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NRL clubs swoop on Meninga, Connell Team of the Week talent

NRL clubs have swooped on Meninga Cup and Connell Challenge junior league Team of the Week players, with the Broncos, Dolphins, Knights, Raiders and Cowboys snapping up teen talent.

Five NRL clubs have struck in the last week or so to snare more of Queensland’s best talent from the Meninga Cup under 18s and Connell Challenge under 16s.

The Broncos have signed Wynnum-Manly junior hooker Ezekiel Jones who has been making great strides under coach Ben Weston with the bayside club. He is currently playing in the Gulls’ Connell Challenge side.

ROUND 5 REPORTS HERE

BATTLE OF BRISBANE – who is winning the war for Qld’s best juniors

Left edge Mackay Cutters forward Mark Morrow, a St Patrick’s College student, has been snapped up by the Raiders who snared the youngster on a development contract. He had a big match at the weekend to celebrate the occasion.

Phillip Yock of the Capras in action during the Cyril Connell Challenge between the Northern Pride and the CQ Capras at Barlow Park on Saturday. Picture Emily Barker.
Phillip Yock of the Capras in action during the Cyril Connell Challenge between the Northern Pride and the CQ Capras at Barlow Park on Saturday. Picture Emily Barker.

The astute North Queensland Cowboys have cast their eyes onto the Gold Coast to pick up brilliant fullback prospect Mason Barber who has been loving the space at fullback.

Wide Bay’s Kev Weribone.
Wide Bay’s Kev Weribone.

Barber has been a versatile youngster in school footy, playing everywhere from middle forward to outside back, but looks to love the No.1 jumper.

The Dolphins recruitment net has caught an exciting talent from the South Burnett, a famous league region in Queensland. Wide Bay Bulls winger or fullback Kev Weribone has been caught in the Dolphins recruitment net.

And highly touted Wavell SHS halfback Zac Herdegen has been signed by the Newcastle Knights as the club looks to freshen its halves’ list for later this decade.

Currently at Norths, Herdegen has been somewhat of a schoolboy prodigy.

Those boys have been in excellent form this season, but who were the best players from last round?

Tigers Cooper Benevenuti was one of his team's best
Tigers Cooper Benevenuti was one of his team's best

One of the first players picked is Cooper Benevenuti (Tigers, Connell Challenge).

In sweltering heat, Benevenuti had footwork and a big motor, emphasised with a 18m burst and a step to score a try under the posts in the last minute.

He was a Player of the Match in a losing grand final for Alexandra Hills SHS last season and is consistently one of coach Lote Tuqiri’s best players. Not far behind is his halfback Elijah Breen.

Other high class players over the weekend were

+ Wynnum fullback Saxon Innes was a sensation returning it from the back in the Meninga Cup.

+ Townsville middles in the Meninga Cup, Kaiden Lahrs, Jamal Shibasaki, Tavita Penaia Te’o, and edge forward Elijah-Shane Tapau, along with winger Mene, shone in Blackhawks colours.

+ Kylem Vunipola continued to catch the eye in his first season in the Meninga Cup.

+ Matt Barrow was a marvel for Tweed’s under 18s.

+Jason Hallie was enormous for Pride in the under 18s.

+ Big Alex Leapai was a powerhouse for Souths Logan in the sweltering heat - and in a losing side.

+ Dolphins aligned Wide Bay fullback-halve Harrison Braithwaite delivered the goods in a whole-hearted effort from his Bulls side.

Auswide Bank Mal Meninga Cup, Tigers vs WM Seagulls, Totally Workwear Stadium, Brisbane. Picture: Liam Kidston.
Auswide Bank Mal Meninga Cup, Tigers vs WM Seagulls, Totally Workwear Stadium, Brisbane. Picture: Liam Kidston.

+ Capras players Tyler Melrose, prop Jaiden Savagem Harrison Hill and Will McLachlan were outstanding.

+ Mark Morrow was excellent on the edge while Justis Costigan was elite in the middle.

+ Mackay Halves Cooper Shears and Flynn Battaia steered the ship.

