Here are 35 Players to Watch at the Emerging Reds Cup, the highlights from day 1, 2 and 3 and the award winners revealed
Here’s over 30 schoolboy rugby players from the Under 15s and Under 16s teams honoured in our awards following the Emerging Reds Cup at Ballymore. All is revealed here including how the final day unfolded.
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The Emerging Reds Cup concluded at Ballymore today with the Brisbane White Under 16s and the South East Queensland Under 15s crowned winners of their respective pools.
Townsville fullback talent Myles Rosemond was crowned player of the Under 16s tournament while Ipswich Grammar lock Jack Calleja took out the honours in the Under 15s.
The Queensland Reds will name the Under 15s and Under 16s teams on social media tomorrow, so in the mean time here is a picture gallery from the final day and below are our award winners from the roaring success at Ballymore Stadium.
OUR AWARD WINNERS FOLLOWING THE EMERGING REDS CUP
Best try
It must be Rhymen Tusi’s (SEQ Under 15s) on the third day when he peeled off the scrum and ran 75 metres to the try line.
On his way, he fended one defender and stepped another to score.
Best centre award
There were strong showings from Pierre Poluleuligaga (Bris Grey Under 15s), Connor Clifford (Bris White Under 16s), Max Blanch (Bris Grey Under 16s) and Luca Taumafai (Queensland Country Under 16s) but going to go with Blanch for his consistency.
In all three games he was very good and with more opportunity it would’ve been a no-brainer.
Most explosive
Rhymen Tusi (SEQ Under 15s)
He could bump off players with his power and would challenge backs with his speed.
Kingsley Uys (SEQ under 16s)
Uys was one of the players of the tournament. No one would have been shocked at his form, such is his raw ability.
Made an impact.
Samu Nomani (Regional Queensland Under 15s)
A post-contact metre king in the No. 8 jersey.
Best mobile big men
Isaac Rauluni (Bris White Under 16s)
Young prop Rauluni is a beast and Nudgee are blessed to have him in their ranks.
Gray O’Neill and Trent Picot (Bris White Under 16s)
The Brisbane White flankers used their agility, speed and work ate to hustle their team forward, while using their body height to attack the ball when their rivals marched forward.
Niheta Pala’amo (Brisbane White Under 16s)
Big and mobile, Pala’amo (Mabel Park SHS) is an excellent prospect. Pala’amo and his back rowers were imposing for Brisbane White side.
Jiama Jione (Queensland Country Under 16s)
He toiled and toiled and in doing so would’ve left bruises on the shoulders of his opponents.
Craig Thaggard (Queensland Country Under 16s)
The blindside flanker could play positions four through eight, get away an impossible offload and was a staple of strength in his side.
In Thursday’s game against SEQ, Thaggard put in a grubber, danced down the sideline and almost planted it with an acrobatic finish and that in itself was enough to have him in this company.
Best players kept on ice awards
Tyson Walker (SEQ Under 16s)
Walker saw less ball, but defensively he was spot on and was always on hand for the tough carry coming out of his end, the clearing kick or a nice spiral pass.
He is a class player who will no doubt impact the GPS competition again next year as a Year 11 student.
Ned Dore (Bris Grey Under 16s)
The Iona College lineout ace was impressive but had less to do with Nathaniel Wines, Elliot Aldridge and Adam Latham helping him in the backrow.
Ryder Koia (Bris White Under 16s)
The BBC winger is full of potential but he had limited chances on the right edge.
It was not a big opportunity week for the Bris White wingers.
Nicholas Conway (Bris White Under 16s)
He played very well in the first game but came off injured early in the second game so we didn’t see much of him.
But Monday was enough to see how good the Nudgee winger is, because of his pace, goalkicking and light footwork.
The best Cats out of the Bag awards
Brock Coombes (SEQ Under 16s)
The emergence of Brock Coombes continued at break neck speed and he must have been strongly considered for the Under 16s side. His communication and cover defence continued his season to the remember after making his Ipswich Grammar First XV debut as a Year 10.
Sam McGahan (Bris White Under 16s)
The cat is out off the bag and now the rugby union world knows how the classy Gregory Terrace fly half plays. McGahan was honoured with the Player of the Match in one of the games, but his teammate Finn Mackay, also a fly half, was elite too.
Isaac Fidock (SEQ Under 15s)
His older brother Joey is a talented winger in the Hospital Cup competition and the younger brother Isaac, a fullback, has game.
Discovery Player award
Who from the general public knew about Myles Rosemond (Queensland Country Under 16s) before the tournament.
Fullback Rosemond was close to his team’s best player, and continued to get better each day.
There is something to work on there, that is for sure.
Fullback Cai Banfield (Regional Under 15s) also deserves a plug.
Rookies on the Rise award
Jack Calleja (SEQ Under 15s)
The Ipswich Grammar lock was named player of the tournament in the Under 15s and thoroughly deserved the recognition.
Bond Bradley (Bris Grey Under 15s)
The Nudgee College fly half has class, a big boot and natural instinct. He can also kick goals, put a shot on and bend the defensive line with his own carries.
Isaac Kefu (Bris Grey Under 15s)
Isaac, son of Queensland Reds great Toutai, was brilliant with his service form scrumhalf and he was not afraid to take a quick tap and threaten the defence.
