Harvey Norman under-17 girls rugby league: Team of the Season named ahead of grand final between Tigers and Falcons
Harvey Norman U17 Team of the Season revelation: See who made the hotly contested squad ahead of this Saturday’s blockbuster grand final.
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The Harvey Norman U17s competition is heading for a blockbusting conclusion when city meets country this weekend.
The Tigers will play the Sunshine Coast on Saturday in what will be a fitting climax to a season which continues to see the youth women’s rugby league booming.
So who were the best of the best from the Harvey Norman U17 season? Read on to relive the season that was.
TEAM OF THE SEASON
1. JANIQUE MILI (MAGPIES)
The thought of Janique Mili’s stepping and agility around the ruck and out back would have led to some sleepless Friday nights for opposition players and coaches.
A small target, the mighty mite from Marsden State High School had the footwork and acceleration to threaten all opponents.
The little livewire was a member of the 2024 Team of the Season as well.
2. LILLIANA NATI (DOLPHINS)
Arguably Redcliffe’s most exciting female youth player this decade continued to go from strength to strength in 2025.
Blessed with strength and a great finisher, Nati is a footballer with a sense of when to enter the play and what to do when she does.
The Queensland City select, and team captain, is the real deal and deserves selection in this company.
Footnote: Broncos young gun Reegan Hicks was also a stellar talent who attended Australian Christian College in Caboolture.
3. LEILANI TAOFINUU (TIGERS)
Taofinuu was enormous as a second rower in last Saturday’s semi-final, adding a dimension to the Tigers’ attack with her speed one closer to the ruck. She also attacked with her defence.
The Gold Coast Titans were onto her early, installing the 2024 Queensland schoolgirls representative into its Future Titans program.
A centre all season long, Taofinuu is a powerful runner from the ruck or sweeping onto the ball out wide, and is a punishing defender.
4. GENESIS TUPA’I (BEARS)
A returning member of the 2024 Team of the Season, the Gold Coast Titans academy rookie was one of the first players picked in 2025.
She was a lethal edge weapon, with blazing finishing power and an ability to put teammates over with nicely polished distribution.
The Keebra Park SHS student captained the Bears and wore her heart on her sleeve.
5. AAMIRA RENOUF (FALCONS)
An extraordinary young woman and extremely talented outside back.
Renouf, the niece of rugby league legend Steve Renouf, suffers from a cruel disease that affects just five children in Australia, Limbic Encephalitis.
Renouf is a flag bearer for children and teenagers who think they cannot play life with epilepsy by showcasing her wonderful talent across multiple sports while also managing her condition.
She had a quality campaign as fullback for the grand finalists, and was a surprising omission from the Country squad.
6. SEDEEQUA NELSON (CLYDESDALES)
Nelson, a wonderful natural talent, was a tremendous running half who ignited matches with her unique skills.
But importantly the rookie also started to learn how to run a team, which was a big area of development for her.
A Queensland Country select, Nelson was at times a walking highlight in a strong debut season in the competition.
7. TORAH LUADAKA (TWEED)
If there was a player of the season award, Luadaka would be one of the Super Six left standing on the stage ahead of the final announcement - the others would be Ta’Akimoeaka-Pulu (Tigers), Mele (Souths Logan), Desic (Tigers), Compton (Souths Logan) and Riley-Jay Henry-Purcell (Tigers).
Luadaka was outstanding from halfback, both as an individual and as a team player.
She could score from 90m out or 10m out, rewarding her fast moving forward pack by sparking points for her side. The Keebra Park SHS senior was also a grand goal kicker.
8. CARAYANIDIS TA’AKIMOEAKA-PULU (TIGERS)
No defence could contain her across the course of a match. She was an out of the box performer and a big reason why the Tigers made it so far.
Indeed without her it is unlikely the Tigers could have drawn level in the last round match against the Magpies - a game which decided the finalists.
9. ENAH DESIC (TIGERS)
10. OLIVIA FILIKITONA (BEARS)
A Mt Albert discovery player from Auckland, New Zealand, Filikitonga was outstanding for the Burleigh Bears.
