Here’s the Sons - and daughters - of guns across the junior league representative competitions
Here’s the sons - and daughters - of past footy guns across the Meninga Cup, Connell and Harvey 19 girls junior league representative competitions.
Local sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Meet the sons and daughters of past guns playing in the Meninga Cup, Connell Challenge or Harvey Norman under 19 girls competitions.
And in the case of the Burleigh Bears Paige Turner, Tweed’s Tom Summer and co, you will also meet the sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews of notable players, along with the odd cousin or two (Kade Adamson of the Cutters, for example)
As part of our coverage each Saturday, Sunday and Monday, we are delighted to bring you these Family Ties
MENINGA CUP FAMILY TIES
CQ Capras
And Carter Ford is the son of former NRL and Queensland Maroons star, Carl Webb. Carter, signed by the Dolphins, is raw but as tough as teak with his father’s bullocking running style. Webb is an Origin legend for twice scoring remarkable individual tries in Queensland wins.
Signed by the Dolphins, hooker Braelan Marsh is son of former NRL and Queensland Origin star, PJ Marsh. Much like his father, Braelan is a clever dummy half with good service and a threatening running game.
RELATED LINKS
ROOSTERS SIGN SCHOOLBOY; ROUND 1 TEAM OF THE WEEK
Brisbane Tigers
Famous siblings in the Brisbane Tigers Meninga squad includes Samson Tuqiri and Bailey Neave.
Neave’s father is Andrew who played in halves for Cronulla in the 1990s after coming out of the Tigers. Bailey is very similar to his dad, a kid who is great to coach and who pushes the team around the park well.
Tuqiri, like his dual international father, plays winger. Lote is a two-time premiership winner with Brisbane and Souths, but young Samson is making his own mark. Last year he made our GPS First XI Team of the Season not so much for his finishing flair, but for his hard work off the ball.
Burleigh Bears
It is like an NRL reunion on training nights and game day at the Bears with Cooper Bai, Sam Stephenson, Bailey McConnell and Oscar Laffranchi at the club.
Cooper’s dad Marcus was a 1999 NRL premiership winner with the Storm, and also a PNG legend. Cooper is a hard hitting centre or No.13 from Marymount’s production line.
Sam Stephenson is a strapping centre who is the son of Paul Stephenson, the ex-Manly and Sharks player.
Bailey McConnell is an exciting halfback or hooker out of the PBC SHS system. Bailey is the son of Brent McConnell who played with the Cowboys (three games).
The name Saunders is very well known on the Gold Coast and across the border town where Don played for both the Gold Coast Seagulls and South Queensland Crushers. His son Will was one of the Bears’ best last weekend.
Oscar Laffranchi (prop) is also the son of Gold Coast Titans champion Anthony.
Townsville Blackhawks
Mobile middle forward Jamal Shibasaki is the brother of Gehamat Shibasaki, both the Broncos and Knights NRL player.
Kaiden Lahrs is of course the son of former Text and NSW Blues forward Tom Leyroyd Lahrs.
The Far North were also enjoying watching Lachlan Erba play. He is the son of Jason Erba, a Cowboys and Broncos NRL player of the early 1990s, also a star in the Foley Shield, while the impressive middle forward Tavita Penaia is the son of Pete Penaia, a former Canberra Raiders NRL player.
Souths Logan
Alex Leapai senior was such a good junior he was signed by the Cowboys as a Woodridge SHS student. But after a brush with the law, Alex senior took up boxing where he once fought for the world heavyweight championship. Now he is proudly watching his son, Alex junior, as a prop for the Magpies. The Mabel Park SHS Year 12 student is also contracted to the Sydney Roosters.
Philip Coates is a fabulous outside back talent who plays in the Meninga Cup. He is a dead set ringer for his older brother Xavier, a Storm and Queensland Origin winger.
Western Clydesdales
He was once named in Queensland Origin’s best ever 20 for his supreme skills, and now Jason Smith has the joy of his son, Bud, shining for the Cyldesdales. Bud Smith is contracted to Bulldogs
In addition, Shaun Elara, the squad’s front row/lock, is the son of Matt who captained the PNG Kumuls in the 90s.
Tweed Seagulls
Baylen Donald is an edge forward whose dad is Brad Donald, current Australian Jillaroos coach. Baylen is a no-nonsense player with an outstanding work rate, according to management at the club.
Tom Summer is a wonderful worker from No.13 for Tweed. His older brother Reece Summer plays in the Tweed Seagulls Hostplus Cup team. Tom also had an opportunity to spend some time in New Zealand training in the Warriors system over the pre-season.