Bailen Noy (Bris White Under 15s)
The Churchie fly half was calm and composed at one of the most important positions on the field.
He didn’t overplay his hand or push a pass that wasn’t there which was impressive.
Miki Toquero (Regional Under 15s)
The speedster of the Regional 15s, Toquero gave his team another dimension.
He was prepared to back his pace and when he pinned the ears back Regional Queensland were at their best.
Keido Goulding (Queensland Country Under 16s)
Hooker Goulding had the most impact of any of the Country forwards.
Playing himself to a standstill, the team captain sure lived up to expectations in his second year round.
Raw talent award:
Clay Andrews (Bris Grey Under 16s
A fast-paced winger or even centre with untapped potential.
He would have gained so much from the tournament and should be a better player as a result when school rugby returns in 2024.
Hard Yakka award winners:
Berakah Tuifaasisina (SEQ Under 16s)
He was tireless with his cleaning out, ball carrying and tackling and had the output of one and a half players.
Gavin Wilson-Tyers and Gareth Chick (Queensland Country Under 16s)
The Queensland Country front rowers worked themselves to a standstill especially on the third and final day of games.
They could do a bit of everything but it was their work rate which would’ve inspired their teammates.
DAY 3 COVERAGE
UNDER 16S: BRIS WHITE 24 DEF BRIS GREY 7
The Brisbane White side secured back-to-back championships in the Under 16s pool with a stunning 17-point-victory on Thursday.
Headgeared St Laurence’s College fly half Finn Mackay was the mastermind behind the win and was honoured with the man of the match award.
It was a brilliant coaching decision to start Mackay at fly half and have Sam McGahan, a fly half, start at fullback.
On one occasion a superb Mackay 50-22 kick laid the platform for a rolling maul try and on another, a colossal McGahan 50-22 allowed Sam Williams to score off a lineout play engineered by Gray O’Neill.
Damon Humphrys was the lone tryscorer for Brisbane Grey, who should hold their heads high for a brave effort.
UNDER 15S: SEQ 26 DEF REGIONAL QLD 7
The South-East Queensland Under 15s team were crowned champs in day three of the Emerging Reds Cup on Thursday, finishing clear of Brisbane White, Brisbane Grey and Queensland Country.
The boys in orange won three from three across the three days at Ballymore and finished the job with a 26-7 victory over Regional Queensland with the help of backrower Rhymen Tusi who scored a double.
He looked like a centre scoring his second try after spearing off the scrum inside his 22, beating one defender with a fend and the other with a step, before showing enough pace to burn his rivals.
Tusi made a statement with that try, and it sealed spoils for SEQ.
Proving a cocktail for success was both Tusi and the Ipswich Grammar School contingent.
Jeremiah Harbottie (prop), Jack Calleja (lock), Lane Edmonds (No. 8), Tyson MacDonald (winger), Tyler Riddell (hooker), Thomas Smith, Harry Cohen and Hemi Rakuita and Kyden Mooney were all selected from the Ipswich school.
Of that bunch, Calleja and Fiddell scored, with Calleja’s lineout jumping a real standout.
No. 8 Edmonds won man of the match honours after a magnificent effort on both sides of the ball.
SEQ led 21-7 at the half after the lineout dominance of Calleja, relentless ball carrying from Tane Leef, impressive kick returns from Isaac Fidock and effort from Edmonds and Tusi worked to gain an edge over the regional team.
And to put the icing on the cake, Keebra Parks’ Junior Siaunuua struck away for a stunning 70m intercept try.
Again Kai Banfield (fullback), Samu Nomani (No. 8), Keegan Van Aswegan (prop) and centres Nick Crawford and Leo Fanuatanu were strong performers for the regional team.
But it was a telepathic connection on the left edge between Fidock and MacDonald which ensured SEQ played the game in the right area of the field and on the back of their exhaustive
efforts, SEQ were rewarded.
UNDER 15S: BRIS WHITE 14 DEF BRIS GREY 12
Brisbane White won by just two points in this dogfight, with inside centre Harper Enasio claiming man of the match honours.
Winger Malakaih Beals scored first for Brisbane White, pinning his ears back and dashing in after fullback Tom Mackinney caught the ball at his feet and recognised the space.
It was a brilliant try to get the proceedings underway.
Brisbane White led 14-7 at the half, with an Enasio charge-down try THE KEY to his team’s success in the end.
DOUBLE TROUBLE
Brisbane Grey didn’t win but the future of the Churchie First XV was glimpsed with No. 8 Malachi Figota and winger Micah Figota performing strongly.
Winger Micah had a couple handy touches on the wing, while Malachi was a prime mover in the middle of the field.
Malachi’s scrummaging was super and his carries well they were so powerful they left defenders in his wake.
But they aren’t the only brothers intertwined in the Reds Emerging Cup.
There are the McGahan brothers, Sam (fly half) and Joe (winger).
There is also towering backrower Rupeni Baravilala whose older brother Iliasa played for the TGS First XV this season. Rupeni’s hooker in the SEQ under 15s, Ruben Kruger, is also the younger brother of TGS First XV hooker Ewald and NSW Waratahs Under 18s talent Wihan.
In the Brisbane White Under 16s, front rower Isaac Rauluni had a strong campaign and is of course younger brother to Reds Under 18s flanker Noah.