Highly skilled and ferocious, Filikitonga’s power game matched it with competition’s very best, giving the Bears the momentum to sweep wide.
Filikitonga, a Keebra Park SHS student, looms as a big threat in this year’s NRL Schoolgirls Cup, South East Queensland’s premier schoolgirl competition.
11. RILEY-JAY HENRY-PURCELL (TIGERS)
A fabulous forward leader with subtle ball-handling skills, Henry-Purcell is an imposing power forward who wins the ruck.
She is the type of defender who has opponents looking to avoid her in the defensive line. She is also the type of attacker who has defenders counting their blessings.
12. AYSLINN POLLOCK (FALCONS)
The Falcons were spoiled, having Pollock on one edge, and Mackenzie Cassar on the other. Pollock was a tremendous leader this season, and a grand player with her passing, creative offloads, impacting defence, short kicking game and hard runs.
The former Caloundra City soccer club grand final winner is quite the player, and leader.
13. AFFRICA-JADE HIPPI (TWEED)
The light-weight No.13 has been one of the sensations of this season.
Think Reuben Cotter (Cowboys) or Tyrone Peachey (ex-NSW) and you get an idea of the type of impact this kid has around the ruck.
Her fitness, speed and agility also allowed her to bounce to her feet quickly, and also finish off both halves like she was running down hill.
She was also terrific on the kick-chase, while older sister Phoenix was a terrific leader and centre in for the club’s under-19s outfit.
14. OKALANI COMPTON (MAGPIES)
Okalani Compton’s performance in Souths Logan’s 18-all draw with the Tigers, which led to the Magpies omission from the competition, was one of the finest efforts by an individual this season.
She cut an inspired figure and did everything but peel the oranges for her side at halftime.
It capped another wonderful season for the Souths Logan No.9 who roared off the defensive line throughout the season, and impacted the opponent’s defence with her own runs.
15. MAMELE MISA (MAGPIES)
So good was she, Misa would play most of the under-17 fixtures - then back up and play in the under-19s an hour or so later.
The Broncos Academy forward has the skill, strength and smarts to be anything.
16. MAYCEE BROWN (CAPRAS)
Second rower Maycee Brown has been a flag-bearer in her age group since the moment she laced on a boot for the Calliope Roosters.
The Cathedral College student had a superb season for the semi-finalists, with her strength, awareness and smarts on the edge making her one of the competition’s most consistently influential.
17. ELISHAMA SUAVAI (PRIDE)
Another warrior from the 2024 Team of the Season, Suavai was again one of the most revered runners in the competition.
The powerful and pacy No.13 and captain has been arguably Northern Pride’s MVP (most valuable player) since the competition’s inception in 2024.
No defence ever feels they have her contained - regardless of what the scoreboard is reading.
18. CIANNA FAULKNER (CUTTERS)
A wonderful servant from the Wanderers’ junior catchment, No.13 Faulkner confirmed her place as one of Queensland Country’s finest upstanding players.
Popular with teammates and a great leader, Faulkner returns to the Team of the Season squad after making the same side last season.
It would surprise few that saw the Cutters play this season. Faulkner, who can kick for goal well, was a handful who was two players in one.
19. ALESSANA BETHAM (MAGPIES)
It is little wonder the Broncos moved before the start of the season to sign this lock terror to a two-year development contract.
The Stretton State College student is an athletic, highly skilled forward with the endurance and strength of a prop, but the run in her legs of a second rower or centre.
Indeed it comes as no surprise to learn Betham played wing for Waterford Demons earlier in her career.
20. TAHLI FLUX (JETS)
A dynamic defender, dummyhalf dynamo Tahli Flux plays like she has a point to prove. Like every game is her last.
The tenacious No.9 plays with pride and it was evident when she fronted up against bigger players and brought them down at any cost.
While she is an instinctive and talented player, it was her toughness and unrelenting attitude which gave her an edge and the Jets a big boost this season.
21. LILY BAIN (FALCONS)
The Caloundra Sharks junior was a potential match-winner with her sharp footwork, smart play with the ball and a shrewd judgement making her a difficult task to defend.
