Queensland Representative School Sport league championships: 60 Lesser known players you must know about
Here’s 60 lesser known players you simply need to know more about ahead of the 2025 Queensland school sport 14-15 years and 16-18 years boys rugby league championships. FULL SQUADS
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With the Queensland Representative School Sport rugby league boys championships for 14-15 years and 16-18 years to start on Saturday in Gladstone, we have taken a peek at the 60 less unheralded players you simply must read about.
This is the state championship where the next generation of Broncos, Titans, Dolphins and Cowboys players will emerge from.
The top players from this tournament will be picked for the Queensland Schoolboys who compete at the national championships later in the year (14-15 years, Townsville, June 28-July 4 and 16-18 years, Coffs Harbour, July 12–18).
This story is dedicated to the lesser known schoolboys who, while known within their communities, will not be household names to the wider league community.
MET EAST
14-15 years
Kolby Walters and Billy Gough (both Churchie)
Both boys have bolted into the Met East side from outside the box. Gough will play halfback at the championships while Walters will be exciting from fullback.
Walters is a multi-sport whiz kid who plays rugby union, touch football, oztag and basketball, while also competing in surf lifesaving and athletics. He was a bit of an excitement machine in the Emerging Reds Cup (rugby union) last year at Ballymore.
Gough is also a cross-code kid who joined Walters at Ballymore last Spring.
Nathaniel Brain (Mabel Park SHS)
Brain comes from rugby league heartland — Logan City. Making the Met West rugby league team is like cracking the code to a bank safe, such is the intense competition for positions. But Brain has come slightly from left field to win the treasured five-eight position.
Harrison Wallace (Iona College)
Another halves talent, Wallace won a hard earned place in the 19 player squad.
The Easts junior was very much selected off the back of eye-catching performances at the trials.
Now he has his chance, watch him go.
Triston Sauaga (Marsden SHS)
Sauaga’s big motor will allow him to chew up metres for long periods in a match.
He will play in the forwards for Met East.
Met East 14-15 years Squad: 1. Kolby Walters Anglican Church Grammar School, 2 Walker Taualape Marsden SHS, 3 Digby Ioane Brisbane SHS, 4 Lennix Parfitt Mabel Park SHS, 5 Isaiah Te Pairi Mabel Park SHS, 6 Nathaniel Brain Mabel Park SHS, 7 Billy Gough Anglican Church Grammar School, 8 Tyler Harry Mabel Park SHS, 9 Tyson Tai Brisbane SHS, 10 Triston Sauaga Marsden SHS, 11 Hans Haas Brisbane SHS, 12 Tyson Barnard Marsden SHS, 13 Tipene Moyes Marsden SHS, 14 Jayden Hape Marsden SHS, 15 Payton-Trae Pakau Marsden SHS, 16 Nelson Takai Brisbane SHS, 17 Clay Taylor Mabel Park SHS, 18 Alec Joyce Mabel Park SHS, 19 Harrison Wallace Iona College.
16-18 years
Braddock Taylor (Mabel Park SHS)
Taylor has played his way into the side on the strength of his straight and hard running which he does time and again in matches.
Coming off a strong season in the Langer Reserves competition which Mabel won last year, Taylor will cherish his chance in this high class representative side.
He will do plenty of grunt work.
Conor Quinn (Iona College)
A tall, athletic outside back, Quinn is sharp with his catches off attacking kicks, while his long legs cover the ground quickly from ruck runs or during attacking moves.
Competition was intense for a place in this side and selection is a feather in his cap after giving school rugby a miss
Maz Burns (Mabel Park SHS)
Burns is a bolt from the blue selection because he has arrived on Queensland’s shores from Auckland.
A winger from the strong Marist Saints club in Auckland, he plays for the Rochedale Tigers and will add another dimension to Mabel’s Langer Trophy side after moving from rugby stronghold Kelston Boys High.