Wynnum-Manly
The Seagulls’ dummy half work-a-holic Cameron Bukowski - who is Broncos signed - is the son of Gary Bukowski, a former South Brisbane Magpies who played with Western Suburbs in the NSWRL competition.
Mackay Cutters
When Queensland started its famous eight in a row State of Origin run, it was Josh Hannay who played centre and was the goal kicker in the Game 3 decider. The Cowboys legend’s name lives on around the region through Cutter’s rookie Cooper Hannay, the nephew of Josh Hannay
Ipswich
Ipswich Jets fullback Dom Sandow also has famous bloodlines. Former Parramatta Eels and South Sydney star Chris Sandow was a gun halfback before moving to England - and Dom is his nephew. Dom Sandow impressed greatly at the weekend with his talk to organise his team’s defence. His dad Dennis Sandow was a Q Cup gun and premiership winner, and his cousin is Selwyn Cobbo’s cousin.
Redcliffe
Remember the thrill-a-minute play of Jamie Sandy, a former Dolphins, Panthers and Brisbane Tigers sensation who also delighted crowds in England with Castleford? Well his nephew Adrian has been named at fullback this weekend for Redcliffe.
Redcliffe also have Arthur Fitness, the son of former Queensland Sheffield Whield wicket keeper Gavin Fitness.
CONNELL CHALLENGE. family ties
The Mackay Cutters
The Cutters have Justis Costigan at lock. He is the nephew of Queensland State of Origin hard hitter Neville Costigan, also a NRL premiership winner with St George Illawarra.
Young Kade Adamson is also in the centres is also the cousin of former Australian player Matt Adamson.
Ipswich Jets
The Walker name lives on and on. We first saw Garry Walker - the father of Ben, Shane and Chris - playing for Brisbane Brothers and Norths Devils where he was a fingernail from Origin selection in the early 1990s. Then came his sons who all played NRL, and then his grandson Sam Walker of Sydney Roosters fame. Well Sam’s brother Tyson now plays halves for the young Jets. “Will is very Walker-like – Will be unpredictable and exciting to watch,’’ said coach Jye Tuaimau-Gadsdon.
Capras
Jay Marsh: Another hooker and son of PJ Marsh, he is also the younger brother of Braelan who played for the Capras 16’s last year. Jay only turned 14 last November, but despite Jay being the youngest in the squad this season, his strength, speed, skills and game sense has earned him the starting No.9 jersey this season. “He is a very tough player, also looks at home playing as a middle forward as well,’’ said coach Duane Carpenter.
Souths Luke
Adicus Luke, the son of Isacc Luke, will be making his debut for the Magpies this weekend after being away with his grandfather’s funeral.
“Addi is a straight up game winner,’’ asid his coach Scott Banna. “He has next level footwork, speed and he has inherited Bully’s work, footy mind and discipline. Dolphins scored big by getting Addi signed to their squad.’’
Burleigh Bears
Cody McConnell is the son of Brent McConnell, the former Burleigh Q Cup and North Queensland young guns premiership player.
Seth Gundry is of course the son of Ryan Gundry, a former North Devil and Burleigh Bears Q Cup premiership player and captain.
And Freeman Raftstrand-Smith is the brother of the super successful Raftstrand-Smith sisters.
The Gold Coast squad also has Benji Quinlan, sister of Ash, in its squad as second rower and captain.
Blackhawk’s Lincoln Baker is the brother of McKenzie Baker who’s been in a few NRL systems. He is a very quick player, a utility who could end up playing fullback this weekend.
Redcliffe Dolphins
Nate Berrigan: Nate is the son of Barry Berrigan, a hard working hooker who split his 56 NRL appearances between the Bulldogs and the Brisbane Broncos. Nate is a grassroots Dolphins junior who attends Redcliffe SHS. Like his dad, he has a high work ethic which contributed to his selection as a back rower in last year’s Queensland under 15 team.
Cody Starr and Adam Starr: Cody is the son of prop Adam Starr who played 48 NSWRL games, mostly for the Balmain Tigers, before continuing his career with Redcliffe in the Q-Cup Like his dad, Cody is also a highly thought of prop, tall and strong, who is both a member of the Dolphins Academy and also a Redcliffe Dolphins under 16 player.
Noah Fien and Nathan Fien: Noah is the son of Nathan, a Test and NRL champion (277 games) who also played in a winning State of Origin series for Queensland. Nathan is starting off as a halfback and he will play in the Redcliffe Dolphins under 16 side this season.
Kayden and Petero Civoniceva: The name Civoniceva is one of the most famous on the Peninsula. Petero Civoniceva senior was a club rugby warhorse who stood so tall at Dalton Park, Redcliffe, he cast a shadow as long as any light pole in the area. And now his son Kayden is a Connell Challenge member.
