logan Roncato (also outside back)
Middle forwards: Thalia Clarke (also outside back), Hannah De Daunton (also edge), Adele Jensen (also edge), Easther Mikaele (also edge), Jenna Poole (also edge), Ebony Sotheren (also edge), Chloe Watson (also edge)
Edge forwards: Sari Ericson (also outside back), Sally Frohloff (also outside back), Lhylla Williamson (also middle)
CENTRAL QUEENSLAND CAPRAS
Captain/s: To be decided
Coach: Cedric Auda
Last season: 8th (3 wins, 1 draw, 2 losses)
“Season 2023 was a very competitive one for the Capras,” new coach Cedric Auda said.
“I had the privilege to be the assistant coach under head coach Walson Carlos. The team established good fundamentals skills and processes which gave us a good platform to build on for season 2024.
“Season 2023 was a breakthrough year, as we saw the likes of Lillian Yarrow progressing through to the Cowboys WNRL pathway system, and players being selected for the Queensland under-17 teams and the under-19 Maroons team.”
Why they will be competitive: Coach Auda says after a solid pre-season, the team is shaping up to be “very competitive”.
“Season 2024 brings new beginnings and new pathway opportunities for new talent around Central Queensland as we say congratulations to past players who have made the transition into BMD and WNRL systems,” he said.
“We have recruited some good talent from Dysart, Gladstone, Rockhampton, Woorabinda, Yeppoon, Emu Park and Blackwater just to name a few areas in the region.
“We are excited this year for the introduction of the Harvey Norman under-17 girls system which will bring a lot of depth to the Capras under-19s program this year and for years to come.”
Key fixture: Auda said he and his team considered every game a key fixture but did nominate three opponents who posed a genuine threat.
“Mackay has been strong through the past years as they have shown, Blackhawks will be tough in Townsville and the Northern Pride certainly have a real depth of talent coming out from Far North Queensland.”
Players to watch: “All our players have sacrificed a lot of time, sweat and hard work to get to this point,” Auda said.
“They are keen to represent their families, their local clubs, the Central Queensland Capras and their community.”
“They are certainly looking forward to the season and what it brings.”
Full squad:
Malu-Sianne Auda, Nahlani Von Sendan, Mattice McLeod, Tahlia Shuker, Abigail Winni, Mackayla Oakley, Samantha Hancock, Rosie Mallinson, Mackayla Champion, Lilly Field, Tori Dakin, Georgia Wright, Gabrielle Yarrow, Ella Lindsay, Mikeely Griffiths, Lyndsay Major-Booth, Shaelin Chapman, Armanii Freeman, Mia Curtis, Keira Smith, Teearna Cora, Rianna Moore.
NORTHERN PRIDE
Coach: Floria King-Smith Captain: Layla Geck & Jytte Wallace
Why the team will be competitive in 2024:
A combination of a number of the 2023 team remaining in the playing group in 2024, along with some great additions from other clubs will give us a boost going into 2024 season.
Key important fixture:
Round 1 vs Mackay Cutters
Players to watch:
Layla Geck, Teesha Potts, Tomiko Hirakawa will provide experience and guidance on the field.
Final squad:
Fullbacks:
Tomiko Hirakawa, Elenoa Regunamada
Outside backs (centres/wingers):
Torrica Addo, Pamela Joe, Odette Richter, Micfreda Kiwat, Fiona Gagai, Shavinta Bann, Jolena Takai
Halves:
Sentina Waianga, Anna Toby-Lifu, Teesha Potts
Hookers:
Layla Geck, Kimberly Bryant
Edge forwards:
Ella-Timena Nona, Syianna Banu, Thanh-Huong Mene
Middle forwards:
Monique Maniot, Louise Palu, Lilly-Jay Licence, Jytte Wallace, Denisha Chillman-Gibuma
IPSWICH JETS
Captain: Co-captains Ariana Henderson and Ella-Jaye Harrison-Leaunoa
Coach: Michael Wardrop
Last season: 1st (6-0)
Why they will be competitive: Coach Wardrop said “ball control and focusing on our effort areas’’ would be key to his side doing well this season.
