Langer Trophy, Dolphins Cup Players to Watch
Who are the Langer Trophy and Dolphins Cup Players to Watch in 2022? The elite schoolboy rugby league competitions take-off next week - and we reveal 70 grand young talents.
Local sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Have you seen Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Jeremiah Nanai playing NRL for the Cowboys?
What about Xavier Savage (Canberra) or Broncos rookies Tesi Nui or Xavier Willison?
Did you know two years ago they were playing in either the Langer Trophy or Payne Cups?
These are just some of the quality kids who have come through the finest schoolboy rugby league systems feeding into the Langer Trophy, the Payne Cup and the new Dolphins Cup competitions.
And all will be live streamed by www.couriermail.com.au, the Gold Coast Bulletin, Townsville Bulletin, The Morning Bulletin and News Corp affiliates from next Tuesday and Wednesday.
In a change to the 2022 format, the Payne Cup, which previously incorporated Cairns to Bundaberg, will instead feature schools from Mackay north, allowing the new Dolphins Cup to feature six schools from Rockhampton, Yeppoon, Bundaberg and surrounds.
The six competing Dolphins Cup schools were The Cathedral College, Emmaus College, St Brendan’s College, Bundaberg SHS, Shalom College and Rockhampton Grammar School.
In the Langer Trophy, Redcliffe SHS joins Mabel Park SHS, Coombabah SHS, Wavell SHS, Marsden SHS, Ipswich SHS, PBC SHS and Keebra Park SHS.
RELATED LINKS
DOLPHINS SIGN ORIGIN 18s FORWARD
MENINGA CUP TEAM OF THE SEASON
NRL GREAT COACHING IN THE LANGER TROPHY
So who will be the Players to Watch across the Langer Trophy and Dolphins Cup, and also the Walters Cup (Year 10) and Dolphins Challenge (Year 10) competitions this season?
THE ROCKHAMPTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL,Dolphins Cup (opens)
Dominic Kallquist: Grammar’s captain and lock, Kallquist is a second year in the First XIII player and Capricornia 18 years QSSRL State Championships representative. He is a solid defender and good organiser.
Luke Callanan: A veteran of three years in the First XIII, Callanan has been an outside back Capras under 18 representative this year. He has a big kicking game and carriers the ball strongly.
Cody Sanewski: A wing or fullback, Sanewski impressed for Capras in the Connell Challenge under 16s this season. A Dolphins Academy Member, he is an elusive and agile runner of the ball.
ST BRENDAN’S COLLEGE, Dolphins Cup (seniors)
Matthew Hill: A fullback who hails from the Northern Territory town of Katherine, Hill has quickly established himself as one of the competitions most lethal attackers. Having been signed by the Broncos in 2020, he has been building nicely to 2022 under the guidance of Red Hills finest coaches and will have a profound impact on SBC’s fortunes this season.
Filipe Buli: Buli is a middle forward who tasted Aaron Payne Cup success in 2021 and with this confidence, will be a forwards leader in the Dolphins Cup. His Fijian roots have definitely started to really show with his physique transforming under head of strength and conditioning coach Mick Carron. At around 187cm and 110kg, Buli is ready to mix it with the best forward packs in 2022.
Tavita Penaia: A middle forward, Penaia is the youngest in a crop of hungry young talent keen on making their mark in SBC colours. The Queensland under 15 representative has shown already in the trials that age is just a number, dominating experienced campaigners with his had running, slight of hand and aggression in defence. Look to see him paving the way through the middle of the field.
St Brendan’s College, Dolphins Challenge (year 10)
Braelan Marsh: The CQ Capras under 16 Hooker who has signed with the Dolphins. He is also the son of a gun - Origin’s PJ Marsh.
Carter Ford: Marsh’s partner up front in the CQ Capras under 16s, prop Ford is a strong runner of the ball and a big hitter. He is another son of a gun - Queensland Origin powerhouse Carl Webb who twice scored monumental tries for the Maroons.
Harvey Mahoney: The 2022 Capricornia under 15 centre has a great fend and is a strong defender.
Also keep an eye on: Simon Green (CQ Capras under 16 utility, halfback), Tyler Melrose (Capricornia under 15 utility), Phillip Yock (Capricornia under 15 fullback) and Konrad Treadwell (Capricornia under 15 Winger).
BUNDABERG SHS,Dolphins Cup (opens)
Brad Shorter: The Bundy SHS captain, year 12 student Shorter is a tough backrower who is an aggressive defender. Has represented Wide Bay at a school level and will will be a massive part of the side. Shorter currently plays A Grade for Bundaberg Brothers and his experience will be crucial for an inexperienced side.