UNDER 16S: SEQ 31 DEF QUEENSLAND COUNTRY 7
Southeast Queensland bounced back after Wednesday’s loss with a convincing 24-point victory over the Country boys.
Fullback Tyson Walker came on in the second half and had touches in two tries, showing his raw playmaking ability while his schoolmate Brock Coombes again showed his wheels, physicality and his knack for popping up at the right times.
Props Kingsley Uys and Berakah Tuifaasisina worked overtime to allow the backs to play freely, while Callum Dalton (winger) and outside Tavita Tima, out of the rugby league hotbed of Keebra Park, were clinical finishers.
Uys, Tima (two tries), Coombes and William Graham were tryscorers.
Queensland Country were spearheaded by fullback spark plug Myles Rosemond who sprinkled magic dust with every touch of the ball.
His counterattacking was lethal, while Gareth Chick, Keido Goulding, Gavin Wilson-Tyers, Craig Thaggard and Kiama Jione battled it out with the SEQ forwards.
The game was closer than the score line suggests.
DAY 2 COVERAGE
The Emerging Reds Cup resumed on Wednesday with the Brisbane White Under 16s scoring a stunning 31-0 victory over the SEQ Under 16s.
In another thriller, Queensland Country challenged Brisbane Grey hard before falling short 17-7 in an effort to be proud of.
Read how it all unfolded below with coverage from the first two days of competition.
BRIS GREY 17 DEF QLD COUNTRY U16S 7
Queensland Country challenged hard, yet somehow Brisbane Grey were able to come out on top.
It was a moral victory for the Country boys, who started strong and for long periods of the game looked the better team.
They were abrasive at the breakdown and where there was one there was always a support player attached to the hip. It was a gruelling contest, which to-and-froed until Cooper Goodman scored the dagger for the Grey side.
Earlier, Queensland Country led 7-0 at the half after outside centre Luca Taumafai finished off a brilliant team build up with a try in the left corner.
Equalising the score at 7-all was Brisbane Grey flanker Elliot Aldridge out of Marist College Ashgrove before William Reardon earned the lead with a five-pointer.
BASH BROTHERS
Paving the way for Queensland Country’s colossal effort was the potent one-two combination of Keido Goulding (hooker) and Kiama Jione (No. 8).
Goulding, with his low body-height and bolstered by headgear worked himself to a standstill and his buddy Jione jackled and jinked Country onto the front foot.
It was a tireless effort from the pair and it would’ve had selectors with their eyes peeled.
BRIS WHITE 31 DEF SEQ U16S 0
After making a statement in the first day of competition, the SEQ under 16s were defeated convincingly by the Brisbane White side spearheaded by man of the match fly half Sam McGahan.
McGahan was instrumental with his territorial kicking and when he came off, Finn Mackay was masterful with his shoe as well.
On one occasion, a Mackay cross-field kick set up a brilliant try for winger Matt Condon.
Charlie Hollyman (Terrace) scored first for Brisbane White and Harri Meilland (BBC) added the extras with a brilliant touchline conversion. Both McGahan, Meilland, Mackay and injured Nicholas Conway are goalkicking options.
Isaac Rauluni and Luke Nilsson scored Brisbane White’s next two for a 19-0 advantage with a powerful pick and drive and a mighty rolling maul effort respectively.
What stood out?
+Sam Williams (Churchie) with a strong pilfer to turnover the ball.
+ Smart and accurate kicking from McGahan and Mackay for Brisbane White.
+Trent Picot (BSHS) with a breakdown win to give Brisbane White prime field position.
+Brock Coombes (IGS) of SEQ, jeez he has some pace and footwork.
+Ezalle Matautia (IGS) the SEQ No. 8 was a powerful crash runner who made valuable metres spearing off the back of the scrum and through the middle of the field.
+SEQ’s front row wrecking ball trio of Kingsley Uys (TSS), Lincoln Payne (St Johns) and Berakah Tuifaasisina (ISHS) who were strong scrummagers and powerful pick-and-drive toilers.
+ The workrate of Brisbane White forwards Gray O’Neill (BBC), No. 8 Niheta Pala’amo (Mabel Park SHS) and Isaac Raunluni (Nudgee).
BRIS GREY 21 DEF REGIONAL QLD U15S 10
Gregory Terrace’s Archie Ilott was honoured with man of the match in Brisbane Grey’s gritty 11-point victory over Regional Queensland on Wednesday.
He was here, there and everywhere and flanker Spencer Parkes ensured the result when he spun out of a tackle and slammed the ball down to score the final try, putting the nail in the coffin at 21-10.
It was another tightly contested contest which had spectators on the edge of their seat.
The Regional Queensland side got off to a scintillating start with electric winger Miki Toquero blazing down the left sideline to score a stunning solo-try.
Regional Queensland led 7-0 but quickly Brisbane Grey equalised through fast-thinking James Griffith who pounced from the ruck to score.
To close out the first half, Regional Queensland prop Keegan Van Aswegan burrowed over and in return Brisbane Grey winger Will Bagnell finished off a crisp through the hands movement.
Brisbane Grey led 14-10 and then 21-10 when Parkes put the icing on the cake.
What made a difference?
+Miki Toquero’s (Regional Queensland) sizzling speed.
+Malachi Figota’s (Brisbane Grey No. 8) cleaning out. He was monstrous at the breakdown.
