Four code footy special: The top 50 schoolboy footy players we saw in 2024
Four code schoolboy footy special: Here’s the top 50 cream of the crop of schoolboys we saw in action this season across rugby league, rugby union, the Schools Premier League soccer and AIC Aussie rules. FULL LIST
Local sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
From the Schools Premier League football to schoolboy rugby union, AIC Australian football and Langer Trophy rugby league, we saw the best of the best emerging in each code during 2024.
So who were the very best top-tier talents who caught our eye?
Here we shine a light on the top 50 players we saw during our coverage of the four schoolboy footy codes in terms one, two and three.
Jump to: Football, rugby league, rugby union, Australian football.
FOUR CODES, 50 SCHOOLBOY WONDERS WE SAW
RUGBY LEAGUE SCHOOLBOY WONDERS
Zane Harrison (Palm Beach Currumbin SHS)
Zane Harrison was the puppeteer of his team’s all-conquering schoolboy league team Palm Beach Currumbin SHS, a halfback ace who ran the side with class and expertise.
Like all the very good players, Harrison seemed to have time to work his magic and had an uncanny ability to take correct options playing for the premiership winning Tweed Seagulls under-19s and the PBC SHS Reds in the Langer Trophy.
He was mature beyond his years, a born winner whose uncomplicated game is suited to the NRL. Titans’ fans take note.
Charlie Dickson (Wavell SHS)
Wavell SHS senior Charlie Dickson was supreme at No. 13, a mature beyond his years type who never over played his hand.
Signed by the NRL Dolphins, he made a habit of playing to his strengths, perfecting his role and performing those duties to perfection as a captain.
Dickson shared the Langer Trophy’s Justin Hodges Medal with Harrison as the competition’s best player as a 17-year-old. Earlier in the year he spearheaded the Dolphins to the Connell Cup (under-17s) premiership.
Tupou Francis (Marsden SHS)
Tupou Francis, a fine No. 13, was the best Year 11 student we saw during the Langer Trophy this season.
Aggressive with the ball, Tupou’s defensive line speed and impact unsettled opponents and surely inspired his teammates.
Tupou, the younger brother of Gold Coast Titans winger Tony, is a tremendous junior signing for the Broncos who plays a bit like Pat Carrigan.
Mason Barber (Keebra Park SHS)
The most exciting running player in the Langer Trophy, the explosive Barber was rewarded with Australian schoolboys selection after lighting up the national championships in Coffs Harbour.
Barber was also versatile, swinging into the front line as a five-eighth after starring at fullback for the Tweed Seagulls under-19s in the club season.
Those skills will hold him in good stead as he progresses on toward the North Queensland Cowboys this off-season.
He scored the try of the year.
Elijah Keung (Mabel Park SHS)
Prop forward Elijah Keung was the find of the season.
He carried his outstanding Meninga Cup (under-19s) form with the Brisbane Tigers into the Langer competition where his tryscoring prowess earnt him selection in the Queensland schoolboys side.
So impressive was his form, NRL suitors came from left, right and centre to sign him - he ultimately settled on the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
Kanaan Magele (Ipswich SHS)
Kanaan Magele was another new face in the Langer Trophy competition who made a huge impact for Ipswich SHS, who swept through the home-and-away season undefeated in a mightily impressive feat.
Signed by the Roosters from New Zealand, middle forward Magele was a revelation with his thunderous charges which consistently bent opposition defensive lines.
He went on to be named in the Queensland schoolboys side, after making plenty of noise playing for the Ipswich Jets and then Ipswich SHS.
Amare Wynyard (Redcliffe SHS)
Local junior Amare Wynyard was superb from dummyhalf for Redcliffe’s representative under-17s and then for the Redcliffe SHS Eagles in the Langer Trophy.
His boundless defensive energy, clever running game and ball play ensured he made our Langer Trophy Team of the Season with ease.
He was a big factor in Redcliffe SHS’s enormous improvement this season.