A high-class rugby 7s player, Bain brings plenty of attacking creativity to any side she is a part of and will look to go to another level as a 17-year-old next season.
22. CHLOE THOMPSON (CLYDESDALES)
The squad had to be extended to include Thompson because the prop powerhouse simply could not be omitted.
Thompson, the captain, was outstanding in a young side.
The Clydesdales squad looked short of leadership when two players unexpectedly left for the Canterbury Bulldogs before the start of the season.
Then up stepped the St Joseph’s College enforcer. She was outstanding from start to finish, barrelling into the teeth of opposition packs.
THE ON THE CUSP PLAYERS
AFEENA FAAMAFU (MAGPIES)
Recognised by the City selectors and already signed by the Roosters, centre Afeena Faamafu was a wonderful player of the future.
She was outstanding as an under age under-17s player, a typical talent from the Waterford West junior catchment which was to the forefront of giving young girls a chance to play rugby league in Queensland before many other junior clubs in the state.
Faamafu had her hand in plenty on a productive left edge.
NYLANI NAMAI (BLACKHAWKS)
Together with utility forward Evoltia Tuala, prop Nanai had a presence about her and could take charge of the middle.
The Kirwan SHS female player of the year (2024), she could play big minutes under duress and make smart decisions. It was no surprise to see her recognised by the Queensland Country selectors.
RACHAEL OAKLEY (CAPRAS)
The foundation of a successful Capras campaign was built on grit and determination. The squad had talent, but that resilience was key when you are travelling and playing in a monsoon one weekend, and a tropical hothouse the next.
And who was Ms Resilient? Rachael Oakley. She was gritty and gutsy and could lift a teammate with a tackle or a run from the perilous position of prop.
JOSIE WOGAND (CAPRAS)
A dashing dummyhalf who pulled the trigger on the Capras’ wondrous season.
The Queensland Country U17 squad member was dynamic playing off the back of momentum, but also knew when to whiz possession straight to her halves.
Her turn of speed enabled her to get up and in the faces when defending. Wogand had a wonderful understudy in No.14 Jada Ryan who added plenty when coming off the bench.
DIAMOND GRAHAM (TWEED)
Graham was Torah Luadaka’s right and left hand woman. When Tweed’s forwards or outside backs generated momentum around the ruck, dummyhalf Graham was off and running and often made her halfback Luadaka more dangerous by offering possession in the move.
The Future Titans prospect was outstanding and an inspired selection in the Queensland Country squad.
ALEXIS BUKOWSKI (CAPRAS)
A regular on the scorers sheet, Capras second rower Alexis Bukowski had a profound impact for the Central Queensland side.
The tall, timely edge terror was instrumental in the Capras success with her astute running wide of the ruck.
Defensively she also did a number on opponents but it was her ability to find the stripe which her teammates would’ve loved most.
TAH’ LUCY QUERRO (BLACKHAWKS)
The Western Lions Lioness was an energiser bunny from fullback, always on high alert around the ball.
She was a regular pushing up in support and hitting the line at speed, while courageously defending the line when her side were without the ball.
It’s worth noting the versatile Querro played fullback, centre and five-eighth on different occasions.
SIENNA TREW (MAGPIES)
Sienna Trew invokes memories of Queensland State of Origin and Jillaroo forward Keilee Joseph (Roosters).
She is a middle forward tradesman, a reliable, solid and mobile prop who loses nothing in comparison to any in the competition.
She would rarely make the same mistake twice and is rugby league tough.
SAILOR BOWKER (FALCONS)
A Queensland Country Under-17 selection, Bowker had an innate ability to evade tacklers.
Maybe it is strength which comes from her days as a youth gymnast, but Bowker scored several tries this season just from continual leg drive and sheer determination.
A Caloundra Sharks ace, Bowker and her wing partner Kirra Pamenter were top notch for the Falcons.
ALANIETA NAUQE (BLACKHAWKS)
The Burdekin product had an innate ability to read and control a game.
Nauqe, the Blackhawks primary playmaker, was highly skilled. But it was that sixth sense of how to run a side which impressed most.