Isaac Kefu ‘s (Brisbane Grey) service from scrumhalf and quick taps to catch the defence napping.
+Cai Banfield (Regional Queensland) and his acceleration. He seemed to get quicker with every stride.
+the offloading ability of the Regional Queensland forward pack.
SEQ U15S 14 DEF BRISBANE WHITE U15S 5
The SEQ Under 15s scored an excellent 14-5 win in this one.
It was a gripping battle from start to finish with both sides putting their best foot forward to earn Under 15s rep selections.
It had the feel of a finals game to it and the game was up for grabs until the very end.
But high praise to SEQ who denied any comeback attempt from Brisbane White who were the team which scored the first points of the day.
It was tighthead prop Harrison Asi that did so but before long Owen Heathwood got SEQ on the board.
The scores were level at 7-apiece for much of the game, but Tyson MacDonald landed a telling blow with 15 minute to play when he finished off a superb try created by Isaac Fidock.
SEQ then defended bravely for the remainder of the clash to clinch victory.
Tall lock Jack Calleja was awarded man of the match in this beauty to finish day two of the Emerging Reds Cup.
REDEMPTION
SEQ Under 15s backrow powerhouse Rhymen Tusi returned to Ballymore and made a statement with his bulldozing carries.
The bright yellow booted Toowoomba Grammar student would’ve been eager to impress after a quiet first game on Monday.
And he did just that with his physicality and power allowing him to shrug off daring defenders and march his side up the field, no doubt catching the eye of the Under 15s Queensland selectors.
He was a game-changer in the 15As competition for TGS and he brought that form on day two of the tournament.
It’s scary to think of what he could’ve done with more ball.
GIFT WRAPPED
The Brisbane White halfback Alfie Bowman gift wrapped the ball on a platter all afternoon for his headgeared fly half Bailen Noy.
His passing was perfect, straight in the breadbasket. He was at the breakdown in an instant and he could pass it from the sideline to the middle of the field if he had to.
He also wasn’t afraid to either contest the breakdown or get his fingers in there to retrieve the ball.
Indeed, there is fierce competition for the No. 9 spot in the Queensland Under 15 team, but Bowman’s pin-point-passing in Wednesday’s final game helped his cause.
DAY 1 COVERAGE
The Emerging Reds Cup returned at Ballymore Stadium on Monday with Under 15s and Under 16s rising stars providing spectators with plenty of highlights.
Below are half a dozen key takeaways from the day of action, and here are 100 pictures capturing it.
Come back on Wednesday and Thursday for more extensive coverage.
HOT STEPPERS
SEQ Under 16s wingers Brock Coombes and Callum Dalton can step and they don’t have to slow down when doing so.
Coombes played First XV rugby for Ipswich Grammar this year while Dalton is a TSS student coming through the ranks.
They have pace and plenty of it and fullback Tyson Walker, who has one of the best spiral passes going around, knew just how to unlock their talent on the edges.
DISCOVERY PLAYER
Meet Callum Dalton of the SEQ Under 16s side.
In a team stacked with talent, Dalton stands out. Originally from Grafton now at rugby powerhouse TSS, Dalton is a winger who can create his own try.
Has instincts, IQ and also a famous cousin in Rabbitohs playmaker Cody Walker.
BBC FUTURE IN SAFE HANDS
He scored the Try of the Day for the Brisbane Grey Under 16s and his name is Clay Andrews.
A headgeared winger with speed to burn, Andrews struck away and beat half a dozen defenders on his way to score an absolute beauty.
Andrews played 16As rugby for premiers BBC this season and is an elite athlete.
A sprinter, Andrews hails from the sporting rich Sunshine Coast region and is a great kid first of all, electric second of all and thirdly light on his feet.
Having arrived at BBC in Year 9, Andrews is a First XV hopeful next year and is someone BBC think can go very well in the competition.
CONVERSION KINGS
Nicholas Conway plays for the Nudgee First XV and Finn Mackay the St Laurence’s First XV.
Both schools won the premiership this year but Nudgee did it without Conway on kicking duties.
In today’s game both boys got to show their class with their sideline conversions contributing to a 26-0 win.
Despite the tough angles, Conway and Mackay, who played for the Melbourne Rebels under 15s last year, had their radars working.
CLIFFORD FAMILY TREE
You’ve heard of Noah, the Gregory Terrace First XV second row battleship. Have you heard of Connor his younger brother?
He had a great read to pluck a pass out of the air and score an intercept try in Monday’s game.
A year 10 student, Connor is shaping up to play two years of Firsts rugby (2024&2025), taking the baton off Noah who played this year and last year.
PROP POWERHOUSE
TSS front rower Kingsley Uys had heads turning with his work rate, collisions and physicality.
We selected him as the starting prop in our GPS rugby Team of the Season and he showed on Monday why.
He was a man mountain out there, tackling opponent after opponent, making linebreaks and stepping around defenders.
WHO’S THAT?
He has curly blonde hair and wore jersey No. 15 for the Queensland Country Under 16s side.
Myles Rosemond is his name and the in-and-away step is one of his many tricks.
From Brothers Townsville, Rosemond was exciting when returning the ball from the back and he used his Aussie rules background to kick to corners and scoop up ball and counter attack.
SEQ V BRISBANE GREY UNDER 15s
TOUCH OF CLASS
Hemi Rakuita had class about him in the SEQ under 15s side today.
