Exciting battle of the fullbacks loom in round 1

Meninga Cup Rd 1: Boom Broncos and Roosters’ teens plus the brother of an Origin star unleashed for Saturday’s season opener. The Meninga and Harvey 19s teams here, along with Connell under 16 selection highlights.

Norths Devils player Tyreece Tait scoring last season. Picture, John Gass

Exciting Broncos prospect Tyreece Tait has been named fullback, while the son of Alex Leapai senior will play in round 1 of the Meninga Cup on Saturday.

The under 16 Cyril Connell Challenge and the under 19 Harvey Norman girls will also get underway featuring thrilling talent across the three games involving Souths Logan, the Redcliffe Dolphins, Norths, Brisbane Tigers, Burleigh Bears and Wynnum-Manly.

Next weekend round 2 will feature all other teams from the competition, from Tweed Seagulls to Northern Pride in FNQ.

The www.couriermail.com.au, together with questnews.com.au, will bring you coverage each weekend of matches.

Watch for the Redcliffe girls this season.

Broncos Meninga Cup prospect Tait from Norths has been named fullback after playing the last few seasons at school and club as a winger where he represented the Queensland schoolboys last season.

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STATE WIDE LOOK AT THE MENINGA TEAMS

STATE WIDE LOOK AT THE CONNELL TEAMS

The Wavell SHS Year 12 student is also a capable centre, but at fullback he should enjoy the freedom of picking his moment out wide or coming down the middle.

Tait is tall and wiry, with a long stride and is an exciting athlete.

Souths Logan, who play Redcliffe in the season opener, will have Roosters signed prop Alex Leapai making his Meninga Cup debut for the club.

Alex Leapai, left, is a leader at Mabel Park SHS.

The son of former world heavyweight boxing contender Alex senior, the Logan Brothers junior and Mabel Park SHS Year 12 student has been playing the last two seasons with the Roosters in Sydney.

Training the off-season with the Roosters and flying to Sydney each week for matches in the NRL team’s junior system contributed to Leapai’s huge season of Langer Trophy football last season, including being named in our News Corp’s Langer Team of the Season.

But he should relish playing locally without having to commute each weekend to the NSW capital, while also enjoying playing with some of his mates at the Magpies.

Cooper Bai, left, and Philip Coates, right, playing for Marymount last season.

Philip Coates, a tall, athletic centre or winger, is also an interesting selection for Souths Logan.

A nice prospect from Marymount College on the Gold Coast where he has been coached by former Melbourne Storm champion and NSW Origin player Matt Geyer.

The brother of thrilling Queensland Origin winger Xavier Coates, Phillip played in Marymount’s Titans Schools League grand final team last season.

He was also named in the Confraternity Carnival Team of the Season last year.

Israel Leota is set to play centre this season.

Last season Coates and Cooper Bai, the son of former Storm premiership winner Marcus, played centres for Merrymount.

Bai has been shifted to No. 13 for the Bears’ round 1 clash at Kougari Oval against Wynnum.

Tait is a part of a thrilling round 1 battle of the fullbacks between the six Meninga Cup teams.

And there is also a ripping battle between the Connell under 16 fullbacks when last year’s two Queensland 15-14 years fullbacks, Mereki Warradoo (Redcliffe) and Tom Parker (Souths Logan), play each other.

Mereki Warradoo for Dolphins against Western ClydesdalePicture: Nev Madsen.

Battle of the fullbacks

Burleigh v Wynnum-Manly

Zyroam Tarewa-Herlihy (Burleigh): Herlihy and his brother Gary came through the Alexandra SHS system under former NRL coach Shaun McRae before switching to Keebra Park SHS to play in the open school system where both made the strong South Coast Maroons 16-18 years state trial side.

Jeremy Trappett playing for Wynnum-Manly last season. Picture: Jerad Williams

Jeremy Trappett (Wynnum): He is a smooth operator, is this Iona College old boy and Seagulls junior who is one of those players who seem to have time despite the heat of battle. Trappett was a part of last season’s triumphant Queensland schoolboys team which won the ARSSL national championship where he showed his versatility by playing centre.