HARVEY NORMAN 19s FAMILY TIES
Western Clydesdales
There are not too many bigger names on the Darling Downs than John McDonald, the champion Manly and Australian centre and coach of Queensland’s first ever State of Origin side.
Well his granddaughter is a member of the Western Clydesdales side - Jessica Fitzgibbons who plays left wing.
Also Katelyn Collie plays front row and is the daughter of Wayne (Cabbage) Collie, a Cities Roma U16 junior who went on to represent the Clydesdales in all grades. He also coached Queensland Outback A-Grade team and is the current Highfields Women’s Coach.
Redcliffe
De Ja Pelite Denny: It is little wonder Redcliffe Dolphins Denny is a talented winger. Denny is the sister of Evania Pelite, a dual Olympic gold medallist who is currently in the Gold Coast Titans NRLW system. She won a gold medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio playing seven-a-side.
Burleigh Bears
Down at Burleigh, 19s winger Paige Turner is the sister of Maori All Stars playmaker Paul Turner, who has just signed on for the Dragons.
The 22-year-old joined the Dragons from the Gold Coast, where he played seven NRL games in 2022.
Paige and Paul are actually quite alike on the football field. Paige plays on the wing but can be put anywhere in the outside backs. Paul is the same, with Dragons General Manager of Football Ben Haran saying that Paul brings utility value and depth after signing him for 2023 and 2024.
Mackay Cutters
Martin Bella was a Queensland State of Origin front row ironman and NRL legend and now his niece, Emily, is playing elite football as a halfback. Bella is a Queensland under 19s representative.
Tweed Seagulls
Sharnalli Peckham is a gifted halfback and utility player and now we know why. She is the sister of Lindon McGrady, a Tweed Seagulls club legend.
Are there any we have missed? Please email andrew.dawson@news.com.au with any others you can think of.
ROUND 3
SELECTION HIGHLIGHTS
MENINGA CUP
Townsville Blackhawks v Northern Pride
Ben Roebuck is in the selection mix for Blackhawks while Mitchell Forrest and Tesharne Kapigeno were set for the top 17, with Tyrone Williams on standby.
CQ Capras v Mackay Cutters
Braith Smith (Capras) and Liam Doherty (Cutters) were both name reserves, but clearly on the cusp of entry into the top 17.
Western Clydesdales v Ipswich Jets
Aaron Hinch, Jezziah Berry and Mitchel Clem and Patrick Nolan were part of an extended squad building up for this local derby, while Ipswich has added Azariah Puleaga to the top 17, and Jack Chandler, Jeriah Vagana-Malaitai, Lachlan Stuart and Zackariah Stephenson all training in the squad.
Tweed Seagulls v Redcliffe Dolphins
Disharne Tonihi, Hiawe King and Max Murphy all come into an extended squad for Tweed, with King ushered onto the interchange bench.
The Dolphins have Adrian Sandy at fullback, and Elijah Rasmussen and Layton Hillman-Hohua on the interchange bench.
Burleigh Bears v Brisbane Tigers
For the Tigers Maximus Spragg has earned the No.17 jersey, with Joseph Pona in the selection mix as a reserve.
For Burleigh, Nayte Saaga finds his way into the top 17, with Waaka Hepi, Wailer Whaiapu
and Jayviah Panui joining Billy Wellard in the training squad.
Souths Logan Magpies v Wynnum Manly Seagulls
Looking for their first time of the season, Cairo Rangihuna-Ruri, Dorian Lotaki and Ryan McCann were set for their opportunity, while unbeaten Seagulls did not name ace halfback Coby Black. Ryan Hutchinson and William Allen were part of the squad training for the clash.
Sunshine Coast v Bulls
Both squads were to be finalised, with the Falcons Bayden Hales, Ethan Yarrow, Jack Philp
Koby Brown, Liam Smith and Riley Jervis part of the squad.
The Bulls have a geographical disadvantage to other teams, so their squad is a big one, with Djuran Murry-Smith, Ethan Taylor, Ezekiel Monckton, Jack Picaro, Patrick Curtis and Samuel Blomdale all in the mix.
RELATED LINKS
SELECTION HIGHLIGHTS
HARVEY NORMAN UNDER 19s
Townsville Blackhawks v Northern Pride
Sally Frohloff, Seraseini Sadrata and Cecelia Brown Chinfat Hawkins will be reserves, but Makeilla Gibson has been named as the starting No.6.
For Pride Chantelle Trnka and Tehel Hayman-Rubach were in the top 17, with Malita Mailman a reserve.
CQ Capras v Mackay Cutters
The Capras have selected
Britney Rothery and Luca Howarth in the top 17, with Brianna Mauger and Laynie Sweet on standby.