+ Raw-boned Ray O’Neill made a big difference to the Clydesdales.

+ The big and the small, Levi Bannan and Emmanuel Asomua, impacted Souths Logan’s performance.

Cyril Connell Challenge game between the Ipswich Jets and Sunshine Coast Falcons. Saturday March 18, 2023. Picture, Nick Tucker. Ellyjah Birve is in the middle.
Cyril Connell Challenge game between the Ipswich Jets and Sunshine Coast Falcons. Saturday March 18, 2023. Picture, Nick Tucker. Ellyjah Birve is in the middle.

+ At the North Ipswich Reserve, although the Jets scored a hat-trick of wins over their Sunshine Coast Falcons rivals, Falcons Connell, half Ellyjah Birve was electric before sustaining a neck injury. He broke tackles, stepped the house down and sliced open the Jets defence on countless occasions.

+Falcons second rower Taj Burke, who is with the Broncos, was also a standout for the Falcons, as was Cowboys signed Jackson Koina and Charlie Coates

+ Rake Taj Handsaker also earned the praise of coach Tim Baldwin after inspiring his troops from the ruck.

Tigers 7. Elijah BREEN, Cyril Connell Challenge Tigers vs WM Seagulls, Totally Workwear Stadium, Brisbane. Picture: Liam Kidston.
Tigers 7. Elijah BREEN, Cyril Connell Challenge Tigers vs WM Seagulls, Totally Workwear Stadium, Brisbane. Picture: Liam Kidston.

+ The usual suspects were on song for the home side, Ipswich, namely Xzavier Timoteo, Cooper Cracknell and James Pau in the forward pack. Finn Kendall was defensively tough again while Tiger Campbell continued to shine with the boot, kicking three-from-three after going four-from-five last round.

Finn Kendall (left), Tyler Theuerkauf (middle) and Xzavier Timoteo (right).
Finn Kendall (left), Tyler Theuerkauf (middle) and Xzavier Timoteo (right).

+ In the Harvey 19s clash where Ipswich were 42-16 winners, Falcons centre Takoda Thompson was impressive, locking down her edge against Jets strike weapon Relna Hosea.

+ Reserve rake Marissa Nicholson also injected a ton of energy, as did Tianna Fry off the bench. And Nancy Sullivan and Macy Barnes impressed the Falcons coaching staff with their efforts in the middle.

+ For Ipswich, it was great to see Australian Schoolgirl representative lock Tiresa Elika showcase her grit on defence. On the other side of the ball she scored a double.

Tiresa Elika and Ariana Henderson.
Tiresa Elika and Ariana Henderson.

+The Jets scored nine tries with Ariana Henderson having her say at the back, Hosea showing off her speed, Rosina Tupua flexing her muscles on the wing, and Pauleeja Mau, Lina Tanielu and Dmaris Setu destructive as ever in the middle.

Ipswich left the best to last, with their Meninga team a bunch men possessed in an enthralling second half arm wrestle.

+ Winger Alton Naiyep scored two again, unsigned NRL dynamo Tyler Peckham-Harris scoring the matchwinning try with 6 minutes left on the clock.

+ But it was goalkicker Saifiti Junior Saifiti who got the Jets over the line in the 30-26 classic, slotting five-from-five.

+ For the home side, centre Keisaia-Iuomalo Su’a hit his straps as did second rower Tarell Indich. It goes without saying Jack Laing was a great leader on the day.

+ Falcons’ fullback Finn Lawson was exciting to watch, as was five-eight and captain Tulloch McLellan who had more than a smattering of flare.

Tulloch McLellan (right).
Tulloch McLellan (right).

+ Mason Kira and Jett Elich deserve praise for confronting the Ipswich forwards with force.

+ At Bishop Park, Connell action saw an inspired performance from skipper Brian Pouniu steering the Dolphins home. “He’s playing for a lot of reasons and the boys look up to him. They love him. I am happy for him to be our leader, leading by example,” said coach in reference to Pouniu performance following a pre-season accident when his brother Joseph suffered neck fractures and a spinal injury in a ‘Future Gold Coast Titans’ trial.