Xavier Atoa will feature for the Magpies in round 1 of the Meninga Cup.

Souths Logan v Redcliffe

Bailin Haji: Haji is match hardened and ready for business after gathering experience and enduring the rigours of playing in his first Langer Trophy schoolboys competition last year for Redcliffe SHS. Playing both wing and fullback across the season, Haji put Redcliffe into the lead for the first time last season in its match against Wavell SHS with a brilliant creation of a try.

Xavier Atoa: A Souths Acacia junior who has caught the eye of Brisbane Broncos’ talent scouts, Atoa made the powerful Met West 16-18 years team last season from the Stretton State College system. He has moved to Marsden SHS where he is striving to play in the top tier Langer Trophy competition.

Norths v Tigers

Tyreece Tait (Norths): Tait is an electric runner, a long striding athlete who has genuine pace and strength. He is tall and strong and after being confined to play wing at schoolboy level, the Wavell SHS Year 12 student should enjoy the freedom of playing No.1.

Norths Devils player Tyreece Tait scoring last season for the Devils. Picture, John Gass

Jackson Rose (Tigers): Rose is a smooth mover who excelled in the Stretton State College rugby league systems, culminating in a man of the match performance in the Gee Cup grand final. Who chose the award? No less judges than Broncos’ trio Mick Hancock, Mick DeVere and Matt Gillett. If you impress those blokes, you have done something right.

Jackson Rose meets Broncos champion Mick Hancock after his man of the match effort for Stretton in the grand final last season.

In other round 1 selection highlights

+ Redcliffe Dolphins have Arthur Fitness (halfback) returning from a knee injury after the kids’ 2022 was wiped out at Wavell SHS. Redcliffe also has powerhouse Larry Siala from Ipswich and Redcliffe SHS 2022 leaders Jayden Alefaio and John Fineanganofo onboard. Siala is a middle forward dynamo who has come through the Jets system while also starruing in AIC school rugby with St Edmund’s College.

+ Souths Logan have Israel Leota closer to the action at centre and Lewis Symonds at No.13 which enables robust Stretton SC product Corey Nassif to get his chance after being a part of last year’s squad. Also on the edge is Arthur Folau

+ Wynnum-Manly have named Beni Allen in the middle while Will Herbert and Cody Black make a talented halves’ pairing. Wrecked by injury last season, if Wynnum hold the troops, they should so well.

+ Norths Devils have Wavell SHS young gun Zac Herdegen named at halfback while mobile backrower Lauloto Salei has been given the honour of captaining the side. And of course Tait has been named at fullback, as already mentioned.

Wavell SHS alumni Laulato Salei will captain Norths Devils, a great honour given the strength of the squad. Picture: Liam Kidston

+ The Tigers have a seemingly ideal halves pairing in 2022 Connell Cup star Mark Nosa and Nudgee premiership winner Maddox McLean, while Mikael Ibrahim will cherish leading the team on. He is a Tigers boy through and though. Also watch for talented middle forward Macarius Pereira off the bench.

St Laurence's old boys Mikael Ibrahim will captain Brisbane Tigers in the Meninga Cup.

+ Burleigh Bears have a massive outside back division courtesy of Billy Wellard, Sam Stephenson and Sunny Kava who will be fed by the exciting Ryder Williams (Keebra Park SHS) and Bailey McConnell (PBC SHS). This is a very good backline.

Mark Nosa, middle, of Marsden SHS will play for the Brisbane Tigers.

TEAMS

MENINGA CUP:

Norths v Brisbane Tigers, Bishop Park

Devils: 1. Tyreece Tait, 2. Brandon Norris, Tariq Tanner, 4. Robertson Tusi Tofu, 5. Caleb Brown, 6. George Taualai, 7. Zac Herdegen 8. Samuel Hyne, 9. Harrison Hill, 10. Nazareth Taua, 11. Tom Hansson, 12. Maddox Goodwin, 13. Lauloto Salei (c), 14. Solomon Platt, 15. Christian Taula, 16. Siosifa Filipe, 17. Jack Murray.