Key fixture: Round 3’s country derby against the Western Clydesdales.
Players to watch: The Jets have plenty of good ones, and among the players leading the charge will be Ipswich SHS product Ariana Henderson (outside back), halfback Ella-Jaye Harrison-Leaunoa, local junior Vaitafao-Gisele Masun-Feleti, a dummy half, from Springfield and middle forwards Sifa Leapai and Lyla Duffy.
Squad list: Coming
Mackay Cutters
Captain: Mersades Lawson
Coach: Matt Sanders
Last season: The Cutters under-19 girl’s side had a strong season under coach Matt Sanders in 2023, registering 5 wins and just a single loss.
“We had a team of players that brought into the team approach and were very much about doing what’s best for the team instead of what was best for themselves,” Sanders said.
“The girls are really good at understanding their roles and performing them well.”
Why they will be competitive: “I’m confident about this year because we’ve had a really good pre-season and a lot of buy-in,” Sanders said.
He said the pre-season to date had centred on effort and defence.
“I’m really happy heading into round one.”
Key fixtures: “One that I’ve already pencilled in is Townsville (in Townsville),” Sanders said.
He spoke of last season where Townville defeated Mackay on its own turf, but the girl’s reversed the result in Townsville.
“They’re almost like our big brother or big sister, it’s a good rivalry,” he said.
Players to watch: Sanders is excited by hooker Paityne Johns, who will be coming off a full pre-season with the BMD women’s side.
“I’m really keen to see how that rubs off on her in the 19s,” he said.
Another player who’s had a full season with the senior women is Chelsea McLeod, with Sanders also keen to see how the experience of rubbing shoulders with NRLW players rubs off on the forward.
Underage talent Jen Kimber - who scored a try in last season’s RLMD A-grade women’s grand final - is another player who Sanders believes could be in for a breakout season.
“I think there’s so much more to come from her, we’re only on the surface of what she can be as a player,” he said.
“Compared to this time last year her commitment has improved.”
Final squad:
Fullbacks: Leila Murphy, La Naliah Hine.
Outside backs: Jen Kimber, Miah Powell, Anthea Campbell, Mollee Stevens, Makayla Davis, Trinity Grigg.
Halves: Mersades Lawson, Ava Wheeler, Paige Mooney.
Hookers: Paityne Johns, Kaylee Zarb, Keely Pitt.
Middle forwards: Chelsea Mcleod, Ella Cronin-Flanagan, Gracie Wat, Anneke Grobler, Mashayia Beveridge.
Edge forwards: Shaylee Hazledine, Demi Rossi, Ella Webb, Alice Wheeler, Bronte Clothier.
NORTHS DEVILS
Captain: Ava Walters
Coach: Leon Savelio
Last season: No placing last season as this is the first Season the Harvey Norman 19s will have a final series.
Why they will be competitive: Savelio’s Norths Devils side are one of the smaller teams in the competition, however they use this key trait to play a fast-paced game style to manoeuvre through bigger teams and find gaps in their defensive line. They collectively focus on executing the fundamentals, getting the basics right to efficiently cut through opposition.
Key fixture: Redcliffe Dolphins will be the biggest challenge.
Players to watch: Madison Morris, Georgette Di Trapani and Ava Walters are all outstanding talents with incredible skill. The trio are young stars of the future.
Full squad:
1. Ally Ramsay 2. Amani Fotu 3. Angie Fa’asolo 4. Ava Walters 5. Azura-blu Masani 6. Bonnie Zappa 7. Eleina Tasmania 8. Georgette Di Trapani 9. Haraliza Ilau 10. Jacinta Neemia 11. Jessica Ivey 12. Kaea Daniels-Harris 13. Lacey Spletter 14. Lillyarna Minter-Hawe 15. Madison Morris 16. Reshaei chaseling 17. Roxy Bohn 18. Sienna Twigg 19. Skylah Heke 20. View Mckenzie 21. Yasmin Harrop Toa Toa 22. Zerlynn Vakanofiti
WYNNUM MANLY SEAGULLS
Captain: Caitlin Tanner
Coach: Steve Casey
Last season: No placing last season as this is the first Season the Harvey Norman 19s will have a final series
Why they will be competitive: Thea Team has a real hunger to compete at every opportunity, there are a number of really talented athletes that will progress through the Wynnum Manly Seagulls pathway.
