The players turning heads in the Meninga Cup, Connell Cup, Harvey 17s and 19s girls ahead of round 3
100+ Players turning heads in the Meninga Cup, Connell Cup, Harvey 17s and 19s girls junior representative league revealed here ahead of round 3. FULL LIST
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Ahead of round three of the Meninga and Connell Cups and the Harvey Norman under-17s and under-19s competitions, we shine a light on who we think will make all 60 teams tick this season.
The under-17s competition is already halfway done, while the Meninga, Connell and under-19s competitions are only getting started.
Some players have already turned heads while others are brewing, ready to make an impact in round three.
There have been some stellar performances thus far and readers can catch up on all the best bits from the first two rounds below with our game-day reports and Teams of the Week.
Make sure to keep an eye out on a Saturday evening for our reports, Monday for our Team of the Weeks and later in the week for themed stories highlighting the fasted, strongest, and most skilful players in the four competitions.
For now, cast your eyes over this comprehensive list providing insight on the cream of the crop players from all fifteen teams across the junior competitions, the youngsters tipped to take their game’s to a new level in 2024.
Footnote: This is a mere snapshot of the incredible amount of junior league talent in Queensland and there are of course players not mentioned here who are worthy of praise.
Jump to your club: Burleigh, Redcliffe, Capras, Blackhawks, Tweed, Tigers, Cutters, Pride, Falcons, Jets, Bulls, Clydesdales, Norths, Wynnum Manly, Magpies.
100+ PLAYERS TO WATCH THIS SEASON AFTER TWO ROUNDS:
BURLEIGH BEARS
Connell Cup
Dallas Ingram
Halfback Ingram possesses great organising skills and brings other strike players into the game around him.
He showed a turn of speed in round one when scoring a ripping 60m solo try against the Magpies.
Seth Gundry
Has speed to burn.
South Sydney signed fullback Gundry is exciting to watch and we can’t wait to see more of him.
Marley Igason
A raw-boned prop who has an unearthly work ethic.
He was the glue to the forward pack last year and will get better as the season progresses.
Meninga Cup
Coby Black
The Bears have already seen the benefit of Black’s kicking game in the opening match of the season. The 2023 Queensland schoolboy halfback is a tremendous talent with the ball, and clever. He reads a game well, and has a towering bomb.
Cooper Bai
It is only one game in and Bai has already impressed with his all or nothing attitude on both sides of the ball. We loved his energy in last Saturday’s season opener.
Bailey McConnell
McConnell will take pressure off his halves partner, Coby Black. He will be full of confidence after a huge school season in 2023 with PBC SHS.
Harvey under-17s
Lacey McLaren
The Bears fullback, McLaren makes things happen in attack and can make defences pay with her running, passing and kicking game.
Yamun-Ginda Kelly
Kelly, halfback, brings plenty of experience, ball playing ability and flare.
She has started the season off strong with tries in both games and with Campbell Phillips at five-eighth, Burleigh look poised to go undefeated.
Nikola MacDonald
A fearless lock from Keebra Park SHS, MacDonald isn’t the tallest at her position but jeez does she work hard on and off the ball.
She is an unsung hero simply because of how much she does in a game’s work.
Harvey under-19s
Nadia Windleborn, Bella Thompson, Kaliyah Browning, Liarna Barber-Salvation, Jamielee Anaru, Grace King and Mhia Mackey-Taylor
The Bears were stacked this year in the talent department with the Titans Academy girls leading the charge for those around them.
It will be a team effort required of Burleigh to make it to the finals but having Windleborn steer the ship at hooper, Thompson and Mackey-Taylor attack from the back and the rest do damage in the forward pack will help Burleigh’s cause immensely.
REDLIFFE DOLPHINS
Connell Cup
Mereki Warradoo
A fierce fullback who runs hard and fast into contact and is quick between the ears.
Henry Sologinkin
An unsung prop powerhouse who does the little things right and makes a huge impact in the middle of the field.
Brian Pouniu
Somewhat of a prodigy, second rower Pouniu is an exciting talent signed by the NRL arm of the club.
He consistently makes our Team of the Week.
Charlie Dickson
Like Pouniu, lock Dickson is signed by the Dolphins.