Tigers: 1. Jackson Rose, 2. Maika Poese, 3. Dean Jones, 4. Tyrese Tovao, 5. Joshua Tokam, 6. Mark Nosa, 7. Maddox McLean, 8. Peter James Su’a, 9 Kobey Simms, 10. Mikael Ibrahim (c), 11. Jack McCosker, 12. Jacob Sa, 13. Lyncoln Cliffe, 14. Kayliss Brown, 15. Jack Gordon, 16. Macarius Pereira, 17. Jack Whybrow.

Redcliffe's new recruit - Larry Siala playing school rugby last year for St Edmund's.

REDCLIFFE v SOUTHS LOGAN, Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe

Dolphins: 1. Bailin Haji, 2. Regan O’Connell, 3. Jayden Alefaio 4. Jayden Evans, 5. Siosifa Kava, 6. Adrian Sandy, 7. Arthur Fitness, 8 Aholoka Toia, 9. Mitchell Rogers, 10. Bernard Smith, 11. Larry Siala, 12. Thomas Lunney, 13. Jayden Butt, 14. Ben Crawford, 15. Layton Hillman-Hohua, 16. John Fineanganofo, 17. Elijah Rassmussen.

Redcliffe Dolphins will field a vastly different team this season than the 2022 outfit. Picture, John Gass

Magpies: 1. Xavier Atoa, 2. Will Semu, 3. Braden Teuila, 4. Israel Leota, 5. Phillip Coates. 6. Kruz Taputoa, 7. Jackson Howe, 8. Mosese Manu, 9. Jacob Tinsley (c), 10. Alex Leapai, 11. Corey Nassif, 12. Arthur Folau, 13. Lewis Symonds, 14. Dylan Gallager, 15. Lehi Thomas, 16. Korrbin Ahu-Skelton, 17. Ryan McCann.

Beni Allen is playing for the Seagulls again.

WYNNUM-MANLY v BURLEIGH BEARS, John Frederick Park, Capalaba

Seagulls: 1. Jeremy Trappett, 2. Jeremiah Havea, 3. Jaycob Kingston-Francis, 4. Kylem Vunipola, 5. TBC, 6. Will Herbert, 7. Cody Black, 8. Zane Ford, 9. Cameron Bukowski, 10 Beni Allen, 11. Harry Armstrong, 12. TBC, Dempsay Taylor, 14. Lachlan Mastrone, 15. Will Lane, 16. Isopo Taunuu, 17. Saxon Innes

Bears: 1. Zyroam Tarewa-Herlihy, 2. Billy Wellard, 3. Sam Stephenson, 4. Sunny Kava, 5. 6. Jayviah Panui, 7. Ryder Williams, 7. Bailey Mcconnell, 8. Waaka Hepi 9. Isaiah Fagalilo, 10. Samuel Mcallister, 11. Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu, 12. Zac Kumbamong, 13. Cooper Bai 14. Austin Martsters, 15. Jac Finigan, 16. Kanititeiti SIKAHELE, 17. Oscar Laffranchi

Jonathan Rose and Jack McCoskers, both middle, will both play for the Tigers.

Connell Cup teams highlights:

Redcliffe v Souths Logan

+ The Redcliffe v Souths Logan clash will feature five fullbacks, wingers or centres from last season’s Queensland schoolboys 14-15 years side - Tom Parker, Benson Tau, Joseph Tupuse (all Souths Logan) and Jake Carsburg and Mereki Warradoo (both Redcliffe)

+ two outstanding Queensland schoolboys, Broncos’ signed Fa’apale Feaunati, and Dolphins signed Brian Pounia will captain their respective side.

while captain the Magpies

+ exciting utility player from New Zealand Azariah Toki-Mautairi gets his chance at No.7 for Redcliffe

Norths captain Jared Horne playing for the Qld schoolboys last season.. Picture: Tertius Pickard

Norths v Tigers

+ Queensland schoolboys winger Cooper McInnerney has been named at centre for Norths while the Tigers have blockbusting edge prospect Keoki Koraba also in the centres.