Sam Stephenson (Palm Beach Currumbin SHS)
Sam Stephenson was one of only three Queenslanders to make the Australian schoolboys side. Mason Barber and Zac Garton were the other two.
Stephenson was a towering centre figure for the champion PBC SHS side whose senior team were crowned the top schoolboy rugby league side in September.
His explosive dummyhalf running from the defensive end thumped his side forward, while he was also a weapon in the air from cross field kicks or as a running big man on the edge.
He is signed by the Titans.
Xzavier Timoteo (Ipswich SHS)
Ipswich SHS’s run of eight successive Langer Trophy wins started in the engine room and front and centre was prop and captain Xzavier Timoteo.
He impacted matches with his explosive leg speed and aggressive ball carrying. He was also used as a chief attacking weapon close to the line where he seemingly scored more often than not.
The Roosters have a good one signed up here.
Cooper Clarke (Caloundra SHS)
The biggest disappointment of the Langer Trophy season was that we saw next to nothing of elite Australian schoolboy Zac Garton, and only saw his cousin, Clarke, play less than half the season.
But what an impression prop forward Clarke made and he earnt selection in the Queensland schoolboys as a result.
A big, mobile prop signed by the Melbourne Storm, Clarke also had an ability to unload in contact.
He is a top tier prospect.
Zac Garton (Caloundra SHS)
Australian Schoolboy select Zac Garton has NRL squad member written all over him.
Dolphins’ signed, the Caloundra SHS weapon was a pillar on the edge for the See Eagles and before that the Dolphins in the elite Meninga Cup competition.
Built low to the ground, Garton challenged defenders with his fierce runs and was a brick wall in defence.
Joey Tupuse (Keebra Park SHS)
The Keebra Park SHS centre was a beast bringing the ball back out of the danger zone either from dummyhalf or receiving the ball one off the ruck in the Langer Trophy competition.
In attack he could explode around an opponent centre and came to life in the finals where Keebra Park made a great run before being halted by Marsden SHS in the semi-final.
Prior to the school season, the damaging Tupuse caught our eye playing for the Souths Logan Magpies in the Connell Cup competition.
Brian Pouniu (Redcliffe Dolphins, St Eugene College)
Brian Pouniu was the ants pants in the Connell Cup competition, the top of the tree when it came to a forward leader with natural talent.
A humble edge forward or lock who attends school in Burpengary, Pouniu had that killer instinct that complemented his skill.
He captained the Dolphins under-17s to the club premiership, for the second year in a row, before missing out on Queensland Schoolboys selection by the width of a tissue paper.
The other top flight players who caught out eye most often in 2024 were:Disharne Tonihi (Marsden SHS), Ellyjah Birve (Caloundra SHS), Hayden Watson, (Marsden SHS), David Bryenton (Keebra Park SHS), Zac Kumbamong (Keebra Park SHS), Tom Parker (Ipswich SHS), Jac Finigan (PBC SHS), Saifiti Junior Saifiti (Ipswich SHS), Jared Horne (Wavell SHS), Braithen Scott (Western Clydesdales, St Mary’s College), Adaquix-Jeremiah Watts-Luke (Marsden SHS), Sam Martin (Ipswich SHS) and Fa’apale Feaunati (Keebra Park SHS).
RUGBY UNION SCHOOLBOY WONDERS
Roman Siulepa (Brisbane State High School)
Roman Siulepa was a sublime talent who played No.8.
He was so athletic that if he crossed codes tomorrow he’d be snapped up by an AFL club looking for a ruckman or key position player, or signed in an instant by an NRL club. Magnificent in the air with great hands, he was the best of the best rugby talent we saw in 2024 and arguably the best schoolboy basketballer we saw in 2023 playing for Brisbane State High’s First V.
John Grenfell (Nudgee College)
John Grenfell was a walking inspiration in Nudgee College’s rugby program.