Her recognition in the Queensland Country squad was richly deserved.
PAIGE STAGG (NORTHS)
Daring Devils hooker Paige Stagg led from the front in a battling side.
The skilful skipper was more than a defensive workhorse - she could attack at any moment and earlier in the season scored a double against Burleigh to bring her side back from the dead.
She just had good footy instincts and did the basics well.
CHARLOTTE McLEAN (CAPRAS)
The Capras had a need for speed and McLean supplied it - and plenty more as well.
She was a sleek mover whose finishing skills with the ball and tenacity in defence made her the complete package this season.
Scored six tries in six games during the home-and-away season.
ASHLYNN SELF (CAPRAS)
Ashlynn Self, a prominent netball player as a junior, had a wonderful season for the Capras, both as a finisher and also as a hard worker from the back field.
It was no surprise to see her name bob up in the Queensland Country U17 squad after she was heavily involved from the wing all season long.
Peyton Fakaosilea (Tigers)
Above is a picture of the athletic Peyton Fakaosilea having a break - about the only time she ever takes a break in a match.
The rangy second rower proved she had a big motor in big matches. Fakaosilea just goes and goes, as evidenced when she consistently exploded onto the ball after one or two rucks had been taken by her power forwards, to gather momentum for the Tigers.
A recent selection in the Met East side, the Marsden SHS student also earned a place in the hotly contested City under-17 squad.
SPECIAL MENTIONS
Hayley Wainwright (Clydesdales)
Ella Duncan (Cutters)
Sinaleti Tupu (Redcliffe)
Tannah Klass (Jets)
Madaline Johnson (Capras)
Sophia Siulepa (Tweed)
Jannali Wyles-Entermann (Jets)
REVELATION OF THE SEASON
Marmie Nati (Souths Logan)
The Souths Logan maestro has been somewhat of a revelation this season, possessing the ability to throw pressure back on her opponents with darting runs, all the while being crafty with her distribution.
Was key in plenty of positive play for Souths.
INTERCHANGE ACE OF THE SEASON
Charity Faalogo (Tigers)
Charity Faalogo kept the fire burning when the Tigers power forwards were having a spell, using her power and strength to ensure the Tigers continued to attack down the ground.
Was immense off the bench.
BEST SPORTING ALL-ROUNDER
Milla Rogers (Tweed)
A strong outside back defender, Rogers is a state netball representative who reads the game well.
A player could come off the bench as a mobile middle, or plug a hole in the centres, she is a player on the rise who will be even better next season given her thirst to improve her game.
Ciarn MacBride (Pride)
MacBride played so well for Pride, she was considered for a place in the Team of the Season. An edge player, her tenacity mirrored the effort and spirit of her teammates.
But did you know the Trinity Bay SHS student has also represented the Australian U17 netball side, Queensland and is also a member of the Future Firebirds Academy?
BEST NEW FACE AWARD
Charlize Duncan (Tigers)
She started the pre-season with four tries against Norths, and life just got better and better for the flying winger.
How she loved playing outside such a dominant pack and a class centre in Leilani Taofinuu.
Duncan looked like a kid just having a lot of fun.
UNSUNG AWARD
Gold Medal: Mackenzie Cassar (Falcons)
While fellow Sunshine Coast second rower and captain Ayslinn Pollock so often got the plaudits, Cassar flew a little under the radar. But she lost little in comparison to Pollock and should be proud of her season.
Silver medal: Alyssa Ale (Pride)
A Cairns kid to the core, Ale was a lightweight forwards, but could handle herself playing either second row or centre. She was worth her weight in gold.
Bronze medal: Kirra Pamenter (Falcons)
Miss Dependable, she was always there in good times and in not so good times. The bottom age talent worked hard from her own end, defended stoutly and could finish with the best of them when it was time to run the ball.