The Wavell SHS student has loads of potential and does it all on both sides of the ball.
Meninga Cup
Zac Herdegen
Halfback Zac Herdegen is the type of kid who will relish the chance of playing in the Meninga Cup. Knights contracted, he has power and pace, and great ball skills.
Zac Garton
Garton is playing edge and is captain of the Dolphins. He is a big body who impacts either carrying the ball or in defence. He saved a try on the goal line last Saturday.
Lewis Symonds
The No. 13 will give the Dolphins great value for money in his first season with the club after being signed as a part of the Dolphins NRL academy.
Prestyn Laine-Sietu
A centre, the 2023 Queensland schoolboys representative is another high achieving junior who played in two premierships last season – the Redcliffe Meninga Cup side and the Nudgee College First XV rugby side.
There are also gun rookies like LJ Nonu, Larry Siala and John-Paul Donevski in this team.
Harvey under-17s
Shar-Lene Nati
We have big wraps on this light-footed Redcliffe fullback capable of running a muck.
Shalom Sauaso
The Year 12 emerging star from Ipswich SHS can turn a game on its head with her raw ability.
Raewyn Olomalii
Tough, uncompromising and a beast on defence.
She is everything you want out of a hooker.
Harmony Harris
The hardworking prop has been everywhere for Redcliffe in the opening games and will no doubt continue to give the Dolphins great go forward.
Harlem Walker (second rower) and Delani Paitai (centre) have also been sharp to begin the year.
Harvey under-19s
Armani-lea Auvae and Reegan Hicks
The Australian Schoolgirls selections have been damaging in the forward pack so far this season and Hicks even scored a matchwinner in Saturday’s game.
They are the duo leading Redcliffe’s charge.
Amy Bird
Watch for Bird at fullback after the youngster spent time with the BMD side in pre-season.
Keira Rangi
Rangi has been playing very well to begin the season.
She plays lock but creates tries with her ball-playing. Five-eighth Tianah Teo and rake Raewyn Olomalii have impressed in the first two games as well.
CQ CAPRAS
Connell Cup
Henry Kallquist
A tall, rangy front rower who was a standout performer in the pre-season. He has worked very hard on improving his game and work rate and has been setting the standard for the other middle forwards in the squad.
Tyler Melrose
A talented and slick playmaker from St Brendan’s College who has an impressive running and kicking game that will keep opposition on their toes.
A good organiser who has great vision and game sense for a player at this age.
Jake Oberhardt
In his third year of Cyril Connell footy, Emerald-born Oberhardt is a very tough and competitive lock/middle forward who loves nothing more than to dominate the middle third of the field. Brutal in defence with good leg speed and footwork in attack, he is shaping up for a great 2024 season.
Meninga Cup
Carter Ford
Dolphins academy signed, the thumping front row talent is primed and ready for a big school in the under 19 age group.
Isaac Walker
The Capras have a natural here in Walker, a half with good all-round kicking, passing and vision. Capras will be fortunate to have him and Ryder Huth (captain) controlling matches.
Iziah Broome
Mark down this fellow’s name. Anything could happen if he gets enough ball. He is a powerful and elusive player with a lot of energy.
Harvey under-19s
Forward pack
From Rosie Mallinson and Lilly Field to Tori Dakin, Georgia Wright and Gabrielle Yarrow, the Capras were in safe hands up front.
The lot of them were impressive in a first round feud against the Blackhawks and will set the foundations for the backs throughout the season.
BLACKHAWKS
Connell Cup
Sitiveni Afu
A hardworking core forward who brings energy with everything he does. Afu was among the youngest players in the Aaron Payne Cup last season playing for Ignatius Park College.
Cooper Cox
The No. 1 hitter in the team. Cox loves to tackle and never shies away from the contact.
Meninga Cup
Logan Brookes
Brookes has got brilliant footwork complemented by speed and agility. The former junior half is capable at the position but shapes as the team’s starting fullback where his game breaking running ability can make the greatest impact.
Tekelu Mene
Supremely athletic. A strong ball-carrier and smart defensive reader. Big, strong and powerful, this Torres Strait Islands product was a try scoring force from anywhere on the field for Ignatius Park College in 2022. His hitting ability will see him deployed into the centres.