Wearing black headgear, Rakuita came off the bench and engineered the attack expertly.
He could step, pass a mile both ways, kick and have a run himself.
He did all those things and more and the same can be said for his opposite Bond Bradley, aka crunch time king.
Bradley was the Nudgee 15As goal kicker who secured an undefeated premiership for his team in an unofficial grand final against TSS in round 9.
A Brothers junior, Bradley had a penalty kick on full time, 35m out and 10m in from touch and struck it beautifully to win that game.
He was impressive on Monday.
PREVIEW
The Emerging Reds Cup returns to Ballymore on Monday with Queensland’s best up-and-coming rugby talent vying for selection in the elite Under 15 and Under 16s teams.
Ahead of the action, we have revealed some of the Players to Watch after seeing them play either club or school rugby.
Games will be played Monday, Wednesday and Thursday and the couriermail.com.au will be at Ballymore reporting on games.
BRISBANE WHITE U16S PLAYERS TO WATCH
Mika Crichton (Brisbane Grammar)
Brisbane Grammar School’s back row battleship this GPS season, Critchton has size, strength and power.
Charlie Hollyman (Gregory Terrace)
A traditional hooker who can also score tries with ease, Hollyman scrummages well and loves doing the dirty work.
Gray O’Neill (BBC)
He played almost every game for the Brisbane Boys College First XV in one of the most demanding positions of flanker. Won’t he be better for that experience entering the Reds Emerging Cup.
Isaac Rauluni (Nudgee)
Rugby runs in Rauluni blood and young Isaac is a 16As loosehead prop from rugby powerhouse Nudgee College. Watch for his skilled handling as well.
Nicholas Conway (Nudgee)
Here’s a good one. A quick winger with good balance, IQ and light footwork, Conway burst onto the First XV scene with a four-try-haul for eventual premiers Nudgee College against Brisbane Grammar School in round 5.
Ryder Koia (BBC)
A 16As young gun from Brisbane Boys College, Koia can run damaging crash balls in the centres.
Finn Mackay (St Laurence’s)
Arguably the best fly half in the AIC First XV competition is this Year 11 student. His hand was on the trigger as St Laurence’s secured their third consecutive outright premiership.
Sam McGahan (Gregory Terrace)
The Gregory Terrace First XV fly half is a natural with instincts, good passing and an even better kicking game.
Carter Welfare (Nudgee)
From Harry Grant country, the Emu Park junior catchment east of Rockhampton, Welfare played for the Queensland under 15 schoolboys last season (league) as a halfback and got a taste of First XV action off the Nudgee bench this season.
RELATED LINKS
LAST YEARS EMERGING REDS COVERAGE
MORE UNDER 16 AND UNDER 19 QUEENSLAND REDS COVERAGE FROM 2022
Niheta Pala’amo (Mabel Park SHS)
Pala’amo stood out last year with his rib-crunching tackles. What will it be this year that we remember him for?
Brisbane White U16s
Forwards
Bennett Armistead | St Joseph’s Nudgee College | Norths
Mika Crichton | Brisbane Grammar School
Charlie Hollyman | St Joseph’s Gregory Terrace
Taukie Maile | Brisbane State High School | Sunnybank
Austen Neame | Brisbane Boys College | GPS
Luke Nilsson | Brisbane Boys College | SCU Marlins
Gray O’Neill | Brisbane Boys College | Easts
Niheta Pala’amo | Mabel Park State High School | Sunnybank
Trent Picot | Brisbane State High School | Souths
Ethan Ramsay | St Peter’s Luteran College | Ipswich Rangers
Isaac Rauluni | St Joseph’s Nudgee College | Cap Coast Crocs Yeppoon
William Ross | Padua College | Brothers
Cyrus Suniula | Brisbane State High School | Sunnybank
Sam Williams | Anglican Church Grammar School | Easts
Backs
Nate Barnett | Brisbane Boys College | Brothers
Connor Clifford | St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace | Wests
Nicholas Conway | St Joseph’s Nudgee College
Nick Eccleston | Anglican Church Grammar School | Easts
George Hales | St Joseph’s Gregory Terrace | Easts
Ryder Koia | Brisbane Boys College | Souths
Finn Mackay | St Laurence’s College | Souths
Sam McGahan | St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace | Easts
Harri Meilland | Brisbane Boys College | Colts Rockhampton
Max Romer | Brisbane Grammar School | GPS
Carter Welfare | St Joseph’s Nudgee College
BRISBANE GREY U16S PLAYERS TO WATCH
Oliver Nasser (Gregory Terrace)
Oliver Nasser, brother of Queensland Reds try scoring machine Josh Nasser, has a strong rugby bloodline. He’s a strong ball runner and will be a big asset for his side from the No. 8 jumper.
Jack Corby (Padua)
The versatile Corby is a mobile big man.
He has great hands, mobility and a willingness to tackle close to the ruck or on the edge.
Corby was a discovery player in the AIC rugby competition this year.
Ned Dore (Iona)
Dore was mighty for Iona College as a No.8. He can slam the ball forward when in possession, or stop rivals in their tracks – and the best news for Iona is he is back again next season. He has good hands and in June we said this about Dore: “He will march into the representative season feeling 10 foot and bullet proof.”