The First XV captain was both a No. 8 and hooker bundled up into the one body and his leadership and damaging ball carrying led the way in a historic GPS season that resulted in the school bringing up their 45th premiership.
His powerhouse running and brutal defence complemented his expertise at scrum time.
He was the best in the business.
Tom Howard (Marist College Ashgrove)
Tom Howard was superb across the season. Blessed with a withering sidestep inherited from his father Pat, Howard was a constant danger in all matches played across AIC rugby and league.
His blinding pace and ability to attack helped end St Laurence’s remarkable run of three outright premierships (2021,2022,2023)
He also played tough, soaking up the contact and defending stoutly.
Kingsley Uys (The Southport School)
Front rower Kingsley Uys was the best new talent we saw in the GPS First XV rugby last season and he maintained the rage this year to become arguably the top Year 11 rugby player in the nation.
A mobile big man of South African heritage, Uys played a big part in the Australian Under-18s successful tour across the ditch where they beat the New Zealand Schools team for the first time since 2019.
Upon his return home, Uys was promptly placed in the Reds Under-19s side that lost 42-31 against the Waratahs on Sunday at Norths.
He is just 16, playing alongside some boys who finished school two years ago.
Jacob Johnson (Nudgee College)
The speed, precision and reliability of fullback Jacob Johnson was a godsend for premiers Nudgee College in 2023 and 2924.
He was always a threat running the ball and creating from broken play and impressively, he is the only player in the school’s rich sporting history to win a First XI football and First XV rugby premiership in the same year (2023).
It must have been so frustrating for opposition rugby teams thinkingthey had unlocked Nudgee College’s rhythm with a good clearing kick, only to have multi-sport athlete Johnson nullify its effect.
Hopo Leota (Iona College)
Big Hopo Leota was a near unstoppable force in rugby this season.
Iona College used him expertly in the wider channels and he was a regular on the score sheet in AIC First XV rubgy.
Leota is a whirlwind in the maul or sweeping, but also has soft hands when unloading to teammates.
The Wynnum Bugs brute will continue his development in the academy of Top 14 club Racing 92 in France.
Finn Mackay (St Laurence’s College)
St Laurence’s College senior Finn Mackay was the top flyhalf in his age group this year, directing traffic expertly for his school’s First XV and the Souths Magpies Colts 2.
The 17-year-old also put pressure on first-choice Australian Under-18s flyhalf Jonty Fowler as part of the all-conquering team that went two-from-two in New Zealand last month.
The Reds Academy playmaker, who seems to have time on his hands in the face of rushing defence, is renowned for his long kicking game and the lefty will be eligible for three years of colts club rugby.
Nick Conway (Nudgee College)
Nudgee College senior Nick Conway has added considerable size to his frame this year while remaining the slick, light-footed outside back that has a remarkable ability to evade his first defender.
He moves laterally like he weights virtually nothing and at fullback, wing or outside centre, Conway left his mark in Nudgee College’s First XV over the past two seasons.
He played 80 minutes for Australia’s Under-18s in their win over the New Zealand Schools.
Will Ross (Padua College)
The Brothers rugby club young gun made the Australian Under-18s side as a Year 11 and will be eligible for selection again in his final year of schooling at Padua College next year.
In an impressive feat, the towering second rower has not yet lost a rugby match representing his school after arriving for Year 5.
The AIC First XV rugby premiership winner has upsize and really impressed in gold across the ditch with his ballrunning.
Eli Langi (Brisbane State High School)
While respected judges knew he was good, few could have predicted the consistent quality of work offered by Brisbane State High’s captain this season.
A big lock or flanker, Langi had the skills of a No. 8 or centre, but the will and desire of a grizzly tight forward and Australian Under-18 coach Shannon Fraser just had to have him in his starting XV for the mini-tour of New Zealand.
The Sunnybank Dragons talent is seriously good.
