Warwick rugby league: 35+ rising sports stars from across the region
The next generation of Warwick’s young gun footballers have been identified as they get set to make their mark on the region throughout the 2022 season. See the full list of names here:
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Warwick and its surrounds has produced some of the country’s most famous rugby league talents, and coaches have now identified 36 of the town’s rising stars of the sport that could join the next generation of greats.
These are Warwick’s top junior footy stars as named by the region’s experts and how they’re going to make their mark throughout the 2022 season.
This list is in no particular order and each player identified has comments from their coach.
Collegians U17s
Comment provided by coach David Hallman
Codie Johnson
The talented all-rounder has started his 2022 season in top form, not letting a year off the footy field set him back.
“Already scoring two tries and making several line breaks in his first two games of the season, Codie has established himself as a solid defender on the fringes of the ruck, making him one of the team’s most dangerous attacking players,” Hallman said.
“Codie’s outstanding dedication to training and his capacity to harness his power and agility is going to make him one to look out for on the footy field this season.”
Jamaine Smith
“Starting this season on the wing, Jamaine has demonstrated stellar form already, injecting himself into the game at every possible opportunity,” Hallman said.
“From scoring tries and making notable line-breaks to displaying his impressive capabilities as our preferred goal kicker, we’re excited to see what this season has in store for Jamaine.
“We can’t help but be impressed every time this player gets his hand on the ball.”
Matthew Watt
“Matt’s notably direct game with the ball has him skilfully creating time and space for his outside backs as he throws a beautiful pass and exhibits an exceptional kicking game,” Hallman said.
“Matt will be one of the best defence halves you will see in this competition and is already proving to be instrumental in the success of our side this year.”
Eastern Suburbs U17s girls’ league tag
Comment from coach Bec Saunders
Madison Duff
One of the team’s co-captains this season and versatility to boot in playing both fullback and winger, Madison Duff has proven herself a major talent after only taking up the sport last year.
“She is a forced to be reckoned with, and the knowledge and understanding she has for the game is amazing,” Saunders said.
“She’s softly spoken with her team and she gets the response, and is one of our top kickers for the team - nearly gets it perfect every time.”
Natalie Crouch
Fellow co-captain and all-rounder Natalie Crouch matches her natural ability with hard work to make her a formidable force on the field.
“Her determination is spot-on, she will give 100 per cent with training and game days. She would have had the most injuries, but she won’t give up,” Saunders said.
“She’s the team firecracker, she can switch within seconds with her mood and attitude, which makes her a great opponent.”
Laney Thompson
Another new face on the field with only the one previous season under her belt, Laney Thompson is a quiet achiever but a key part of her team.
“This year we have given her a bigger job as our wing and kicker, and already she has scored for our team and keeps getting to improve,” Saunders said.
“She comes out of nowhere, and turns up to every training and game day.”
Lenja Robinson
A tough 2021 season has not stopped Lenja Robinson from getting off to a flying start this year.
“She has returned this year with the best attitude and commitment - she’s the one I’m the most proud of, putting the past behind her,” Saunders said.
“This year, she has turned up to training and games with 100 per cent. Get her out in the open and she flies.
“Again, she’s a natural all-rounder and she doesn’t even know what she could become.”
Wattles Warriors U12s boys’ squad
Comment from coach and Wattles junior rugby league president Jason Fogarty
Jack Burton
Recently selected as a lock forward for the Darling Downs U13s representative side, Jack Burton has marked himself out as one of the biggest up-and-coming talents in the Wattles Warriors’ junior pool.
“He’s had a very good start to the season. He attended an U13s carnival in Toowoomba recently where he was awarded the Wattles’ best player for that carnival, and he’s only 12,” Fogarty said.
“He’s had a great start to the year and is a very talented player.”
Hugh Denny
“He’s a very talented athlete and runner, and a local Allora boy,” Fogarty said.
“He’s a very versatile player and can fill in any position.”
Ty Bettz, Jonte May
Also named as potential future stars of the Wattles Warriors club, Ty Bettz and Jonte May were selected for the ‘possibles and probables’ squad as part of the Darling Downs representative competition.
Fogarty said the pair formed part of a strong side that would put on a good contest throughout the 2022 season.
Eastern Suburbs U17s boys’ team
Comment provided by coach Aaron Beckhouse
Jack Talbot
U17s captain and owner of the #13 jersey, Jack Talbot’s excellent skills and leadership both on and off the field made him an obvious choice as one of the town’s rising stars of the sport.
“He has the most heart and determination for the game, is one of the best defensive players I have seen in a long time, and when it comes to offence he is also quite skilled,” Beckhouse said.
“Jack does not limit himself either, as he is willing to play in any position required, is very level-headed and stays composed with great vision for the game.”
Aaron Hinch
One of the side’s major playmakers in the five-eighth role, Aaron Hinch is another versatile footballer with the ability to generate offensive and defensive plays.
“Aaron brings a lot to any team he plays for with his agility and vision under pressure, and is not afraid to take things head-on,” Beckhouse said.
“He helps lead the team and hype them up. Aaron is also the kicker for the team with a very high success rate under any conditions.”
Djerome Delphin
Being one of the youngest players on the team hasn’t prevent Djerome Delphin from earning recognition as one of its top talents this season, playing mainly on the wing but moving into fullback or centre if required.