Ed Kasprowicz (Nudgee)
A First XI cricketer and First XV rugby player for Nudgee, the tall Kasprowicz is the son of Queensland champion and former Test fast medium bowler Michael Kasprowicz. He wins lineouts for fun and is coming off a strong performance in the premiership winning Nudgee side.
Fletcher Austin (Churchie)
Austin played fullback all season long for the Churchie First XV and played beyond his years.
In this age group he could really shine.
Max Blanch (Churchie)
Blanch was Austin’s inside centre for Churchie and is a terrific young player. Earlier in the year he played for the Brisbane Tigers in the Under 16s representative competition and is a menace on both sides of the ball. He tasted First XV this season which will benefit him greatly.
Treyvon Pritchard (Churchie)
Pritchard is an outside back talent with plenty of zip. His older brother Kadin is in the Queensland Reds Academy and his sister Aiyana can really motor over the 100m on the track. Now it is Treyvon’s turn on the hallowed Ballymore turf.
Brisbane Grey U16s
Forwards
Elliot Aldridge | Marist College Ashgrove | GPS
Rafferty Cameron | Anglican Church Grammar School | UQ Junior Heavies
Jack Corby | Padua | Brothers
Oscar Donovan | Brisbane Boys College | Wests
Ned Dore | Iona College | Easts
Brooklyn Faalafi | Padua College | Brothers
Kapelasima Hamala | St Joseph’s Nudgee College | Sunnybank
Ed Kasprowicz | St Joseph’s Nudgee College | Brothers
Adam Latham | St Joseph’s Nudgee College | Norths
Oliver Nasser | St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace | Easts
Jack Randall | Brisbane Boys College
Liam Robinson | St Joseph’s Nudgee College | Brothers
Alec Weir | St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace | Easts
Nathaniel Wines | St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace | Easts
Backs
Clay Andrews | Brisbane Boys College | Wests
Fletcher Austin | Anglican Church Grammar School | Brothers
Max Blanch | Anglican Church Grammar School
Cooper Goodman | Brisbane Boys College | Brothers Sunshine Coast
Damon Humphrys | Padua College | Brothers
Joe McGahan | St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace | Easts
Cooper McInnerney | St Josephs College Nudgee
Marley Ngatai | Brisbane State High School | Sunnybank
Treyvon Pritchard | Anglican Church Grammar School | Brothers
William Reardon | St Joseph’s Nudgee College | Brothers
Angus Tagicakibau | Brisbane State High School | Brothers
SEQ U16S PLAYERS TO WATCH
Kingsley Uys (TSS)
We named him as prop in our GPS First XV rugby Team of the Year and could not believe how well he handled his GPS First XV debut. Strong, powerful and it’s hard to believe he is 16.
Berakah Tuifaasisina (Ipswich State High)
An Ipswich Rangers junior and Ipswich State High student, He is in the Ipswich Jets Connell team, and was last year picked in the Queensland Reds under-15 representative team after a dominant front-row display in the Emerging Reds Cup.
RUGBY LEAGUE RAIDERS WHO HAVE LINKS TO GPS OR AIC RUGBY
Brock Coombes (Ipswich Grammar)
Coombes is someone you want returning the ball from the back. He’s fearless, speedy and fierce in contact. He’ll want to get his hands on the ball and truck it up. Has pace and plenty of it.
Tyson Walker (Ipswich Grammar)
Good vision, strong in contact with a good kicking game, what’s not to like about Walker. He can unlock his dangerous outside backs and take advantage of holes in the defence.
Finn Kendall (Ipswich Grammar)
Kendall is a well-built outside centre who, while still in Year 10, played a very strong season of First XV for Ipswich Grammar. What a great experience that must have been for him.
South-East Queensland U16s
Forwards
Tannar Baker | Ipswich Grammar School | Ipswich Rangers
Will Kerin-Bird | Sunshine Coast Grammar School | SCGS Rugby Club
Benji Liu | Somerset College | Bond Pirates
Agapetos Lote-Felo | The Southport School | Gold Coast Eagles
Tavita Loughland | Brisbane Boys College | Gold Coast Eagles
Ezalle Matautia | Ipswich Grammar School | Ipswich Rangers
Atapana Noa | Somerset College | Surfers Paradise Dolphins
Tremayne Patelesio | Somerset College | Gold Coast Eagles
Lincoln Payne | St John’s College Nambour | Maroochydore Swans
Lance Ioane Po-Ching | Ipswich Grammar | Ipswich Rangers
Xavier Austin | Toowoomba Grammar School | USQ Saints
Berakah Tuifaasisina | Ipswich State High School | Ipswich Rangers
Kingsely Uys | The Southport School | Gold Coast Eagles
Caleb West | Ipswich Grammar School | Ipswich Rangers
Backs
Jack Brown | Toowoomba Grammar School
Brock Coombes | Ipswich Grammar | Ipswich Rangers
Callum Dalton | The Southport School
Zane Glanville | Sunshine Coast Grammar School | Maroochydore Swans
William Graham | St John’s College Nambour | Maroochydore Swans
Noah Kaupua | Keebra Park State High School | Gold Coast Eagles
Finn Kendall | Ipswich Grammar School | Ipswich Rangers
Cale Maurice | Toowoomba Grammar School | Toowoomba Bears
Tavita Tima | Keebra Park State High School | Gold Coast Eagles
Tyson Walker | Ipswich Grammar School | Ipswich Rangers
Jarvis Wood | Chancellor State College | Maroochydore Swans
QUEENSLAND COUNTRY U16S PLAYERS TO WATCH
Harvey Kachel (BBC)
The country halfback who attends BBC and has impressed his coaches already with his passing.