Jayden Svager
Harlen rates highly the front row recruit, who he said followed Blackhawks Queensland Cup coach Terry Campese to Townsville from Canberra this season. Svager didn’t play in the first trial but is a genuine “big unit” whose performances at training indicate he is primed for a stellar season.
Harvey under-17s
Brooke Kira
A handy five-eighth with a touch background. Kira has played rugby league for a number of years and has made a big impact on the Blackhawks since relocating from the Sunshine Coast.
Olivia Fletcher
Committed, hardworking, dedicated and always willing to put in 110 per cent at training. Fletcher has also impressed with her tenacity and her fast-ball helped the Blackhawks record a round one win.
Siena Tabacchi
Of all the qualities a young winger could possess, speed would rate among the most critical. That is an attribute Siena Tabacchi possesses in abundance.
Tabacchi’s breakaway pace becomes most apparent by the players she leaves in her dust, because even when she doesn’t appear to be running hard, defenders only realise her true speed when it’s too late to stop her.
Harvey under-19s
Ana Malupo
Kirwan State High School’s female player of the year made the Queensland Schoolgirls as a fullback in her first season after moving east from the Northern Territory. She’s a tall 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.
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.
TWEED SEAGULLS
Connell Cup
Taj Lateo
The tall Taj Lateo is a calm and collected hafback who won the club’s best & fairest award last year.
With a great kicking game and cool head Lateo will be a key element to any success.
Ethan Jackson
Prop Jackson is quietly spoken but comes into his own on the field. He is the type who rolls up his sleeves and does the tough stuff that nobody else wants to do.
Highly underrated.
Jyah White
White is a talented ball playing lock from Helensvale whose vision, football knowledge and outstanding passing game sets him apart from other players of his age.
Meninga Cup
Zane Harrison and Ryder Williams
In Harrison, Tweed have one of the best halfbacks in the state. It was his kicking game, control and running game which helped engineer Tweed’s round 1 win at Wynnum.
Harrison’s halves partner is Ryder Williams who will add running to the team’s player just off the ruck. He is a quality youngster, and along with Harrison, gives Tweed a nice balance.
Sam Stephenson
Stephenson is a stampeding centre ace who can trample over the best of them. He can be a match winner with his running game. It is handy for Tweed that he has an instant combination with Harrison from PBC SHS, so watch for Harrison to kick and pass toward his big mate on the edge.
Harvey under-17s
Kaylee Booth
Five-eighth Booth has great vision and game awareness for such a young player. Defensively Booth has the ability to play lock but the crafty playmaker is ideally suited for five-eighth where she can organise and create opportunities for her outside backs.
Saskia Croyston and Mackenzie Croyston
Upcoming forwards who do the little things right.
They can both go for the full 60 minutes.
Harvey under-19s
Savannah Roberts-Hickling
Hickling has a good kicking game and running game that she has worked hard on.
She was elite at the weekend, scoring tries and kicking goals for Tweed.
Slick.
Phoenix Raine-Hippi
Raine-Hippi is a very good broken play runner who excels in defence as well. She could wreak havoc in the centres.
Mercedez Taulelei-Siala
Taulelei-Siala is currently with the Broncos despite being a Reds Super W player and is extremely fit with superb ball skills.
She made our latest Team of the Week and can play anywhere in the backline.
BRISBANE TIGERS
Connell Cup
Max Blanch
Hooker and captain Max Blanch is fast to the ruck and fearless on defence. When on the ball he will be bringing his forwards, including the towering Kobi Floro, into the game.
A country kid, Blanch has shown a strong combination with halfback Elijah Breen who did a good job last season.
Cooper Benvenuti and Dominic Ierome have also turned heads in the forward pack, while Keoki Koraba has had a nice start to the season.
Meninga Cup
Xavier Hellyer
Although they lost both games, the Tigers are an improved outfit compared to previous season, and one big reason is the kicking game from Hellyer, a No. 6 Blackhawks grand final player in 2023.
Will Quinn and Josh Tokam
Fullback Quinn has joined the club from rugby union and gives the Tigers an added dimension with his speed.
Centre Tokam is well established at the club, a power runner with pace. Between them they give the Tigers some strike.