The Cutters will have Gracie Watt played on the edge, with Keala Florain on the bench.
Sunshine Coast Falcons v Wide Bay Gulls
Chekyrah Pita, Lainey Grieve, Marissa Nicholson, Taya Chippendale and Taylor Fitzgerald were all set for the top 17 for Falcons, while Charlie Lanuto was a reserve.
Amba Webb, Samantha Cobbo and Tegan Driver were all expected to play for Wide Bay.
Western Clydesdales v Ipswich Jets
The Darling Downs side has Gemma Gray, Morgan Tyson, Kirra Howard, Reyna Core and Shontai Saunders as reserves, emphasising the depth of the squad, while the Jets have Alayna Poasa, Heina Navosa, Imogene Davidson and Seromelina Tanielu lending a hand this week after round 2 assistance from several Dolphins..
Tweed Seagulls v Redcliffe Dolphins
The Dolphins have flexed their muscle by naming Amy Bird, Maia RATANA-LEEF, Ngaire Harris, Tanisha Tryhorn, Jayde Crossland and Grace Robinson as reserves.
For Tweed, Phoenix-Raine Hippi comes onto the interchange bench, while Sara Matheson-John is a reserve.
Burleigh Bears v Brisbane Tigers
Impressive last round winners Tigers have added Kaylah Moloney as a reserve. The Bears have plenty of options, with Elle Somerville, Mhia Taylor and Jazz Cooke-Heafey all reserves and the likes of Keely Harris and Sienna Laing starting.
Souths Logan Magpies v Wynnum Manly Seagulls
The Magpies have included Marshontae Wacando, Niquita Peters and Petra Greenwood in its top 17.
Wynnum have Tinrity Veetutu as a reserve while Angel Austin, Charlotte Vandermeer, Kylah Edmonds, Makayla Howarth, Matiana Tongia and Zarah Nygaard were on course for playing time.
SELECTION HIGHLIGHTS
CONNELL CHALLENGE under 16s
Townsville Blackhawks v Northern Pride
Jack MILLER comes into the Townsville 17, with Bradley KONDISENKO, Heath BETHEL and Marley PROCTOR as reserves.
The Pride has Samu NOMANI and Jett WALKER as reserves.
Burleigh Bears v Brisbane Tigers
The Bears have Cruz TAUAIFAIGA, Hudson PRATT, Kendrix MARSH, Quinn TIMPERON and Zane ANDREWS in the mix, while the Tigers were looking to give Keoki Koraba
Kihan ZADEBERNYJ-COX, Memphis THEUERKAUF and Oscar DONOVAN playing time.
Souths Logan Magpies v Wynnum Manly Seagulls
The Magpies have a bit of firepower back through Benson Tau, Jahrel Conlon-Stephan, Natututasina LEOTA and Tamai BAKER, while Talan CROSS and William ANDERSON will play outwide.
CQ Capras v Mackay Cutters
Zakkaree JENKYN has been named at fullback for Capras, with Nate KENEALY and Parker GALLAGHER reserves, while Declan GRADY has been named Cutters fullback, with Ryan JOHN on the bench.
Sunshine Coast Falcons v Wide Bay Gulls
The Falcons extended squad again has Andrew MIKA, Keagan ZANCHETTA and Lachlan ASI as reserves, while the Gulls squad includes Johannes SMITH, Riley MODROW, Sebastian KING and Tatem HENKE
Western Clydesdales v Ipswich Jets
Kail EUSTACE and Waynos SALASE-EDMONDS were on the reserves bench in the Clydesdales’ side sent to the QRL, while Ipswich Jets have a heap of options to start with, including Benjamin KIRISOME, Christian MIKAELE, Kaleb-Andrew MENE, Leroy CHARLES, Luke CRONON, Royal TAITO, William RILEY and Jazarius FILIPAINA
Tweed Seagulls v Redcliffe Dolphins
Dolphins’ Dolphins Bailey DINHAM is on the reserves bench, while Tweed have multiple options around its extended squad which includes Fuifui TAITO, Jonah RANGIWAI and Harrison DOHERTY as reserves.
Maroons’ raiders flood SG Ball, Harold Matthews junior reps
Who were the Maroons’ raiders embedded deep in enemy territory playing in the SG Ball and Harold Matthews competitions? Revealed here, along with Queensland’s best female teens at Sydney clubs.
AIC First XI cricket players to watch as new wave of talent strikes comp
The AIC First XI cricket returns on Saturday when reigning premiers Iona College host cross-town rivals Marist in an early season blockbuster. Check out the Players to Watch from all eight colleges here.