Luca Taumafai (Cathedral School of St Anne and St James)
The outside back has size and has been a strong performer in Rockhampton which has earned him selection here.
Keido Goulding (Kings’ Christian College)
He is built, strong at set-piece play and can put a hit on.
Full of aggression, Goulding is the team captain, a leader on and off the field and returns for his second year of Under 15s with physicality and experience.
Henry Kallquist (Rockhampton Grammar School)
Hails from Taroom and currently boards at Rockhampton Grammar School. A tall and well-built lock talent, he is on the up after his hard-nosed approach at the Country Championships earned him selection.
Queensland Country U16s
Forwards
Darcy Walters | Emerald State High School
Keido Goulding | Kings’ Christian College, Gold Coast
Gavin Wilson-Tyers | Downlands College, Toowoomba
Henry Kallquist | Rockhampton Grammar School
Owen Myers | Ignatius Park College, Townsville
Craig Thaggard | Proserpine State High School
Keegan Cook | Kings Christian College Gold Coast
Kiama Jione | Brisbane Boys College
Gareth Chick | Marist College Emerald
Jacob Mills | Trinity Bay State High School
Andrew Kwok | St James’ College
Declan Grady | Mercy College, Mackay
Harrison Felton | Elanora State High School
Backs
Harvey Kachel | Brisbane Boys College
Lucas Russell | St Augustine’s College Cairns
Corey Mulheran | Downlands College, Toowoomba
Reuben Saron | Mercy College, Mackay
Luca Taumafai | Cathedral School Of St Anne & St James
Shakhan Karehana | Sarina State High School
Myles Rosemond | Ignatius Park College, Townsville
Luke Reedman | Mackay North State High School
Denzel Mcbride | Keebra Park State High School
Hamish Donohoe | St Patricks’ School, Mackay
Brisbane Grey U15s
Forwards
Archie Ilott | St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace | Souths
Bradley Smith | Ipswich Grammar School | Souths
Jacob Knowles | Anglican Church Grammar School | Brothers
Kane Shedlock | Brisbane Boys College | GPS
Luke Van der Nist | Brisbane Boys College | Wests
Malachi Figota | Anglican Church Grammar School
Reese Ormiston | Brisbane Boys College | Wests
Rohan Clancy | St Joseph’s Gregory Terrace | Souths
Siu Pulepule | Marsden State High School | Logan Saints
Spencer Parkes | Anglican Church Grammar School | Brothers
Thomas Gainer | St Laurence’s College | Souths
Tom Wood | Anglican Church Grammar School | GPS
Tristan Auelua | Brisbane Boys College | Brothers
Tyrece Herniman | Brisbane State High | Sunnybank
Backs
Angus Underwood | Anglican Church Grammar School | Easts
Bond Bradley | St Joseph’s Nudgee College | Brothers
Flynn Corbett | Brisbane State High School | Souths
Franck Iraguha | St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace
Isaac Kefu | Brisbane Boys College | Souths
James Griffith | Brisbane Boys College | UQ
Keanu Bothma | Iona | Riverside Rugby Club
Lorenzo Uriol Reategui | Brisbane Boys College | Wests
Micah Figota | Anglican Church Grammar School
Pierre Poluleuligaga | St Joseph’s Nudgee College | Sunnybank
William Bagnall | Marist College Ashgrove | GPS
Brisbane White U15s
Forwards
Aiden Luke | St Joseph’s Nudgee College | Brothers
Benjamin Sciacca | St Joseph’s Nudgee College
Darnel Taki | Brisbane State High School | Sunnybank
Dyer Akauola | Brisbane Grammar School
Ethan Rowan | St Joseph’s Nudgee College | Brothers
Flynn Twomey | St Joseph’s Nudgee College | Norths
Harrison Asi | Wavell State High School | Brothers
Harry Bate | St Joseph’s Nudgee College | Sunnybank
James Hannan | St Joseph’s Nudgee College | Brothers
Kafoa Maile | Brisbane State High School | Sunnybank
Manasa Vunibola | Brisbane State High School | Souths
Os van Velthuizen | St Joseph’s, Nudgee College | Inverell Highlanders
Robert Piutau | Brisbane State High School | Sunnybank
Visesio Kite | Anglican Church Grammar School | Sunnybank
Backs
Alfie Bowman | Anglican Churchie Grammar School | Kenmore Bears
Bailen Noy | Anglican Church Grammar School
Harper Enasio | Brisbane Grammar School | Wahroonga Tigers
Harrison Vera | Padua College | Norths
Heath Tilcock | Brisbane State High School | Souths
Ioane Feaunati | St Joseph’s Gregory Terrace
Malakaih Beals | Brisbane State High School | Souths
Rory West | Padua College | Brothers
Seth Kennedy | Brisbane Grammar School | Easts
Taione Taka | Brisbane Boys College | Wests Bulldogs
Tom Mackinney | St Joseph’s Nudgee College | Brothers
SEQ U15s PLAYERS TO WATCH
Ruben Kruger (TGS)
His older brothers Ewald (hooker) and Wihan (fly half) are very talented Toowoomba Grammar products.