Nathan Coney: Despite being small in stature, Coney is an outstanding defender who is also electric over a short distance. He is a fullback who will most likely spend time in the centres. He hasn’t played a large amount of representative footy but is a player who plays well above his weight and is a real competitor.
Ryan Bugeja: The Wide Bay Bulls halfback or fullback, Bugeja can also cover hooker and play in the forwards. Had a great season at fullback for the Wide Bay Bulls in the Mal Meninga Cup competition and is a great runner of the football. He also has a good kicking game and is a leader of the squad.
Bundaberg SHS, Dolphins Challenge (Year 10).
Lucas Brough: Coming off an excellent season for Wide Bay Bulls in the Connell Challenge representative season, Brough will captain Bundaberg SHS. He has a natural skill-set suited and will take on a new ball playing role this year to highlight his play making ability. Brough is an aggressive defender and a great runner of the ball.
Will Bebendorf: Bebendorf is a sporting all rounder who represents Queensland Softball and BMX. He is not an experienced league player, but don’t let his inexperience fool you. Bebendorf has a big frame, a big motor and is highly competitive which is perfect for his middle forward role.
Dominic Bunyoung: An under 15 Wide Bay schoolboy representative, he is a hard-working back rower who runs great lines. Bundaberg SHS will be looking to utilise his strong ball carry to create momentum in attack.
Robert Hadwen: An exciting talent who will play fullback, Hadwen brings plenty of flair to the team with his unpredictable attacking style. He’s got plenty of speed, the skill-set of a halfback and has the ability to change the game at any moment.
The Wide Bay Bulls halfback or fullback, Bugeja can also cover hooker and play in the forwards. Had a great season at fullback for the Wide Bay Bulls in the Mal Meninga Cup competition and is a great runner of the football. He also has a good kicking game and is a leader of the squad.
SHALOM COLLEGE, Dolphins Cup (opens)
Blake Power: An energetic fullback in his first year of the Dolphins Cup, he played Connell Challenge for Wide Bay Bulls this season.
Tom Morcom: A level headed and intelligent centre whom is always working to develop his game, Morcom was one of the best for Wide-Bay Bulls this season in the under 16 Connell Challenge.
Connor Yeats: A hard working outside back with Meninga Cup experience for Wide Bay, Yeats is full of enthusiasm whose last run is as energetic as his first. He always puts his team first.
Emmaus College, Dolphins Challenge (opens)
Liam Barnes: A smart dummy half, Barnes has plenty of pace and is quick between the ears who knows when to run and then bring teammates onto the ball.
Bailey Meiland: Aged 16, Meiland is a prop forward young gun who knows where to place himself on the field - and find his stomach. He is a member of the Dolphins development squad.
Ishiah Dale: The Emmaus College captain, he has plenty of pace from fullback, great hands and plays tough.
Emmaus College, Dolphins Challenge (Year 10)
Clancy Hohn: An emerging utility who has been identified by the Dolphins, Hohn can play hooker, half, five-eight and lock without missing a beat.
Tawhirianai Taurima: Another Dolphins development squad member, the New Zealand-born prop is a fantastic forward prospect with a lovely demeanour.
Will McLaughlan: The son of a gun - his father is well known Central Queensland player Peter - McLaughlin is a halfback who is developing nicely.
THE CATHEDRAL COLLEGE, Dolphins Cup
Bailey Cavanough: Cavanough will lead by example when he captains his school this season. He was one of the best Capras players in the under 18 Meninga Cup and is an outstanding, hard working backrower.
More player info coming.
RELATED LINKS
SOUTHS LOGAN WIN MENINGA CUP PREMIERSHIP
QRSSL PLAYERS TO WATCH INCLUDE BRONCOS, DOLPHINS YOUNG GUNS
KNIGHTS SIGN BAYSIDE SCHOOLBOY; COWBOYS CIRCLE CQ
LANGER TROPHY
REDCLIFFE SHS
Jayden Afefio: He can play lock, centre or five-eighth with ease, yet made made our Meninga Cup Team of the Season as a winger. What for him to be a leading player for Redcliffe.
Jacob Taulani: The right edge back row prospect has aroused interest from the Melbourne Storm and played in the under 18’s state championships last weekend. He has a nice step and can cut back on the inside or challenge defences with wide runs.