Jack McCosker
McCosker will be an inspiring captain and also a quality edge forward well conditioned for the rigours of this competition.
Harvey under-17s
Kameryn Bray
Bray, a halfback, is classy. She has the pass, can slice defences open and doesn’t push the pass or overplay her hand.
Porche John
Marsden SHS’ Porche John is a powerful prop set for higher honours.
She could be an NRLW player one day, but for right now she will stay taking names in the under-17s competition with her power running, try scoring, and thumping defence a game-changer.
Riley-Jay Henry-Purcell, Lishainah Ulugia, Orianna Clark and Sky-Yvette Faimalie are also doing all the right things for the unbeaten Tigers team rollicking through the season.
Enah Desic
A hooker with a kicking game, running game and IQ.
She also kicks goals. Indeed Desic is the full package.
Harvey under-19s
Relna Hosea
Hosea scores tries for fun and is at her best when she is getting herself involved.
India Seeto
Seeto, at her best, is the best halfback in the country for her age.
She has a brilliant passing game and is an instinctual player who is honing her kicking game.
Alice Shannon and Shaylee Joseph
Two powerful props who will make life easier for the team’s forwards.
Spare a thought for Patricia Wani who like Shannon and Joseph is destructive.
MACKAY CUTTERS
Connell Cup
Cohen Jackson, Jack Townsend and Reuben Saron
Middle forward Jackson is a leader, Townsend is superfit and Saron, an outside back, has sharp footwork. Together they form the nucleus of Mackay’s under-17s team.
Meninga Cup
Jaxon Purdue
The nation saw his fabulous try in a Cowboys trial at the weekend, but Mackay St Pat’s community has knows a lot about him for many years.
The 2023 Queensland schoolboys No. 6 will work wonders again this season with his sidekick, hooker of Xavier Kerrisk.
In Purdue and Kerrisk, Cutters have one of the best hooker to halves combinations.
Mutua Brown
What a gift from the heavens to have the 2023 Queensland schoolboys’ best player in your side. Fullback Brown is lightning fast and very dangerous whenever he touches the ball. He has a great ability to get on the outside of a defender with sublime footwork.
Harvey under-19s
Paityne Johns
Johns is coming off a strong pre-season with the BMD side which followed selection in the Australian Schoolgirls team late last year.
She plays hooker.
Jennifer Kimber
Young but exciting, Kimber is an underaged talent who could really make a name for herself this season.
The talent is there, it’s just a matter of getting the ball and getting involved for centre Kimber.
Also keep an eye out for Chelsea McLoed, a prop, and winger La Naliah Hine who is sure to score plenty of tries.
NORTHERN PRIDE
Connell Cup
Jason Hastie, Cayde Miller and Ben Walker
This trio is absolutely crucial to the Pride’s go-forward, and with their previous experience in the statewide competition, they will be primed for a big season.
Meninga Cup
Liam O’Brien
Pride started the season with a surging win last weekend, and to the fore was fullback O’Brien. He was coming off a pre-season with HPC squad after a strong Meninga Cup and Far North QRL season last year.
Noah Blooranta and Lachlan Magill
Both hardened from 2023 campaigns in this competition, they will be a tremendous asset.
Magill led from the front in the season opener, playing a captain’s role from the second row.
Halfback Blooranta showed why Pride fans have plenty to look forward to with the young Mareeba star, and his composure to kick two conversions at crucial times showed maturity beyond his years.
Harvey under-17s
Chloe Mackenzie, Elishama Suavai, Jaeda Morato, Brydee Spry.
This awesome foursome bring qualities that will guide the team in 2024.
Mackenzie is a genuine leader, and leads by example in the engine room, while halves Spry and Morato will be out to steer this team to every success.
Suavai is the latest in a long line of talented footballers from the family, and does her best work on the edge.
Watch for Arianna Martin at prop as well.
Harvey under-19s
Layla Geck, Teesha Potts and Tomiko Hirakawa
This terrific trio will provide experience and guidance on the field for the developing Pride side who are finding their way this season.
SUNSHINE COAST FALCONS
Connell Cup
Jackson Koina
The Falcons skipper will lead the way. Why? Because that is exactly what he did in round two when he spearheaded the Sunshine Coast with his workrate.
He is a great talent who could have a break through season.