+ the respective No.13s, Jared Horne (Norths) and Max Blanch (Tigers) will captain their teams.

Bears v Wynnum-Manly

+ Another of the talented Raftstrand family is coming through, with Freeman given his chance on the wing for Burleigh.

+ Queensland schoolboys halfback Marley McLaren will captain the Bears side which features an exciting edge of Nelson Makaafi and Te Ira Rudolph-Mokaraka.

+ watch for Seagulls No.9 Ezekiel Jones and Tyler Periera to liven things up the middle for Wynnum-Manly.

Mackenzie Baty enjoying the game. Picture Glenn Hampson

HARVEY NORMAN 19s

THE TEAMS

Redcliffe v Magpies

Dolphins: 1. Aspen Nakao; 2. Deja Pelite-Denny, 3. Abbie Ritchie, 4. Ruby Bezgovsek, 5. TBA, 6. Memory Paitai, 7. Dentce Perham, 8. Eden Utatao, 9. Diantae Savage, 10. Lenniece Wright, 11. Reegan Hicks, 12. Vyeisha Tuua, 13. Armarni-lea AUVAE, 14. Grace Filipo, 15. Emillia Burns, 16. Bernadette Papani, 17. River Hicks.

Souths Logan: 1. Kiarah Siauane, 2. Sumaya HAIDARI, 3. Leonia Tauelangi, 4. TBA, 5. Heaven Brady, 6. Mackenzie Baty-Karauria, 7. TBA, 8. Savannah Tato, 9. Shannon Symon, 10.Alice Shannon, 11. Jaydika Tafua, 12. Jada Toleafoa 13. Adriarne Cracknell, 14. Chloe Rowe, 15. Tusitina Fale, 16. Charmayne Pakura. 17 TBA

All in - the Redcliffe Dolphin Harvey 19s

Wynnum-Manly v Bears

Seagulls: 1. Destiny Mino-Sinapati, 2. Charlotte Wells, 3. Ellie Cullen, 4. Gloria Seumali, 5. Helen Uitual, 6. Jayde Herdegen, 7. Sienna Lofipo, 8. Fuatino Ah-Him, 9. Emma Barnes (c), 10. Grace Granville, 11. Alyssa McCarthy, 12. Trinity Veetutu, 13. Harley Bush, 14. Raven

Tihema-Mako, 15. Lili Douglas, 16. Koolee Harbour, 17. TBA

Bears: 1. Bella Thompson, 2. Kyra TUSA, 3. Mhia Taylor, 5. Aleyas Manapori, 5. Marli Jurd,

agi, 6. Matisse Bettridge (c), 7. Sienna Norris, 8. Azariah Wallace, 9. Liliy Rose Kolc, 10. Prue Peters, 11. Grace King. 12. Sian MCNEILL-EHRLICH, 13. Waimaaria Ngati, 14. Yasmin

Ellabasi, 15. Nadia Windleborn, 16. Natalee Rixon17, Milla Ferguson.

India Seeto will play for Tigers. Picture, John Gass

Norths v Tigers

Norths: H Davis, H Illua, A Walters, H Daniels-Harris, R Chaseling, T Sykes, K Davis, G Giampino, J Jordan, K Schubert, M Davies, B. Leota (c), M Jackson, C Matatahi, A Ramsay, J David, J Neemia

Easts: K Maloney, F Edwards, D Taputoa, W Williams, N Elias, T Tavita, I Seeto, K Pritchard, I.Satui A. Maiuri, E Eliu, K Takai, P Wani, E Pedro, G Lolohea, J Crosby, S Heke