Guy Waerehu: Unknown to the competition, he will play fullback when the Sharks make their historic entry into the Langer Trophy against Mabel Park SHS on June 1. He is a young man who moved from New Zealand and has impressed with his pace and football nous.
COOMBABAH SHS, Langer Trophy
K-Ci Hoeroa Whare: Whare is a brilliant young halfback who will captain Coombabah SHS in its second season of Langer Trophy football. He will be even more dangerous this season surrounded by young players better for their debut season in the top schoolboy competition last season.
Lewis Symonds: Aged 16, the Brisbane Broncos-signed right edge back rower is a lean, mean 87kg athlete who enters the season in the prime of his brief but busy sporting life. He is coming off helping Souths Logan win the Meninga Cup under 18 premiership where his coach was none other than Karmichael Hunt.
Kyen Murphy: Murphy had a strong Langer Trophy season last year, and played for Tweed Seagulls in the Meninga Cup as well as representing the South Coast this season. He is a reliable second rower or centre who is a natural footballer with great skills.
PALM BEACH CURRUMBIN SHS
Keano Kini: The Titans signed fullback was joint winner of the Justin Hodges Medal in 2021 whilst in year 11 and returns for his final year of Langer Cup. He is a noted ball playing fullback with speed to burn.
Tanu Nona: With a great running game and love of the tough stuff, Nona is a leading player from dummy half for PBC SHS. He came off the bench last year, however will be a starting forward leading in 2022.
Michael Roberts: A five-eighth or centre or winger, Roberts can turn a game with his sharp passing, change of speed in attack and solid edge defence. He will look to continue his late 2021 Langer Cup form this season after impressing NRL Dolphins talent scouts.
Walters Cup:
Sam Stephenson (fullback), Sunny Kama (centre), Harry Chadburn (halfback).
WAVELL SHS, Langer Trophy
Damascus Neemia: A front Row, he is a powerful runner of the ball with a great engine and work rate who regularly finds his stomach. He is respected by his team mates and leads with his actions. Neemia is coming off playing for Norths in the Meninga Cup. He is signed with the Bulldogs.
Karl Oloapu: A running five-eighth who likes to take the line on, Oloapu is a genuine footballer who loves the game. A Redcliffe junior who played with Norths this year in the Meninga Cup, the Broncos signed No.6 has been training the house down and is improving through his hard work and extras at training.
Po Hotere-Papalii: Hotere-Papalii is a damaging centre who can run great lines and has great feet and skill. Hotere-Papalii also played in the Norths Mal team this year. He is a hard working player who is disciplined and will always give his best. Hotere-Papalii was a member of the 2021 Met North winning team.
Walters Cup
Charlie Dickson: Dickson is a hard working lock forward who stings the opposition on both sides of the footy.
Mereki Warradoo: A dynamic fullback, Warradoo has an extremely strong carry of the football.
Presley Folau: A mobile and speedy edge back rower, Folau is also a damaging ball runner.
MARSDEN SHS, Langer Trophy
Devonte Vaivela: A centre, Vaivela is a dynamic centre who gave Souths Logan plenty of thrust during the Magpies push for the 2022 Meninga Cup under 19 premiership. Signed by the Broncos, Vavivela is built low to the ground and is all power and pace.
Chris Faagutu: The Marsden SHS will be in his third season of Langer Trophy football - and his second as captain. A mobile No.13, his pace and power is a threat, particularly off the back of a quick play the ball. He made our Meninga Cup Team of the Season and was one of Souths Logan’s best players in the premiership side.
Walters Cup
Adaquix Luke, Benson Tau, Ocean Vaivela
IPSWICH SHS, Langer Trophy
Josiah Pahulu: A powerful running prop or lock, he was Ipswich SHS’s best player in Langer cup in 2021, making our Team of the Season. Pahulu has backed that up with incredible performances for Burleigh Bears Meninga Cup side and is contracted to the Gold Coast Titans.
Tyler Peckham-Harris: An elusive fullback who’s timing and ability to see the game led to an outstanding season for Ipswich Jets Meninga Cup side. He was named in the Courier Mail Meninga Cup team of the year at fullback he is one to watch when he makes his Langer cup Debut in 2022.
Caleb Jackson: The utility outside back was a regular stand out for Ipswich SHS last season. This year a switch to centre, partnered with his football IQ and silky hands, has made him one of main avenues to the try line for the Ipswich Jets Meninga Cup side.