Tyson Fallon-May or ‘Chop’ is another guy in the Falcons leadership group and plays at hooker. He’s a player that can really turn a game just from his skill as well as his footy IQ
Toby Irvine
A halfback, Irvine can put his foot down and put his stamp on the game.
It’s hard to believe he is eligible to play in this age group.
Meninga Cup
Jackson Kite
He has been a boy among the men already, having played some A-grade rugby league for Beerwah. Kite is coming off a good pre-season, and his strong running and defence will be welcomed.
Kai Porter
Porter is a cross code addition, having come over from rugby union. A half, while he is still learning the game, he gives the Falcons some added spark.
Jai Bowden
Every team needs a player like Bowden. After recovering from injury (broken wrist), don’t be surprised if he reminds you a little of Storm No. 9 Harry Grant. Also watch for Tyrell Hopkins and Jaelym Hohaia.
Harvey under-17s
Makayla Elliot and Tilly Cason
Elliot, the captain and Cason, the vice-captain were easy picks because of their leadership.
But around them Sunshine Coast have plenty of fire power.
For example, Alexa Burgess made a huge impact in round two.
Harvey under-19s
Takoda Thompson
Thompson is playing in the middle as a lock forward as she has proved she can organise the forwards well. She will be the key for the Sunshine Coast.
Sky Antoniolli
An x-factor player who will create attack out of the fullback position.
Mia Vines
Centre Vines come across from rugby union and has shown a lot of promise at either five-eight or centre.
She gets her chance to shine here.
Shannyn Harm
The Falcons second rower is on the improve but is out injured at the moment.
She will provide a punch in her return.
IPSWICH JETS
Connell Cup
Finn Kendall and Tyson Walker
Watch for these Year 11 Ipswich Grammar School talents to have an impact for Ipswich.
Walker, who plays fullback but can move into the halves, is a Roosters signee who we believe will be far better than last year following a season playing GPS First XV rugby and Queensland Reds under-16s.
Kendall, a Broncos signed centre, also played GPS First XV rugby and will be full of confidence.
With Walker a play ahead at fullback and Kendall breaking tackles in the centres, the Jets should not have trouble scoring points.
Ceasar Yeatman
A centre or fullback, Ceasar is the younger brother of Jarvis Yeatman who played in Ipswich SHS’s Langer Cup team in 2021. The Yarrabah flyer is an exciting outside back who possesses quick feet and a good draw and pass.
He’s an instinctive player who will make any opposite centre or winger nervous.
Myrangi Walker
An underaged halfback from New Zealand, Walker has been likened to NRL superstar Kalyn Ponga.
Watch for his step, playmaking ability and off-the-whim attack.
BLACK BOOK PLAYER YOU HAVEN’T HEARD ABOUT YET
Ioane Tiatia
Tiatia plays his local footy for the Redbank Plains Bears and has impressed in the off-season.
A Forest Lake SHS talent of Samoan heritage, the rangy Tiatia could play in both the centres and in the back row.
Meninga Cup
Lyncoln Cliffe
Cliffe is a lock who will lead from the front. Every team would have him in their squad, so competitive is he, and he will lead by example.
Nathan Fraser
A hard working hooker, Fraser is another key player, a tried and tested hard worker who will be the glue of Ipswich’s campaign.
Amaziah Murgha
The young fullback will be an x-factor player with his pace and evasive skills. Ipswich will look to use his pace at every chance.
Harvey under-17s
Ella O’Dea
A workhorse backrower who can also play in the centres. A great defender who’s the type of captain that lets her actions do the talking.
Marley Morgan
An IGGS educated border, Marley has sharp skills and electric pace. She can play in the halves and at hooker.
Harvey under-19s
The Jets have plenty of good ones, and among the players leading the charge will be Ipswich SHS product Ariana Henderson (lock), halfback Ella-Jaye Harrison-Leaunoa, local junior Vaitafao-Gisele Masun-Feleti, a dummy half, from Springfield and middle forwards Sifa Leapai and Lyla Duffy.
It is a largely new group of players compared to last year.
WIDE BAY BULLS
Connell Cup
Harrison Braithwaite
A halves specialist, Braithwaite will steer his side around the park. Around him, Eli Bunn and Ryan Jenkins have been tipped to have a good year in Clydesdales colours.