Damon Humphrys (Padua College)
Flyhalf or fullback Damon Humphrys was the maestro behind Padua College’s rise to the AIC rugby premiership and their Confraternity rugby league campaign which culminated in a grand final appearance.
He unleashed a mighty kicking game and steered his forwards from one engagement to the next expertly and he had more to his game than simply kicking.
For example, his running game was the difference when his school came out on top in their biggest match of the First XV season against hosts Marist College Ashgrove.
Treyvon Pritchard (Churchie)
As was the case with Caloundra SHS young gun Cooper Clarke, we simply didn’t see enough of Treyvon Pritchard.
Despite this, he was still elite and he just had to be mentioned in this company.
After a breakout year in 2023 representing the Queensland Reds and Australian Under-16s rugby teams, Pritchard took to the GPS rugby competition like duck to water.
A former St Peters Springfield student of New Zealand and African heritage, Pritchard was an athletic fullback marvel who excelled for Churchie’s First XV before injury intervened.
Other special players we saw this rugby season included: Lincoln Dalton (Brisbane Grammar), Tyler Maybery (Brisbane Boys’ College), Manaaki Bateman (St Patrick’s College), Hugo Hart (Nudgee College), Jackson Connor (Villanova College), Ben Davis (St Laurence’s College), Campbell Rolfe (Iona College), Tom Millard (Marist College Ashgrove), Ed Kasprowicz (Nudgee College), Bennett Armistead (Nudgee College), Oliver Nasser (Gregory Terrace) Gray O’Neill (Brisbane Boys’ College), Carter Welfare (Redcliffe Dolphins, Nudgee College), Cyrus Suniala (Brisbane State High), Finn Kendall (Ipswich Grammar), Agapetos Lote-Felo (The Southport School), Oliver Patterson (Nudgee College)
CROSS-CODE GEMS
Dyer Akauola (Norths Devils, Brisbane Grammar)
Brisbane Grammar Year 11 student Dyer Akauola was a prime mover across the Connell Cup (league) competition with his effective carries and effort.
There was little wonder the Dolphins snapped him up for an Academy place. He is a mobile forward brute who, despite being young for his age group, looked mature beyond his years.
He seriously jammed four seasons into two, Akauola backing up his brilliant campaign with Norths to be an influential forward for Brisbane Grammar’s First XV.
He was a must for Welmar du Plessis’ Reds Under-16s side for the ongoing Super Rugby tournament.
His buddy Lincoln Dalton (Reds Under-16s, Norths Devils’ Under-17s Player of the Year) goes alright too.
Jayden Solien (Padua College)
Padua College senior Jayden Solien was a revelation this year warming his engines in the Meninga Cup competition for Souths Logan before impacting the AIC rugby competition for eventual premiers Padua College.
Solien was a hard working No. 13 with energy and footwork in league and then in rugby a fleet-a-foot fullback who could create in a flash counterattacking.
Amaziah Murgha (Ipswich Grammar)
Murgha was magic for the Ipswich Jets Under-19s (league) and then for Ipswich Grammar playing rugby.
He was a thrilling customer who relished room to rove in the GPS First XV competition where he was arguably the best attacking player whether as a fullback, wing or centre.
Kilarney Lavender (The Southport School)
Redcliffe-Dolphins signed edge forward Kilarney Lavender was an outside centre sensation for TSS in First XV rugby and before that an elite second rower for the Burleigh Bears Under-17s.
There were times when he looked like a man among boys, such was his authority when he carried the ball.
He was one of the first players picked in the GPS First XV rugby Team of the Season and the astute Dolphins scouts would have had his name pencilled in well before the midway point of his impressive First XV rugby campaign where few were as destructive running the ball.
Trent Picot (Brisbane State High School)
Trent Picot, Max Blanch’s Tigers teammate through the representative rugby league season, picked up where he left off last year for the Reds Under-16s to be the premier on-baller in GPS First XV rugby for Brisbane State High.
