Top 16 Confraternity Rugby League players to watch in 2023
Young guns already signed to NRL clubs and relatives of Origin legends – see the players to watch at this week’s 43rd Confraternity Rugby League tournament in Brisbane. FULL LIST
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Young guns already signed to NRL clubs and relatives of Origin legends – the next generation of rugby league stars are showcasing their talents in Brisbane this week at one of the biggest tournaments of the year.
The famous Confraternity Carnival kicked-off yesterday at Suncorp Stadium when host school St Laurence’s College met Villanova College in the curtain-raiser to the NRL clash between the Brisbane Broncos clash and the Gold Coast Titans.
The carnival proper starts today at Runcorn with 64 teams from Catholic and Independent schools across Queensland.
This is the 43rd “Confro”, continuing a rugby league nursery that produced seven of the Maroons’ State of Origin squad members from this year’s game two victory.
Here we reveal the players to watch at the iconic carnival.
Will Shears (St Patrick’s College, Mackay)
A quality centre who returns for another Confro after playing in last year’s grand final. Shears captained the Mackay Cutters’ Under 18 team this year. He can play multiple positions and is already contracted to North Queensland Cowboys.
Colby Thompson (Ignatius Park College, Townsville)
The starting hooker for Townsville Blackhawks in the Mal Meninga Cup Under 18 grand final, Thompson will be important to Ignatius Park’s hopes of winning a third consecutive Confraternity Shield. Tireless in defence with the ability to make important runs in attack.
Banjo Walker (St Brendan’s College, Yeppoon)
A Clermont product who has been one of the best performers in the backline for the St Brendan’s rugby league nursery. Walker has a strong kicking game to complement his skills. He was a member of the CQ Capras’ Under 18 team this year.
Baylee Meilland (Emmaus College, Rockhampton)
From the school that produced Cameron Munster, Baylee Meilland is the captain and key member of the Emmaus College forward pack. The prop has made his way through junior representative ranks and is a big reason for Emmaus’ excellent start to the Dolphins Cup.
Phillip Coates (Marymount College, Burleigh Waters)
The brother of State of Origin star Xavier Coates was selected last year in the team of the carnival despite only being in Year 10. Like his brother, a powerful outside back who will prove a handful in a Marymount team that has become one of the most consistent at Confro.
Wyatt Lourigan (Ignatius Park College, Townsville)
A prop who continues the reputation of powerful middle forwards from the two-time defending Confro champions. Lourigan featured in the Townsville Blackhawks’ team that played in the Mal Meninga Cup Under 18 grand final against Redcliffe this season.
Braelan Marsh (St Brendan’s College, Yeppoon)
The son of former Origin hooker PJ Marsh, Braelan is a hooker with the skill, speed and defensive mettle to take St Brendan’s deep into another Confro tournament. Braelan was a member of the Queensland Under 12 team and has developed well since then, continuing to earn representative honours.
Tom Morcom (Shalom College)
An outside back contracted to the Brisbane Broncos, Morcom was part of the Wide Bay team that played at the state schools championships last month. Morcom has been on the Broncos’ books for several years and brings size and speed to the Shalom backline.
Darcy Clark (St Patrick’s College, Mackay)
St Patrick’s welcomes back its captain after he missed last year’s Confro with a knee injury. The powerful front rower has a solid build that will give St Patrick’s confidence in the middle against teams that may not match its size.
Lachlan Stuart (St Peter Claver College, Riverview)
With a shock of blond hair, halfback Stuart was likened last year to Allan Langer as he made his way into the Confraternity merit team. Dangerous in attack and tough in defence, Stuart hails from the school that produced Anthony Milford.
Kayne Smith (St Patrick’s College, Mackay)
A powerful lock who is contracted to the North Queensland Cowboys. Smith was a member of the Mackay Cutters’ Under 18 team this season with some of his schoolmates. He featured in the St Patrick’s squad that lost in the grand final of last year’s Confro carnival.
Bailey Anderson (St Patrick’s College, Mackay)
A Melbourne Storm-contracted winger who has become a try-scoring sensation for St Patrick’s in the Aaron Payne Cup this season. The dangerous finisher has a knack for scoring tries and will prove valuable for St Patrick’s in the big clashes of Confro.
Hadley Smith (Marymount College, Burleigh Waters)
Smith is back for another Confraternity campaign and he returns in form after he was named player of the competition at the recent Titans Schools Cup. A strong fullback with speed and the ability to organise his team in defence.
Jack Prior (Ignatius Park College, Townsville)
A smart and safe fullback who expertly organises the defensive line. His running game is always a threat. Prior has played Townsville A Grade debut for Souths Bulls and played in the Mal Meninga Cup Under 18 grand final for the Blackhawks.
Ryder Damro (Marymount College, Burleigh Waters)
The captain of the Marymount team that won the Titans Schools Cup. Has the experience of a previous Confraternity Carnival so will know what to expect as part of a Marymount team that has produced the likes of Xavier Coates in recent years.
Mitch Rogers (Padua College, Kedron)
An outstanding prospect who was selected in last year’s team of the carnival. Rogers is a wily hooker already on contract with the Canterbury Bulldogs. He impressed in Redcliffe’s Mal Meninga Cup Under 18 team this season and continues on Padua’s proud league history.
Will Lane (Iona College, Lindum)
A hard-running lock and captain and sets the standards in the Iona pack. Lane is at his third Confro - he was a winger in Year 10 before switching to his natural role in the forwards. A stand-out for Wynnum Juniors who went close to selection in the Queensland schools team.
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