Meninga Cup
Zander Evans and Dawson Hess
The halves pairing did on the job training in this competition last season, and will be steering the side around. Hess was arguably his side’s best player last season while Evans is a Brothers Bundaberg junior. Also watch for hooker Riley Phillips-Powell and edge forward Daniel Cavanagh.
Harvey under-17s
Sienna Slattery, a prop, has shown good promise. Bella Barrett, a fullback, had been really positive in attack and defence in the pre-season while halfback Deena Budby and lock Madison Holding were more than ready to rumble for the final two rounds of the season.
Bella Barrett
Barret will get the Bulls out of trouble from fullback and also add a dimension to their attack.
Harvey under-19s
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.
George grew up playing footy in Gayndah 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.
WESTERN CLYDESDALES
Connell Cup
Riley Zanette
A second rower who had a strong pre-season. He is a big, fast and strong and will be a handful on the edge.
Kailan Roberts
Roberts is a front rower who trained the house down this pre-season. Roberts is now bigger and fitter compared to last year and is ready to leave his mark on the competition.
Brodie Hilt
Hilt is a hooker who has improved immensely from last season and will be a key part of the Clydesdales’ spine.
Braithen Scott
The Broncos Academy talent can play anywhere the most important thing for his team is having him out there.
When he is, anything is possible.
Meninga Cup
Luke Cesari
Cesari is a big, strong centre who has been one of the outstanding players coming through the junior ranks. He has the Queensland Cup written all over him.
Trace Beattie
An edge forward, he is another future star who is currently at Toowoomba Grammar School and brings rugby union skills to the squad. Also watch for Bodhi Sharpley – the Gold Coast Titans have swooped to sign.
Harvey under-17s
Pypah Ferguson
A mature lock forward with a great rugby league IQ and plays like she has decades of experience.
Sienna Carr
A ball-playing forward who can open the game up.
Mia Byrnes
An electric fullback with blistering speed while being versatile enough to play on both sides of the ruck.
Harvey under-19s
Mackenzie Zellar and Katelyn Collie
This duo are coming back from playing in the BMD side and are the Clydesdales future.
Jessie Friedrichs, Lucy Davis and Jessica Fitzgibbons
These three combined for eight of the Clydesdales 11 tries in the first match and if that’s anything to go by then this team will have little trouble getting points on the board.
NORTHS DEVILS
Connell Cup
Dyer Akauola
Big, strong and tireless, this young prop is sure to have a big campaign.
He was impressive in North’s first game of the year at the weekend.
Footnote: forwards Taoso Taoso, Lincoln Dalton and Isaac Rauluni are set for a big year as well.
James Grey
An electric centre who will likely play First XV rugby for Ipswich Grammar this year.
He is a speed demon, but offers more than pace. He is gutsy, on both sides of the ball and just needs the ball in his hands to those in the Devils Lair up and on their feet.
Meninga Cup
Jahrel Iselen-Jensen, Brandon Norris, Lauloto Salei
Iselen-Jensen had a whale of a match to open his season last Sunday, and will certainly be one of the Devils Players to Watch in the halves.
Also watch for Adam Khan’s blinding pace on the wing, and the inspiring Lauloto Salei at No. 13 who is a really, really good player. Maddox Goodwin will balance the side with his hard work at edges forward, while Brandon Norris can also find the tryline.
Harvey under-17s
Easter Taualai
Taulalai, the sister of Meninga Cup playmaker George, has an aggressive defensive and running game.
Great organiser in the middle of the field.
Ashley Cotter
Game awareness, decision making and a kicking game are staples of hers.
Harvey under-19s
Madison Morris, Georgette Di Trapani and Ava Walters
Skilful is the word that comes to mind for these three.
Morris is a winger, Walters a fullback and Trapani a five-eighth.
WYNNUM MANLY SEAGULLS
Connell Cup
Jared Horne, David Bryenton, Dean Tauaa and Ezekial Jones
This Broncos signed foursome have shone in two rounds so far but don’t get it twisted, the Wynnum side is full of boom talents capable of anything on their day.
These four are special, but so are the likes of fast finisher Devine Timu, halves pairing Tyler Pereira and Jordan Hotere and of course the destructive Majah-Jose Peachey.