At times immovable over the ball, Picot excelled in both codes this year and would have been a dream teammate.
He is someone you can rely on. Someone who makes big plays when the team is in need of it and as such, there were no surprises when he was selected at flanker in the Australain Schoolboys rugby team.
Picot’s workrate and ability to relieve pressure at the breakdown was everything for the resurgent Brisbane State High boys, whose successful school rugby season was built on his reliability as a flanker.
Max Blanch (Churchie)
Churchie’s First XV inside centre and the Brisbane Tigers’ under-17s hooker was first class.
A linchpin in defence and the key to Churchie’s attacking shape, Blanch had a ton of responsibility and somehow outdid himself.
The outstanding captain, also a terrier on defence, was also an elite dummyhalf for the Tigers.
He is a player who could go all day and the Dragons have picked him up for next year’s SG Ball competition (NSWRL, under-19s).
Frank Howarth (Brisbane Boys’ College)
The younger brother of Melbourne Storm Rookie of the Year Jack Howarth did his thing in the GPS First XV rugby competition after featuring for the Wynnum-Manly Seagulls Under-17s (league) earlier in the year.
With a knack for turning up in the big games and that Brad Fittler left foot step, Howarth put to use his big body and silky skills to be both a ballplayer and damaging carrier of the ball in the 15-a-side game.
The Storm-signed Rockhampton product was arguably BBC’s best player and does not turn 18 until next year.
Saia Poese (Gregory Terrace)
We tried incredibly hard to nail this list down to 50 and one player who just had to get a plug was Brisbane Broncos Academy ace Saia Poese.
The incredibly elusive outside back had a terrific Connell Cup club rugby league season with the Magpies that culminated in Queensland City Under-17s selection.
In the winter Poese, whose older brother Maika had a cracking season for the Canberra Raiders Under-19s in the SG Ball competition, was one of the most slippery customers contesting the GPS First XV competition.
AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL (AIC COMPETITION)
Jordie Chambers (Padua College)
Padua’s half back ace and captain, Chambers was fearless at the ball and was able to rebound opposition entries and generate attack for his side.
One of the top talents in AIC Australian football, Chambers was a Mr Versatile from the Aspley Hornets.
Tom Waters (Padua College)
Tom Waters was Chambers’ partner in crime, Padua’s vice-captain who offered inside midfield magic while being hard at the ball.
Once in possession, he displayed an ability to connect by either hand or foot and had a knack for goal as well.
Nate Rowcliffe (Padua College)
One of the finds of the senior season, Year 11 winger Nate Rowcliffe generated great tackle pressure and had a raking right foot.
The Wilston Grange gun worked his backside off each match for Padua
Jack Thompson (Marist College Ashgrove)
Thompson was one of the competition’s premier footy players, a midfield ace who led his side by example. And what an example it was.
He led by example in the midfield with his skill, aggression and leadership.
Isaac Roach (Marist College Ashgrove)
Isaac Roach was another of the competition’s finest players, a midfield workhorse who, as captain, took great pride in leading his team on first - and then leading the way across all four quarters.
The lion-hearted captain also shone in AIC First XI football and rugby league this year.
Only few have done what Roach did representing three Firsts footy teams.
Liam Rice (Marist College Ashgrove)
Rice was another excellent midfield exponent who also offered plenty up forward, particularly against St. Laurences where his performance set Marist up for its biggest win of the season.
Cooper Hodge (St Laurence’s College)
Hodge, a Brisbane Lions Academy Level Two program inductee, would prowl the mid field looking to make an impact on both sides of the ball. He was one of the best of the best this season.
Ben Morison (St Laurence’s College)
Morison was another midfield marvel, who could swing from the midfield toward half back. He offered plenty and it is little wonder Morison is a Brisbane Lions Academy Level Two program inductee.
Aiden Brennan (Ambrose Treacy College)
Brennan was absolutely elite in this competition as a running back where he used the ball cleanly and with precision.