Ipswich SHS, Walters Cup
Cooper Cracknell: The 15-years-old second row/prop/lock is South Sydney Rabbitohs contracted and renowned as a hard working forward that every team wants. He has great speed and leg drive, he’s thick with a good fend, and he’s capable of some of the hardest hits in the competition. He is obsessed with being better and is a consistent, hard working trainer who is always asking feedback on how to be better. He will be the Ipswich captain.
Carlos Bagon: Another who can play anywhere across the forwards, Bagon is the younger brother of Rene Bagon (Rene is Manly contracted from Ipswich SHS). Carlos is tough, hard, and extremely competitive. His combination of leg speed, good footwork, and a strong palm makes him very difficult to handle. But it’s Carlos’ toughness defensively that stands out most. He’s the kind of player that would make four to five consecutive tackles and then take two hit-ups in the following set. His work rate is impressive.
Xzavier Timoteo: A 14-15 years Met West prop or second rower, Timoteo is growing into a great forward’s body. He is getting taller and his work in the gym is helping him to get thicker and stronger. He has always been a player to watch locally in Ipswich but the older he gets, the better he is becoming. It’s not surprising either, because Timoteo possesses good footwork which helps him break tackles and earn a bunch of post-contact metres. He is one of the best tacklers in the team. His personality is also infectious with the rest of the playing group.
MABEL PARK SHS, Langer Trophy
Alex Leapai: A hard working middle forward who was very impressive for the Sydney Roosters in the Harold Matthews Cup this season. He brings Langer Cup experience after playing every game for the team last year.
Louruce Brown. The versatile middle forward had an outstanding season with Souths Logan Magpies winning the Mal Meninga premiership side. He was recently selected in the QRL under 18 emerging origin squad.
Melchizadek Laumatia: An edge forward, he impresses with his speed and aggressive defence and is coming off a good season for Wynnum Manly in the Mal Meninga Cup.
Mabel Park SHS, Walters Cup
Tane Cook: An explosive hooker who is a pocket rocket in the mould of Damien Cook. He impressed in the Connell Challenge this season for Souths Logan.
DJ Talaepa: An edge forward, Talaepa is tough and aggressive with a nose for the try line. He recently signed with the Bulldogs after shining for Souths Logan in the Connell Challenge (under 16s).
Chaev Kolone: An agile middle forward with a big motor, Kolone had a consistent Connell Challenge season with Wynnum Manly.
KEEBRA PARK SHS,Langer Trophy
Arama Hau: Hau is a big, powerful and skilful lock forward who can also play on an edge. He is a triple threat with the ball because of his ability to run, pass and offload. Hau is contracted to the Gold Coast Titans and is a member of this year’s QRL under 18 Emerging Origin Squad (story here https://bit.ly/39NWcQc). He captained Burleigh Bears Mal Meninga side and has featured heavily in their colts team.
Seth Nikotemo: An experienced edge forward who is a smart footballer. Nikotemo started in every game at second row for Keebra’s Langer Trophy side as well as the South Coast side in 2021 as a 17-year-old. Now in his final year of school, expect big things to come from this powerful backrower who is contracted to the Gold Coast Titans and who is a member of the QRL under 18 Emerging Origin Squad.
Xavier Asi: The brother of former Keebra Park student and now Warriors five-eight Daejarn Asi, Xavier can play anywhere on the field but seems to have found a home in the halves for
now. He has grown into a big body and is a strong ball runner and defender - all the while having silky skills. He is also a representative touch footballer.
Walters Cup, Keebra Park
Joseph Tupuse: Joseph is a strong, well-balanced, and athletic centre who is a threat every time he carries the ball. Joseph hails from the same primary school as David Fifita and his work ethic and dedication is unquestionable.
Anton Whaiapu: Whaiapu is Mr. Reliable and never puts in a poor performance. A natural leader, Anton possesses an incredible work ethic that is complimented by his silky skills and canny game awareness which makes him a tremendous lock forward.
Joshua Donovan: Josh Donovan is a new addition to Keebra Park and has impressed everyone with his raw natural ability. From Grafton and coming off a short season with the Brisbane Tigers in the Connell Challenge, the elusive fullback is a potent attacking threat capable of breaking the game open at any stage.
Taverners 3-2-1 top guns highlighted as Valley open their account
Taverners Queensland Under-17s: Who were the 3-2-1 best performers from round 5? The best of the best are revealed here after a drought-breaking win.
Revealed: QLD All Schools Touch top performers
The world’s largest touch football tournament has wrapped up on the Gold Coast after five days of competition across seven divisions. Discover who claimed gold, and the 80+ standouts across the board. Details inside: