Southeast Queensland’s junior rugby league stars of 2022 revealed
From young try-scoring machines, powerhouse forwards and dominant defenders, we take a look at some of the most talented juniors across southeast Queensland. SEE THE LIST
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Southeast Queensland has become the heart of rugby league in Australia with countless top level players hailing and playing their junior footy in the region.
Now a new cohort of juniors are staking their claim to perhaps be the next big thing in the NRL or NRLW, performing at a high level at the largest and proudest clubs.
Scroll down to learn more about 80 of southeast Queensland’s most talented juniors, thanks to insight from their clubs.
BRIBIE ISLAND WARRIGALS RUGBY LEAGUE CLUB
BILLY MIDSON – UNDER-8
Winner of the Blackie Hardie Trophy for a player nominated by their coach who they believe needs encouragement to continue playing the game.
MASON BODRILLA – UNDER- 8
Winner of the Gary Nolan Trophy for a player, whose on field activities display ability, sportsmanship and team spirit.
AUSTIN HESTER – UNDER-10
Graham Humphries Trophy winner for a Under-9/10s player, who displays on-field ability, sportsmanship and team spirit.
CHASE WELLS – UNDER-11
Brian and Joan Trophy winner, an under-11/12s player, who displays on-field ability, sportsmanship and team spirit.
TAYLAH WHITE – UNDER-17 GIRLS & MATTHEW GRANT – UNDER-16s
Blue Pacific Trophy winners for players who displays on-field ability, sportsmanship and team spirit.
LOGAN BROTHERS RUGBY LEAGUE CLUB
AYDEN MILNE – UNDER-13 DIVISION 2
Milne has shown great improvement in the 2022 season, working hard at training which was the foundation for his mighty season.
FA, APALE FEAUNATI- UNDER-15 DIVISION 1
Already signed with the Brisbane Broncos through the development squad, the Queensland 15 years representative he has a great attitude, earning the award with his consistent play throughout the season. A tall, athletic forward, he shows respect for those around him both on and off the field.
LACHLAN BUCHBACH – UNDER-16 DIVISION 1
Buchbach was given a chance in division one through an absent player and made the most of his opportunity. He displayed a great attitude, showed leadership qualities and was a coaches’ dream.
RYAN MCCANN – UNDER-16 DIVISION 1
McCann was outstanding at fullback for the 2022 season and has shown definite leadership qualities.
JACOB TINSLEY – UNDER-17 NEV BLAIR
Tinsley, also a Marsden SHS Langer Trophy standout, was a tough dummyhalf displaying great determination this season with his never-say-die attitude. In his mind the game is not over until the final whistle is blown.
DYLAN GALLAGHER – UNDER-17 NEV BLAIR
Gallagher, the Nev Blair under-17 Player of the grand final, put everything into his game this season. The Marsden SHS student was encouraging to his teammates, urging them to never give up and his grand final player of the match award was recognition for his efforts – even though his team did not win the game.
ORLANDO COWLEY – UNDER-18 DIVISION 1
Cowley turned up to every game and to every training session putting in his best effort. He picked the team up when needed throughout the season.
JANIQUE MILI – UNDER-14 GIRLS DIVISION 1
A beautifully balanced, athletic runner, Mili scored a runaway try in the grand final, helping her team to victory. She was a pleasure to watch on the field with not only her speed but her ability to step opposition.
LARA KEELING – UNDER-16 GIRLS DIVISION 1
Harden is one of the smallest players on the field, but has the biggest of hearts. She puts in 100 per cent effort every time she takes the field.
CHRIS FAAGUTU/ALEX LEAPA
Two of the best players from the 2022 Langer Trophy schoolboy season were a couple of Logan Brothers juniors., Both Chris Faagutu, a 2022 Australian schoolboy selection now with the Wests Tigers, and Alex Leapa, who trains and plays with the Roosters, made our Courier-Mail Langer Trophy Team of the Year.
REDLANDS RUGBY LEAGUE CLUB
SIENNA LOFIPO – UNDER-18
An Australian schoolgirls vice-captain, Queensland representative player and Queensland City star – Sienna Lofipo has been dubbed the next big thing out of the Redlands. A young gun with all the talent in the world, who is going places with the coaches at her club saying it won’t be long until we see her on our television screen in the NRLW.
MYLES MCILWAIN – UNDER-10
A quiet young footballer, who has already showcased his incredible talent. Finding his feet in the Shane Webcke Carnival team as the vice-captain, Myles went on to be the player of the carnival for Redlands with some great individual efforts in defence and attack.
CALUM PEREIRA – UNDER-18
A silky-skilled halfback, who has just signed with the New Zealand Warriors Under-19s side. Calum Pereira will play SG Ball in the NSWRL competition in 2023 after starring for Redlands. Another youngster with endless potential.
HAYLEY BUSH – UNDER-18
A quality lock-forward, who represented Queensland City this year, Hayley Bush is a consistent performer who has starred for Redlands. She also boasts a golden boot, which can nail goals from anywhere.
MICHAEL HUNNISETT – UNDER-16
A talented Redlands junior, who was rewarded for his performances through being selected to play for the Queensland Under-18s at the Murri Carnival this year.
TYLER PEREIRA – UNDER-15
The younger brother of fellow Redlands junior star Callum Pereira, Tyler is also a dynamic playmaker with significant potential. The halfback played Cyril Connell Cup for Wynnum Manly this year and has a bright future in the game.
KAIDE BOWMAN-LEVERS – UNDER-15
One of the fittest juniors going around, Kaide Bowman-Levers is also an exceptional leader for a player of his age. His coaches say he is a “leader of men” who is known for his incredible work ethic.
SONNY FLAHEY – UNDER-10
Sonny Flahey is a player of the future, who has found his way as a natural leader in his age group and leads by example. He is a highly skilful player and is always working hard on his game. Flahey was awarded the clubs Most Dedicated MOD player and captained the undefeated Redlands Shane Webcke Shield team this year.
WOODY AHOVELO – UNDER-10
A natural talent and powerful runner of the ball, who has been outstanding for Redlands this year. Woody Ahovelo plays hard and is a future star for the club.
ELIZA LOPAMAU – UNDER-18
Like Sienna Lofipo, Eliza Lopamau is also a vice-captain for the Australian schoolgirls team and was signed by the Sydney Roosters earlier this year. Lopamau is a dominant prop with a big future ahead in the NRLW.
TALAN CROSS – UNDER-15
A junior who is talented at several sports, Talan Cross has excelled at Redlands Rugby League as one of the standouts in his age group. Cross is a skilful fullback, who always impresses on the field.
RILEY WALDRON – UNDER-14
A versatile young talent, Riley Waldron is known for his speed with the ability to change gears from fast to light speed in the blink of an eye. Waldron was rewarded for his efforts for Redlands by being names in the Adrian Vowles Cup Dream Team as a lock in Charleville this year. The youngster, who can play both in the second row or centres, runs damaging lines causing the defensive line issues throughout a game.
QUINN QUIROZ – UNDER-14
Quinn Quiroz joined Riley Waldron in the Adrian Vowles Cup Dream Team after impressing with his performances as a mobile prop, who comes from good rugby league pedigree with his father coming from Souths.
NATHAN PHELPS – UNDER-14
An aggressive-minded player, who also was named in the Adrian Vowles Cup Dream Team in the centres, Nathan Phelps is a try-assist machine for Redlands.
SAMSON PEREIRA – UNDER-13
The youngest of the Pereira boys, Samson follows in the footsteps of his older brothers Calum and Tyler at Redlands. Samson is another young gun who is one to watch in the future, according to his coaches.
CADEN HALE – UNDER-13
Caden Hale is an up and coming talent at Redlands, who his coaches say improved out of sight in 2022. They also said he has improved his game each year and they looked forward to a big 2023 at Redlands.
OAKLEY LOFIPO – UNDER-13
A young and big front-rower, who has already been identified as a talent to watch. Oakley is someone who is damaging both in attack and defence.
KYA ELKINGTON – UNDER-13
Despite being in just under-13s, Kya Elkington has been a consistent performer for Redlands for several years. Elkington is a highly skilful player, who is an impressive defender, putting on big hits game after game in his young career to date.
ADDISON TERBLANCHE – UNDER-12
Awarded this year’s Most Outstanding MOD player (under-10s to under-12s age group), Addison Terblanche has already shown she has a bright future in rugby league.
SIERRA THOMPSON – UNDER-12
Her coaches at Redlands call her a “true footballer”, Sierra Thompson has already showcased her flashy skill and toughness on the field. She has not only held her own on the field with the boys but Thompson has been one of the best. She is one to watch coming through the ranks in the future.
PARK MCILWAIN – UNDER-12
The son of former Canterbury Bulldogs player, Dallas McIlwain, Park is another Redlands junior who comes from good rugby league pedigree and has shown potential in the game.
BLAKE PURCELL – UNDER-11
Blake Purcell was awarded the Most Outstanding MOD player (under-10s to under-12s age group) at Redlands in 2021 and this year continued to grow as a footballer. He is a rare talent, who is outstanding to watch with the football in his hands. “This is one player that we love watching play and can’t wait to see where he ends up” coaches at Redlands said.
ROCHEDALE TIGERS JUNIOR RUGBY LEAGUE CLUB
DANIEL SAYLOR – UNDER-17
A talent who impressed in his first year playing rugby league, winning the under-17s Player’s Player and has been labelled as a youngster who will “go further” in the game by Rochedale coaches. Officials at his club said he was an “all-round team player and dedicated player”.
JACK FREIER – UNDER-10
“The toughest under-10s player ever,” according to coaches at the Tigers, Jack Freier will run and tackle just like the big boys.
MAVERICK TAYLOR – UNDER-9
A young star, who comes from a family of eight, with six boys and three playing at the club, Maverick Taylor runs like the wind – catch him if you can.
BELLA PICKERING – UNDER-12
It’s only her second year playing rugby league but already Bella Pickering has shown she is an impressive young player. An athlete who people at Rochedale say “loves a challenge”.
PAEA TAPELATI – UNDER-12
Another tough young lady, who has been a star for the Rochedale Tigers, and has been identified as a future NRLW prospect.
MAREE FIU – UNDER-12
A first-year player, who performed well in an age group above, Maree Fiu is another special young talent from the Tigers.
KHIARAH JACKSON – UNDER-12
One of the many young superstars in the club’s under-12s group, Khiarah Jackson is a tough, no nonsense player, who had an impressive season on the field.
MAX MACCAFFREY – UNDER-9
A young Rochedale Tiger, who took home the President’s Award for 2022, with his coaches calling him a “great little player”.
JACOB HORNE – UNDER-17
Another award winner, Jacob Horne took home the club’s Mark Fryzer Trophy for the most promising up-and-coming talent. Horne is a player, who will be a star on the field for Rochedale for years to come.
CHARLIE FREIER – UNDER-10
Played two tournaments up and age group with the club’s under-10s group at the Gordon Tallis Cup and Paul Bowman Cup and showcased his skills despite being younger than most others on the field. He also won Rochedale’s under-9s mini player of the year.
ASHER PHAM – UNDER-8
One of the club’s many standouts in their mini competitions – a great little player, who loves playing fullback and already boasts an impressive kicking game.
RILEY DOUGLAS – UNDER-10
The Rochedale Tigers MOD (under-10s) player of the year – an all-round team player, who loves nothing more than to cross the line and score an incredible try.
LAUREL RUDOLPH – UNDER-12
A young talent who has been called “one of the toughest young ladies” you will watch by coaches at the Rochedale Tigers. A young star who will one day be in the NRLW.
SAINT IKIFITU – UNDER-14
A player who gives his all every time he steps on the field, is a longtime Rochedale Tiger having already played five seasons at the club.
ADAM PAYNE – UNDER-14
New to the Rochedale Tigers this year having never played rugby league before but has already impressed in junior competition in just one season.
AIDAN HAMILTON – UNDER-14
Another Tiger who has been at the club for five years, played up an age group this season, is a pocket rocket who is lightning fast.
SEBASTIAN FREIER – UNDER-17
Sebastian has been playing up in the club’s under-17s team, is a tough young player who does everything and is a Rochedale stalwart having been at the club for eight years.
JED ROBERTSON – UNDER-17
Was the youngest player in Rochedale’s under-17s group this past season and impressed despite taking on older opponents. Has been at the Tigers for a decade and received his 10-year service award this year.
RHYS GRANT – UNDER-17
A small-framed player, who tackles anything in his way, Rhys Grant played up in the under-17s this season and has been at the Tigers for five years.
WYNNUM MANLY JUNIOR RUGBY LEAGUE CLUB
LIAM STARHIA – UNDER-18 DIVISION 1
An exceptional leader, who leads from the front as captain of the under-18s side.
Starhia is a tough and uncompromising prop with great hands, strong defence and who had a dominant season with his group.
BEN STANDRING – UNDER-18 DIVISION 1
Another gun from the club’s under-18s program, Ben Standring is a gifted utility player who adds value to the team anywhere on the park as he has the ability to play and star in several positions.
EMILY WHITTAKER – UNDER-14 GIRLS
Emily Whittaker was outstanding for the under-14s team this season, starring in her role as the No.9 as well as captain. Whittaker always led from the front with her defence and ability to work with her teammates, who were playing their first season.
MITCHELL HETHERINGTON – UNDER-14 DIVISION 3
Another young gun who led from the front at Wynnum Manly this season.
Hetherington set a standard on and off the field and his game also improved in leaps and bounds in 2022. On top of his individual success, he always supports his teammates.
LUCAS MANN – UNDER-14 DIVISION 3
Lucan Mann’s game continued to improve throughout the season and he is a player, who is happy to do the hard work coming out of his own end. He also showed an ability to finish off plays in impressive style.
JACOB KINGSTON-FRANCIS – UNDER-16 DIVISION 1
Another prospect at Wynnum Manly juniors, who has shown exceptional leadership qualities.
Kingston-Francis starred this season, leading from the front as a powerful ball runner and his toughness in defence.
SYLAS SIMON – UNDER-16 DIVISION 1
A strike weapon with the football, Sylas Simon was an X-factor for the club’s under-16s division one side with his ability to finish plays off with some eye-grabbing tries.
CHAEV KOLONE – UNDER-15 DIVISION 1
You can always depend on Chaev Kolone for big minutes and quality minutes at that and that’s exactly what Wynnum Manly’s under-15 division one side did this year. Whether he’s dominating tackles in the middle or having several hit-ups in a set, his team could always count on him turning up on game day.
ETHAN SAMPOLESI – UNDER-15 DIVISION 1
He’s new to rugby league but already Ethan Sampolesi is making a big impact and played a vital role for Wynnum Manly in 2022. Despite still learning the skills to be a playmaker, Sampolesi consistently made an impact on the field and gives 100 per cent effort every time he plays.
JAYDEN MALAEIMI – UNDER-13
A quiet young man, who leads by his actions and in the words of his coach, has an exceptional work ethic.
JACK GARNIER – UNDER-13
A young man on the rise who starred for Wynnum Manly’s under-13s side.
Garnier is a great competitor, who is a great communicator and is a talent at such a young age that you can easily build a team around.
LUCY JENSEN – UNDER-16 GIRLS
Lucy Jensen had a standout year as a ball-playing lock for the club’s under-16 girls team.
Time after time, Jensen probed the defence and made endless line breaks, which led to countless try assists, which helped guide her team to a grand final appearance in 2022.
ELLIE CULLEN – UNDER-16 GIRLS
Ellie Cullen excelled in her role as halfback for the under-16 girls with the playmaker showing impressive leadership skills to guide her team around the paddock on their way to a grand final.
JOSH CROKER – UNDER-18 DIVISION 1
A 17-year-old emerging playmaker, who is playing up a year at Wynnum Manly but has already shown signs of brilliance. The halfback has a nose for the football and a no-nonsense style in defence.
DEMPSEY TAYLOR – UNDER-18 DIVISION 1
Another 17-year-old playing up for the Wynnum Manly Seagulls Juniors, who starred for the club’s under-18s side. Taylor is a high energy forward, who leads from the front on both sides of the ball and is one to watch for the future.
SETH WALLIN – UNDER-15 DIVISION 3
Wallin is an impressive and dynamic attacking player who was a standout in Wynnum Manly’s under-15 division three side. The youngster is always looking for a hole in the defensive line and boasts an impressive running game to cause the defensive line issues.
NOAH FRAZER – UNDER-15 DIVISION 3
A great defensive player, who leads his team on that side of the ball with quick line speed, aggression and big hits worthy of a highlight video. Another young gun from the club’s under-15s division three side.
SAM EDWARDS – UNDER-16 DIVISION 3
A standout from the club’s under-16 division three side, who pushes through fatigue and always does what is required of him by his team.
MILES DICKMAN – UNDER-16 DIVISION 3
A youngster who plays with a team-first attitude after playing out of position all year, Dickman was one of his group’s best performers week in and week out in season 2022.
CHRISTIAN RIVERS – UNDER-14 DIVISION 1
The big forward had an impressive season for the club’s under-14s side as a damaging runner with the ball but Rivers also was a standout in defence.
ZEKE JONES – UNDER-14 DIVISION 1
Another exceptional young leader, Zeke Jones was a consistent performer for Wynnum Manly in 2022 with his workload in attack and defence.
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