+ Cpach Chris Little thought halves Noah Fien and Carter Welfare controlled the game well.

Redcliffe player Noah Fien.
Redcliffe player Noah Fien.

+ Connell Challenge Devils’ centre Devine bagged two through his support play, while 14-year-olds Lincoln Dalton and Dyer Akauola were as brave as they come in the forward pack.

+ In the Meninga upset, Norths’ Zac Herdegen and Redcliffe’s John-Paul Donevski were snipers off the tee.

+ Tyreece Tait turned up in front of a healthy home crowd, scoring two on the left wing while right wing Riley Jenkins dazzled in his debut with an incredible solo try.

+ Devils lock Lauloto Salei lead the charge in an exemplary outing for Norths.

Lauloto Salei.
Lauloto Salei.

+ Hookers Mitch Rogers and John Fineanganofo worked well together for the Dolphins, Prestyn Laine-Sietu and William Quinn also did well alongside Broncos boys Robertson Tusi Tofu and Tariq Tanner.

+ In losing team efforts Mutua Brown (Capras), Mahonri Tiotala (Souths Logan) and Mitchell Sly (Bulls) were excellent.

+ In Harvey 19s action between the clubs, in a 28-12 losing effort by Norths, captain Grace Giampino led by example. By her side was Jenny David, spearheading the Devils’ second-half resurrection after being down 16-4.

+ Dolphins’ middles Reegan Hicks, Vyeisha Tuua and Armani-lea Auvae laid the foundations for hooker Lenniece Wright, winger Ruby Bezgovsek, prop Eden Utatao and centre Abbie Ritchie to cross.

Reagan McMillan of the Clydesdales. Picture: Nev Madsen.
Reagan McMillan of the Clydesdales. Picture: Nev Madsen.

+ Magpies’ Harvey Norman skipper Mackenzie Baty-Karauria who slotted three-from-three and scored, keeping her team in the hunt against the Tweed Seagulls.

+ Tweed Seagulls winger Savannah Roberts-Hickling bagged a first half double in a 24-14 winning effort.

+Clydesdales second rower Reagan McMillan run amok up front with two tries in three minutes.

Meanwhile, Brisbane Tigers Harvey 19s coach Paul Nieuwenhuyzen said the standard of the competition was emphasised by so many players being called into the BMD Cup.

“That is happening not only at our club, but at others as well. It just proves how strong the Harvey Norman comp is compared to the Tarsha Gale comp.’’

The Norths Devils Meninga Cup boys after causing an upset at home.
The Norths Devils Meninga Cup boys after causing an upset at home.

MENINGA CUP, Squad of the Week

1. Saxon Innes (Wynnum)

2. Matt Barrow (Tweed)

3. Kylem Vunipola (Wynnum)

4. Ratu Kikau (Blackhawks)

5. Tenkelu Mene (Blackhawks)

6. Preston Cassidy (Blackhawks)

7. Xavier Hellyer (Blackhawks)

8. Kaiden Lahrs (Blackhawks)

9. Taj Handsaker (Falcons)

Emannuel Asomua
Emannuel Asomua

10. Bailey Rathmore (Clydesdales)

11. Baylen Donald (Tweed)

12. Elijah-Shane Tapau (Blackhawks)

13. Jason Hallie (Pride)

14. Lauloto Salei (Norths)

15. Beni Allen (Wynnum)

16. Gabriel Tunimakubu (Pride)

17. Tavita Penaia Te’o (Blackhawks)

18. Alex Leapai (Souths Logan)

19. Jamal Shibasaki (Blackhawks)

20, Matt Watts (Cutters)

21. Matt Drew (Clydesdales)

22. Saifiti Junior Saifiti (Ipswich)

23. Tyler Peckham-Harris (Ipswich)

Cyril Connell Challenge Tigers vs WM Seagulls, Totally Workwear Stadium, Brisbane. Picture: Liam Kidston.
Cyril Connell Challenge Tigers vs WM Seagulls, Totally Workwear Stadium, Brisbane. Picture: Liam Kidston.