“DJ is an amazing offensive player, agile and quick with a very mean step. Leave him open and no one will catch him,” Beckhouse said.
“DJ has a lot of potential, and with a bit of confidence he can certainly go far in this game.”
Jamaal Jerome
“Jamaal is great in both aspects of the game, he’s very skilled with the ball and agile, and defensively he is a tough player with a very hard hit,” Beckhouse said.
“Jamaal can definitely get the team hyped and motivated and brings a different type of energy to the team.”
Collegians U15s and U17s girls’ league tag
Comment from coach Nathan Bennett
Denika Murray
“Denika has a great vision of the game and brings an A-grade kicking game to get us on the right foot,” Bennett said.
Hayley Wainwright
Another standout on the Collegians girls’ league tag teams is dummy-half Hayley Wainwright.
“She is lightning-quick off the mark, and put in an open space is hard to run down,” Bennett said.
“The girls have been training very hard and are looking strong for the year ahead.”
Wattles Warriors U13s
Comment provided by coach Glen McMillan
Rory Gilmore
A strong performance in the halves for the Wattles U13s boys’ side at the beginning of the 2022 season has marked out Rory Gilmore as one to watch.
“He’s a really good defender and runs the ball really well,” McMillan said.
“If he applies himself, I think he could end up doing well in the sport.”
Collegians U15s boys’
Comment provided by coach Tim Doyle
Eli Costello, Ryan Bohm
“They’re hard workers, excellent leaders, and very skilful players,” Doyle said.
William Riley
“He can score a try from anywhere on the field, and he’s a fitness fanatic,” Doyle said.
“If he trains hard, he could go on to do anything.”
Mark Hallman, Riley Wainwright
Doyle said that while Mark Hallman and Riley Wainwright were talented players on the field, it was their dedication and work ethic that were especially valuable to their side.
“They’re great team men, hard trainers, and they’re versatile and happy to play anywhere on the field without complaint,” he said.
“All of them are kids I really hope stick at football, because they’ve all got good, bright futures in the sport and their other pursuits.”
Collegians U12s
Comment from coach Brett Benz
Harry Grayson
“He trains well, he looks after the other kids and will teach them what they don’t know, and he’s an exceptional footballer,” Benz said.
“I’ve coached him for a few years now, but you don’t even have to coach him - he’s one of the best kids I’ve ever seen.
“He’s next-level and just has the world at his feet.”
Eastern Suburbs U8s and U9s’ mixed
Comment provided by coach Lindsay Locke
Ryan Sutton
Natural speed and athleticism and an uncanny knack for finding the tryline have marked out young gun Ryan Sutton as an up-and-coming talent at an early age.
“He’s that notch above with his speed and he’s got the athleticism with his stepping, running, and is quite agile on his feet,” Locke said.
“He’s a great around-the-legs tackler, and not many kids that age are confident to be tackling around the legs with speed, so he’s good with that too.”
William Cole
On the smaller side but as tough as any of his competitors, William Cole is one of his age group’s best defensive players.
“He’s a fierce little defender - he’s not the biggest kid, but he’ll take on anyone on the field,” Locke said.
“He’s a very strong runner too, and he makes up a lot of ground for his size.”
Burwood Robinson Jr
With a father known across Warwick and Toowoomba for his excellent performance in A-grade rugby league, Burwood Robinson Jr has already been described as a “chip off the old block”.
“He’s a great runner and has great ball skills in his hand, and he’s a notch above quite a lot of kids his age in that natural ability with the ball,” Locke said.
Tatiana Lanceaster-Tukuafu
Excellent all-round skills and a determined work ethic have earned Tatiana Lanceaster-Tukuafu a prominent role in the side.
“She’s a hard-running player and she can put a step on, and can play in nearly any position you want because she’s great with the ball,” Locke said.
“She’s played since she was five and she’s always had to back up and play up a grade, so naturally her ability is unbelievable.
“She’s a great role model towards the other girls in the team, and always shows them skills and encourages them to keep going. She’s definitely someone I think could go somewhere if she stays at it.”
Collegians U10s
Comment from coach Steve Ackland
Ryan Maag
“Ryan is a smart half who calmly controls the game with good vision. He works extremely hard,” Ackland said.
Jesse Samin
Fullback Jesse Samin’s fantastic footwork and speed on the field have made a strong impression so far this season.
“Jesse is a very coachable kid, he shows great potential,” Ackland said.
Jett Ackland
All-rounder Jett Ackland’s combination of strength, footwork, and dedication give him the edge over the opposition on the field.
“He’s always the hardest worker on the field and is constantly striving to become stronger, and faster as a footballer,” Ackland said.
Cheston Riley
Ackland said lock forward Cheston Riley’s strong running ability and physical defence always makes a difference when the U10s side takes the field.
Collegians U8s
Comment from coach Matt Spiller
Lenni Le Bherz
Spiller said Lenni Le Bherz’s excellent tackling, running, and team-focused approach singled him out as one of the team’s top talents.
Collegians U6s
Comment from coach Kevin Cooper
Brookes Bowles, Patty Horn, Liam Shelley
Not wanting the youngest group of Warwick’s up-and-coming footy talents to go unrecognised, Cooper said little legends Brookes Bowles, Patty Horn, and Liam Shelley stood out for their quickness and ability to nab tags from their opponents.
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