Our job at Wynnum is to progress Ladies to the next level.
Key fixture:Round 1 is always very Important to see if the Pre-season has been successful. Round 5 against Easts Tigers will be big, they are a great rival of ours and we’ll be up against a strong forward pack.
Round 1 is always very Important to see if the Pre-season has been successful. Round 5 against Easts Tigers will be big, they are a great rival of ours and we’ll be up against a strong forward pack.
Players to watch:
“I don’t like choosing individuals as we believe it’s about the Team,” Casey said.
Two players that will most likely play BMD this season are: Caitlin Tanner - she has all the makings of a future NRLW player, she’s a great leader and always eager to grow and master her trade - and Hayley Bush - who has been with Wynnum a few years now and has shown that she has everything to become one of the greats. Both are really hard workers Bush is also knows how to have fun and bring the energy the team needs at training.
Full squad:
Outside backs: Charlotte Wells, Emma Williams, Mariah Brown, Maddison Campbell
Middle Forwards: Hayley Bush, Lili Douglas, Maddison Schipplock, Maia Areaiiti, Nikita Ballinger, Sophie Davison, Zarah Nygaard, Tupoutua King
Halves/ hookers: Tameka Barnes, Shamaia Grey, Kylah Edmonds, Ellie Cullen, Caitlin Tanner, Kc Campbell
Edge forwards: Taleigha Kingson-Francis, Heaven-Leigh Ruben- Callaghan , Gloria Seumalii, Alyssa McCarthy
SOUTHS LOGAN
Captain: Tusitina Fale
Coach: Warren Bernardin
Last season: 12th (1-5)
Why they will be competitive: Coach Warren Bernardin said he had a young, new squad which was willing to learn and play for each other.
Key fixture: Game 1. Win, lose or draw, Souths Logan must play well against Burleigh Bears and finish with plenty of positives. The side will be without some key leadership players and it will do the group no end of good to play to the best of its ability early - regardless of the result.
Players to watch: Tusitina Fale will captain the side from lock where she is renowned for putting the team first. “She is returning from injury and it is good to see her back on the field,’’ said coach Bernardin.
Centre Kiarah Siauane is noted for her speed which helped Mabel Park SHS to its National Schoolgirl Cup win.
Ma’u Halatoa is a new forward who has impressed at training with her attitude and work ethic while another forward, Tessa Tato, has impressed with her willingness to learn.
Final squad: TBC
BURLEIGH BEARS
Coach: Spencer Taplin
Captain: TBA
Last season: We did well with group of young ladies we had, five of which got to play BMD and be part of the winning team. The younger girls get to step up as the older girls are not eligible to play this year.
Why will we be competitive: This year we are very young and energetic side. The energy and attitude toward an our current challenges has been so far ok. Looking forward to seeing how they develop over the season.
Players to watch: We have our Titans academy girls just coming off there program, who got to play against the Newcastle knights girls not long ago.
Nadia, Bella, Kaliyah, Liarna, Sarina, Jamie, Grace and Mhia.
Team:
1. Bella Thompson
2. Zali Bettridge
3. Mhia Taylor
4. Waimea Nikau
5. Maia Ngauamo Rangi
6. Sienna Norris
7. Jamielee Anaru
8. Makia Lehrer-Simon
9. Nadia Windleborn
10. Rina Francis
11. Sarina Massaga
12. Grace King
13. Kaliyah Browning
Reserves:
Dallas Flaza-Taipei
Kura Masters
Neleana Talakai
Tayjah Simmonds
Te Hilla Peseta
Gabrielle Lolehea
REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS
A club certain to be a force in the female footy space is the Redcliffe Dolphins as the Harvey Norman under 19 girls competition is building a reputation as the biggest pathway from junior reps to the NRLW. .