Rupeni Baravilala (TGS)
His older brother played the important position of fly half for TGS this year in the GPS First XV competition.
Rohan Nicol (Sunshine Coast Grammar)
His older brother Zac was a top performer at last year’s event.
South-East Queensland U15s
Forwards
Adrian de Klerk | Sunshine Coast Grammar School | Noosa Dolphins
Harrison Humphreys | Toowoomba Grammar School | Toowoomba Bears
Harry Cohen | Ipswich Grammar School | UQ
Jack Calleja | Ipswich Grammar School | Ipswich Rangers
Jeremiah Harbottle | Ipswich Grammar Boys | Souths
Jesse Jones | St John’s College Nambour | Maroochydore Swans
Lane Edmonds | Ipswich Grammar School | Ipswich Rangers
Owen Heathwood | Sunshine Coast Grammar School | Sunshine Coast Grammar School Rugby Club
Rhymen Tusi | Toowoomba Grammar School | USQ Saints
Ruben Kruger | Toowoomba Grammar school | Toowoomba Bears
Rupeni Baravilala | Toowoomba Grammar School | Toowoomba Bears
Tane Leef | Pimpama State Secondary School | Avoca Beach Rugby Club
Thomas Smith | Ipswich Grammar School | Ipswich Rangers
Tyler Riddell | Ipswich Grammar School | Ipswich Rangers
Backs
Bodhi Boehme | Toowoomba Grammar School | Toowoomba Bears
Dylan Terblanche | The Southport School | Gold Coast Eagles
Hemi Rakuita | Ipswich Grammar School | Sunnybank
Isaac Fidock | Kings Christian College, Gold Coast | Surfers Paradise Dolphins
Junior Siaunuua | Keebra Park State High School | Helensvale Hogs Rugby Union
Kobi Nouanrasy | Kings Christian College, Gold Coast | Helensvale Hogs
Kyden Mooney | Ipswich Grammar School | Ipswich Rangers
Max Kahler | The Southport School | Surfers Paradise Dolphins
Oliver Kennedy | All Saints Anglican School | Palm Beach Currumbin Alleygators
Rohan Nichol | Sunshine Coast Grammar School | Sunshine Coast Grammar School Rugby Club
Tyson MacDonald | Ipswich Grammar School | Sunnybank
REGIONAL QUEENSLAND U15S PLAYERS TO WATCH
Samu Nomani (Woree State High School)
The No. 8 is back for his second year in the program.
Captain of the team, Nomani leads with his crash runs and physical presence.
Locklyn Thomas (Kirwan State High School)
A muscular prop with quick footwork a strong carry and reliability at set-piece.
Miki Toquero (Good Counsel College, Innisfail)
Toquero is back for his second year on the wing.
Fast and elusive, Toquero is tough as nails and Robust with a capital R.
Nick Crawford (St Brendan’s College, Yeppoon)
A centre from Rockhampton, Crawford has a good catch-pass, is a solid defender and has a towering left boot.
Leo Fanuatanu (Marist College Emerald)
A strong ball carrier with a good change of direction.
Makes the right reads in defence.
Regional Queensland U15s
Forwards
Barry Smith | The Cathedral College | Frenchville Pioneers
Caleb Rebel | Chanel College, Gladstone | Colts Rockhampton
Dane O’Connor | Calvary Christian College | North Ward Sandcrabs
Denan Anderson | Innisfail State College | Cassowary Coast Chargers
Dylan O’Donnell | Rockhampton Grammar School | Frenchville Pioneers
Jason Woibo | Rockhampton Grammar School
Josh Claridge | Chanel College, Gladstone
Keagan Van Aswegen | Ignatius Park College, Townsville
Labron Bartlett | St Brendan’s College Cap Coast Crocs
Locklyn Thomas | Kirwan State High School
Oliver Nguyen | Ignatius Park College, Townsville | Brothers
Samu Nomani | Woree State High School
Solomon Stewart | Smithfield State High | JCU Mariners
Timothy Allport | St Augustine’s, Cairns | JCU Mariners
Backs
Alexander Greenwood | Tully State High School
Amaron Luki | Trinity Bay State High School
Cai Banfield | Ignatius Park College Townsville
Carter Isaac | Townsville Grammar School | Townsville Brothers
Cormack Werner | Rockhampton Grammar School | Frenchville Pioneers
Leo Fanuatanu | Marist College Emerald | Nogoa Redclaws
Mac Pattel | Townsville Grammar School | North Ward Sandcrabs
Miki Toquero | Good Counsel College, Innisfail | Cassowary Coast Chargers
Narasi Jimmy | St Brendan’s College, Yeppoon
Nick Crawford | St Brendan’s College, Yeppoon
Ralph Labor | Rockhampton Grammar School | Cap Coast Crocs
GPS First XI Round 1: Nudgee given the Hook, IGS v Terrace thriller
GPS First XI cricket sensation: A BBC student who recently trained at Scotland’s Celtic FC, the Terrace rugby halfback ace and a BSHS bowling rookie were round one heroes. Reports here.
Hall eager to be back in the pool for cherished cause
Australian flag bearer and five time Paralympian Brenden Hall has reflected on his whirlwind Paris games as he uncovers his new found motivation for life in the pool.