24. Jack Laing and Keisaia-Iuomalo Su’a (Ipswich)

25. Zac Herdegen (Norths)

26. Finn Lawson (Falcons)

27. Tulloch McLellan (Falcons)

28. Rayzarlin Pearson (Blackhawks)

29. Tyreece Tait (Norths)

CONNELL CHALLENGE, Squad of the Week

Brian Pouniu of Redcliffe leads the Connell Challenge Dolphins on.
Brian Pouniu of Redcliffe leads the Connell Challenge Dolphins on.

1. Braithen Scott (Clydesdales)

2. Phillip Yock (Capras)

3. Finn Kendall (Ipswich)

4. Joseph Tupuse (Souths Logan)

5. Cohen Dittman (Blackhawks)

6. Tyler Melrose (Capras)

7. Elijah Breen (Tigers)

8. Cooper Benevenuti (Tigers)

9. Riley Maule (Bulls)

Joseph Tupuse in action for Keebra Park. Picture: Supplied
Joseph Tupuse in action for Keebra Park. Picture: Supplied

10. Jaiden Savage (Capras)

11. Mark Morrow (Cutters)

12. Harrison Hill (Capras)

13. Justis Costigan (Cutters)

14. Cooper Shears (Cutters)

15. Cooper Cox (Blackhawks)

16. Jake Oberhardt (Capras)

17. Will McLachlan (Capras)

18. Ray O’Neill (Clydesdales)

19. Rosario Indelicato (Wynnum)

20. Deniro Lui (Wynnum)

21. Flynn Battaia (Cutters)

22. Levi Bannan (Souths Logan)

23. Emmanuel Asomua (Souths Logan)

24. Devin Bates Wellington (Tweed)

25. Taj Burke (Falcons)

26. James Pau (Ipswich)

27. Brian Pouniu (Redcliffe)

28. Noah Fien (Redcliffe)

29. Carter Welfare (Redcliffe)

The Redcliffe Dolphins Harvey Norman under-19s girls.
The Redcliffe Dolphins Harvey Norman under-19s girls.

SQUAD OF THE WEEK

HARVEY NORMAN 19s

Eliza Morcom (Clydesdales)

Harmonie Fauid (Capras)

Kirra Howard (Clydesdales)

Lucy Davis (Clydesdales)

Ashlyn Hoey (Blackhawks)

Breanna Hoskin (Clydesdales)

Lily Peacock (Cutters)

Harvey Norman under 19s game between the Ipswich Jets and Sunshine Coast Falcons. Saturday March 4, 2023. Picture, Nick Tucker.
Harvey Norman under 19s game between the Ipswich Jets and Sunshine Coast Falcons. Saturday March 4, 2023. Picture, Nick Tucker.

Jariel Martin Savage (Blackhawks)

Arielle Hobbler (Pride)

Delaney Claridge (Capras)

Chloe Watson (Blackhawks)

Mercedez Siale Toutelei (Tweed)

Jaida Faleono (Tweed)

Takoda Thompson (Falcons)

Marissa Nicholson (Falcons)

Tianna Fry (Falcons)

Nancy Sullivan and Macy Barnes (Falcons)

Tiresa Elika (Ipswich)

Ariana Henderson and Rosina Tupua (Ipswich)

Peuleeja Mau and Lina Tanielu (Ipswich)

Reagan McMillan (Clydesdales)

Savannah Roberts-Hickling (Tweed)

Mackenzie Baty-Karauria (Magpies)

Reegan Hicks, Vyeisha Tuua and Armani-lea Auvae (Redcliffe)

Lenniece Wright (Redcliffe)

Grace Giampino (Norths)

Jenny David (Norths)

WM Seagulls 1. Adam Wlson, Cyril Connell Challenge Tigers vs WM Seagulls, Totally Workwear Stadium, Brisbane. Picture: Liam Kidston.
WM Seagulls 1. Adam Wlson, Cyril Connell Challenge Tigers vs WM Seagulls, Totally Workwear Stadium, Brisbane. Picture: Liam Kidston.

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