In 2022 the club took baby steps and last year advanced to win two matches.
With a junior catchment from Albany Hills to the Sunshine Coast, watch for the Dolphins’ girls’ program to gather additional momentum this season under well known local footy identity Jason Goulding.
Captain: TBA
Coach: Jason Goulding
Last season: 7th (4-2)
Why they will be competitive: A reason coach Goulding believes his team will be consistent this season will be fitness. “We are well conditioned, and the girls really do buy into each session,’’ he said.
“Then our 17s who have pushed our 19s have been sensational and really give us our depth and confidence that we will be competitive throughout the season.’’
Key fixture: Round 1 against Brisbane Tigers. The Tigers have been the early movers and shakers in the female junior league space and an early win against them will do wonders for the Redcliffe girls.
Players to watch: Redcliffe has plenty of advanced talent within its squad, including imposing middles Armarni-lea Auvae and Reegan Hicks.
They did the BMD pre-season with the senior girls, as did fullback Amy Bird who was a lot of experience for a young player.
All those girls will be Players to Watch, as will No. 9 Diantae Savage who has experience in the Roosters system.
Other aces will be halves Memory Paitai and Tanah Teo who have set high standards throughout the pre-season.
A wildcard from the squad could be Mya Sautia who has impressed with her hard work, but there were several from last season’s 17s who give the squad depth.
Final squad: Aspen Nakao, Charmany Gresham, Deleni Patai, Ellicyr Tighe, Emily Wilson, Eva Steers, Armarni-lea Auvae, Reegan Hicks, Harlem Walker, Harmony Harris, Kaia Skeen, Keira Rangi, Kenore Georgetown, Layla Satui, Letia Alefaio, Lilliana Nati, Amy Bird, Diantae Savage,
Lily Curtis, Lola Parsons, Luisa Olomalii, Memory Paitai, Maddison Russell, Madisyn Blacker, Mya Tronc, Poppy O’Shea, Raewyn Olomalii, Sitara English, Tia Molo, Tiarnee Belle
Mya Sautia, Tianah Teo.
TWEED SEAGULLS
Captain – Sienna Smith
Coach – Anthony Swain
Last season- Great Development Year
Fitness, determination & friendships amongst the group is a great ingredient for success
Players to watch
Savannah Roberts-Hickling has a good kicking game and running game that she worked hard on. Will shine in the halves this year.
Phoenix Raine-Hippi is a very good broken play runner who excels in defence as well. Will be good in the centres.
Mercedez Taulelei-Siala is currently with the Broncos and is extremely fit with superb ball skills and has a great understanding of the halfback role.
Fullbacks, outside backs
Mercedez taulelei-Siala, Charlotte Day, Ava Swain, Gabrielle to’o,
Kharis Birney, Phoenix Raine-Hippi, California Barret, Alyssa Campbell,
Halves and locks
Savannah Roberts-Hickling, Sharnalii Peckham, Leilani Ahsam, Yasmin Elabassi,
Hookers
Kali Ainsworth, Ava Swain, Kharis Birney
2nd rowers
Sian McNeill, Amity Burke, Sienna Smith, Lana Makin, Ava George. Yasmin Elabassi
Front rowers
Sara Matheson -Johnson, Mia Dendle
BRISBANE TIGERS
Captain: TBA
Coach: Damien Pratt
Last season: 5th (4-2)
Why they will be competitive: “Believing in ourselves, applying our newly learned and developing skills, believing in our team ethos and commitment to our personal and team goals for 2024,’’ explained coach Pratt when asked about the key to his side performing well.
Key fixture: Round 1 against Redcliffe. The fledgling Dolphins women’s program is gathering momentum at pace and for the Tigers, playing them game No.1 on the Peninsula will be challenging. The Tigers must avert an ambush at all costs.
Players to watch: Coach Damien Pratt was reluctent to single out any of his squad, saying “we have a strong player squad for this season”.
Full squad: Not available
Originally published as 2024 Harvey Norman under-19 girls season preview: Every club previewed
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