The list really could go on and on.
Meninga Cup
Harry Armstrong
A hard working back rower who has a great attitude towards training. He is someone who keeps improving his game and has been one of his team’s best already this season.
Jacob Kingston-Francis
Kingston-Francis is as fit as a fiddle and ready to rumble after a big Langer Trophy season last year. A centre, he is a local junior from the Redlands region who is on the way up.
Kylem Vunipola
Kingston-Francis’s partner in crime out wide will be Kylem Vunipola. A New Zealand boy, he played his first season of Meninga Cup last year with the Seagulls. He can play centre or fullback.
Cameron Bukowski
The Broncos signed hooker is a young veteran whose defensive game is as strong as his passing game.
Harvey under-17s
Tupoutua King
An incredibly strong and powerful forward. She is a great athlete who always pushes to be better.
Tameka Barnes
A very skilled player who works very extra hard in defence and plays well above her own size. Don’t be fooled, she’ll take you on.
London Pakura
She is one of the club’s youngest but is a natural-born leader. Pakura has already earned a reputation as one of Wynnum’s hardest workers with equally enormous talent.
Harvey under-19s
Caitlin Tanner
The Seagulls halfback has the makings of a future NRLW player and at Wynnum she can make that happen.
Just last year Sienna Lofipo made the jump and head coach Steve Casey believes Tanner has it in her.
She is a leader.
Alyssa McCarthy and Hayley Bush
The pair of them have been at Wynnum for a few years now and have made a name for themselves.
They work hard, bring the energy and are young veterans who are bound to play BMD premiership footy later this season.
SOUTHS LOGAN MAGPIES
Connell Cup
There is no shortage of talent in this squad as you would expect from a club tapping into the rugby league riches of Logan City, Brisbane’s south and southwest.
Adaquix-Jeremiah Watts-Luke and Benson Tau give the Magpies some outside back thrust.
Tom Parker adds nice depth to the outside backs but is playing five-eighth, while Fa’apale Feaunati is another young forward looking to build on a promising junior career.
In a one game sample, hooker Sam Martin and prop Mace Andrew looked the real deal.
Meninga Cup
Bailey Trew
One of the strongest in the squad, Trew has already scored a try for the Brisbane Broncos – believe it not. The Broncos contracted outside back played in a trial against Wynnum.
Back in his age group, he will be a key player for the Magpies.
Braden Teuila
Souths Logan traditionally have flair players, but around them someone like Teuila a tough nut, will be reliable all season. You know what you get from Teuila who can play edge as either a centre or second rower.
Mou Taumaletila-Maulolo
Taumaletila-Maulolo will be one of the Magpies’ first players picked. He is a hard working footballer, a middle, who never takes shortcuts.
Harvey under-17s
Amanii Misa and Mele Misa, two sisters who were on another level, were ready to rumble in the final two games, as was Lili Lewis who coach Matt Fitzgerald said had “the best passing and kicking game for any girl in this competition.’’
And from our observations of her career, coach Fitzgerald is not exaggerating. Both Lewis and Amanii made the Queensland schoolgirls under 16s last year.
Other players leading the way for the Magpies will be Laleni Taofinnu, Sienna Trew, Kaylani Tavita and Janique Mili.
Mili scored a wonderful try in the first game of the season when she leapt into the air and plucked-and-planted a cross-field kick.
Centre Bella Alo and finisher Hawke Kahu also impressed in that 30-12 win over the Bears.
Harvey under-19s
Tusitina Fale
Fale will be back shortly from injury and the lock and captain will be a welcomed addition to a Magpies side who have lost some of their finest players to other clubs this season.
Ma’u Halatoa
Prop Halatoa is a new forward who impressed at training with her attitude and work ethic while another forward, Tessa Tato is going to get her chance off the bench.
We predict both will make strides this season.
Shannon Symon
Symon, a hooker, was injured in round one but looked sure to make a difference for the Magpies in this campaign.
Kiarah Siauane
The Mabel Park SHS national champion has pace and can play in the centres or in the halves.
Originally published as The players turning heads in the Meninga Cup, Connell Cup, Harvey 17s and 19s girls ahead of round 3
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