Other unsung players were: Trinity White (Capras), Evoltia Tuala (Blackhawks), Sienna Chilly (Wynnum Manly), Isabella Baker (Clydesdales), Khaira-Lee Liuvaie (Wynnum Manly), Jazmin Askew (Redcliffe), Ellie Walker (Redcliffe), Caitlin Wiggins (Clydesdales), Mercedez Lisone Siaea (Tweed), Jorgie Mitchell (Capras), Mya Troncy (Redcliffe), Marley Chan (Falcons), Lacey Pedlow (Tweed), Sophie Bachinger (Falcons), Mia Eteru (Pride), Mariah Tihopu (Pride), Mya Onosai (Redcliffe), Pearl Lloyd (Falcons), Chloe Barndale (Redcliffe), Rhianna Browning (Tweed) and Biarnka Joyce (Souths Logan).
BEST DEBUT
Sophia Thorold (Pride)
Thorold came from the clouds to produce an inspired performance in her debut, helping Pride to a 24-22 win over Blackhawks.
BIG HEART AWARDS
Kara Rains (Blackhawks)
A talented hooker with tremendous endurance, was capable of playing a full game at No.9 in the heat and humidity of the far north.
Summer Thorne (Wynnum Manly)
You’ve got to love this kid’s worth ethic.
The persistent prop was a wonderful example to her peers playing in the toughest position on the field and her presence would have given teammates confidence.
Avalon Price (Tweed)
She was an outstanding defender. A couple of late omissions saw Price moved into the middle to confront the biggest pack in the competition, the Tigers, and despite her side losing 48-6, the defensive courage of Price was evident.
WILDCARD WATCH
Lacey McLaren (Tweed)
McLaren was considered for the top side but unfortunately injury in the first half of round six nibbed her season in the bud just when she was looking to continue her impact in the big matches. She was a great assistant to halfback ace Torah Luadaka and Tweed missed her greatly in the semi-final bout with the Tigers.
Skylah Samson (Tweed)
A Keebra Park SHS product, Samson played wing although her brilliant footwork and ability to read the play and break the line also makes her an ideal fullback. She always looked likely to do something with the ball for Tweed.
Bella Alo (Tweed)
She’s one to watch in 2026 after being a key cog in the club’s under-17s and under-19s outfits.
BIG HEART AWARD
Emily Whittaker (Wynnum Manly)
Pound for pound is there a better effort player in the competition than Whittaker?
The Seagulls’ hooker runs without fear and leads the speed of the defensive line.
She is a wonderful player who started the season exceptionally when she took matters into her own hands and scored a handful of tries.
Takiyah Sweet (Mackay Cutters)
Sweet was a courageous player who set such a high standard in both attack and defence.
She was a wall in defence and ran aggressively with the ball.
Chezaan Kainui (Bears)
An ultra-competitive five-eight, Kainui was also an effort on effort player who seemed to take pride in working hard on and off the ball.
She was also an ambitious youngster eager to improve her game for both herself and her team.
Analysse Sua (Wynnum Manly)
Sua’s comeback game from an ACL injury against the imposing Burleigh forwards was pure courage in round 5 of the season.
A big-hearted prop, Sua saw the season out with a strong streak of showings.
FLYING UNDER THE RADAR AWARDS
The Tigers’ halves Charlotte Keki and Tiahna Kanawi have been wonderful link players. They have had the advantage of playing behind a power pack, aside from when they confronted Souths Logan’s attacking defensive line two weeks ago, which always went forward.
But the girls have done their job well, swinging the ball around and sometimes have a spurt at the line themselves.
Kanawi’s magic moment came when she scored four tries in a big win over the Bears.
EXCITEMENT MACHINES AWARD
+ Kayla Vella (Capras) whose speed and agility in her new position at fullback was eye-opening.
+ Jaeda Morato (Pride) was a constant danger to the opposition with her capacity to spring into the clear with her elite pace.
+ Zyhra Lohse (Sunshine Coast) was a great finisher and in one match finished with three tries.
WILDCARD ROOKIE AWARDS
Keelie Hilt and Tilly Wilkes (Clydesdales)
Both babies of the squad, Hilt and Wilkes relished the chance they were given.
Hilt, a fine netballer, was just tough, particularly in defence, while Wilkes got better and better the more experience she gained from training and matches.
The pair of them are sure to be more prominent in 2026.
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