Ashlon Prindable (St Laurence’s College)
Laurie’s had a tremendous midfield contingent and one of the best in the business was the versatile Prindable.
Jackson Dalrymple (Villanova College)
The team’s centre half forward, Dalrymple displayed the fitness of a triathlete with his ability to cover the ground. He was a reliable target, effective in contested marks and set a high example for teammates.
Isaac Terpstra (Iona College)
Terpstra’s run and dash through the midfield was a highlight for Iona College during the season.
Other top tier footy players who came to our attention across the competition were:Rory O’Keeffe (Marist College Ashgrove), Joseph Drane (Ambrose Treacy College), Cooper Mataia (St Laurence’s College), Ashlon Prinable (St Laurence’s College), Jacob Edwards (Ambrose Treacy College), Ned Godwin (Villanova College), Joey Watson (Villanova College), Patrick Dalton (St Patrick’s), Noah Polinski (St Patrick’s), Nick Watson (St Patrick’s), Jonah Geiger (Iona College), Christian Wilson (Iona College), Ben Lillico (Iona College), Ryan Lillico (Iona College).
FOOTBALL (SCHOOLS PREMIER LEAGUE)
Sam Young (Kelvin Grove State College)
An ace midfielder, Young was renowned for being a real midfield general, a tremendous passer with vision. A spectful young man with a high football IQ, he made the 17-19 Years Boys Queensland Representative School Sport Football Team (Maroon)
Orlando Lopez (Aspley SHS)
Signed by Eastern Suburbs FC for the 2024 season, Lopez was a forward ace for Aspley who made the 17-19 Years Boys Queensland Representative School Sport Football Team (Maroon).
James Durrington (PBC SHS)
The Gold Coast United 2023 under-23 NPL Player’s Player of the Year, Durrington is a technically gifted football capable of breaking down defences with his range of passing skills. He can win one-on-one challenges against the best opposition.
Harry Hawyes (Kelvin Grove State College)
Hawyes was a powerful and athletic central defender for Corinda, a footballer with a tremendous range of passing. His big match brilliance was seen at the School Premier League senior boys finals when he scored his team’s first goal, then stole possession from an opponent to help teammate Xander Laikum to goal.
Hiboki Tomioka (Southport SHS)
One of the best in the business, this creative midfielder is potent off either foot. He earned a reputation for being an unselfish player who gained much joy from helping a teammate find the back of the net. Tomioka captained the South Coast side and was named in the 13-16 Years Queensland School Sports team after an outstanding performance at the championships. He was an easy selection in this side.
Cruz Lizasoain (Cleveland District State College)
The SPL ace brought big match experience to the competition - and it showed in his elite performances. He was a strong, attacking midfielder who was able to impact games on the ball and tackle hard off the ball.
Wil Avis (Cavendish Road SHS)
An attacking ace, Avis possessed an explosive turn of pace and was hard to handle in the SPL. He knew how to find the back of the net.
Kaiden Turnbull (Murrumba State College)
Turnbull was another shining light across the School Premier League, earning selection in the 17-19 Years Boys Queensland Representative School Sport Football Team (Maroon).
Other elite SPL footballers who came to our attention this season were:Ryan Abella (Marsden SHS), Luca Holder (Albany Creek SHS), Harry White (Chancellor State College), Adnan Ali (Harristown State High School), Jordan Richardson (Kawana) and Alfie Kemble (Helensvale SHS).
Are we forgetting someone? Let us know in the comments section
500% growth, 200+ kids: Tonga’s rapid rugby rise
A small but mighty club on the Gold Coast has returned for the 2024 Pacific Youth Rugby Festival with five times the enforcements of its 2023 campaign, and a motto aimed at building a community full of culture. Full story:
Records toppled: Top athletics stars of Qld Schools State Titles
Your one stop shop to all the top news and best athletes from the Queensland Representative School Sport track and field championships. Links to all four days - plus a mega photo gallery.