16-18 years squad: 1 Adaquix Luke Marsden SHS, 2 Antonio Okustino Marsden SHS, 3 Taoso Taoso Brisbane SHS, 4 Dean Tauaa Mabel Park SHS, 5 Maz Burns Mabel Park SHS, 6 Tyler Pereria Iona College, 7 Hayden Watson Marsden SHS, 8 Ethan Jackson Marsden SHS, 9 Ezra Leota Mabel Park SHS, 10 Mace Andrew Marsden SHS, 11 Taylan To’a Marsden SHS, 12 Duquan Talaepea Mabel Park SHS, 13 Tupou Francis Marsden SHS, 14 Caleb Cresswell Marsden SHS, 15 Majah Jose-Peachy Mabel Park SHS, 16 Conor Quinn Iona College, 17 Levi Rusin Marsden SHS, 18 Braddock Taylor Mabel Park SHS, 19 Natututasina Leota Mabel Park SHS
MET WEST
14-15 YEARS
Kyan Simpson (Ambrose Treacy College)
Kyan Simpson has been a quick learned. He is a centre who is only in his first year of playing club footy at Easts Juniors. He is quick and athletic and will be jumping out of his skin to play.
Jacob Fuller (Calamvale Community College)
Originally from Rockhampton Norths, Fuller has whizzed his way into this crack Met West outfit where he will play on the wing.
He was well creditionalled in the country where he represented Rockhampton and played touch football. Fuller played club footy for Easts during his first season at the club last year.
Jarlii Jarrett (Brisbane Boys College)
A boarder from Brisbane Boys College, Jarrett is a prop from Rockhampton who brings that Beef Capital toughness to the middle forward division.
Billy Brideson (St Thomas More College)
From the powerhouse Logan Brothers club, forward Brideson has been scoring tries for fun across junior rugby league grounds for many years.
He comes from a well known community rugby league family.
Malachi Kirk (Ipswich SHS)
While he is not a bolter in terms of ability, Year 9 student Kirk is an under age player in the squad.
A five-eighth whose running and passing game stand him apart, watch for Kirk to form a combination with his school mate, fullback Blake Tikinau, who was recently appointed his school’s Walters Cup captain.
14-15 years squad: 1 Blake Tikinau Ipswich SHS, 2 Billy Brideson St Thomas More College, 3 Kyan Simpson Ambrose Treacy College, 4 Rory Hagan Ipswich SHS, 5 Jacob Fuller Calamvale Community College, 6 Malachi Kirk Ipswich SHS, 7 Leo Hunt Ipswich SHS, 8 Jett Purnell Ipswich SHS, 9 Raiden Tapuai Centenary SHS, 10 Jarlii Jarrett Brisbane Boys’ College, 11 Kyanu Seiuli Ipswich SHS, 12 Kayden Lemafa Ipswich SHS, 13 Joey Salafia Ipswich SHS, 14 TJ Vaofusi Ipswich SHS, 15 Lebron Leota Ipswich SHS, 16 Josiah Faalogo Ipswich SHS, 17 Peter Letiu Ipswich SHS, 18 Tyrone Mautofu Ipswich SHS, 19 Quinton Mazungunye Stretton State College
16-18 YEARS
Jake Malone (Forest Lake SHS)
A gifted outside back, the diminutive Malone is light on his feet and gifted with explosive natural speed and acceleration.
While he is small, in the Tyler Peckham-Harris (ex-Ipswich SHS champion schoolboy) or Jye Gray (South Sydney) mould, he can pack a punch.
Don’t let his height fool you.
Neyon Taito (Ipswich SHS)
Coming off an SG Ball season with the Newcastle Knights, the Ipswich SHS student will be one of the tallest players at the championships.
He is damaging with his strong runs and can hit and hurt in defence. If you don’t know the name now, you will after the championships.
Clinton Smith (St Peter Claver College)
A big body in the middle of the field, the Ipswich local carries strongly and is coming off a grand Meninga Cup campaign with the Jets.
Impacted by injury earlier in his career, Smith is making up for lost time. Expect the big bopper to make a splash at the championships.
Amon Tu’aefe (Stretton State College)
Amon Tu’aefe has a need for speed and his evasive skills and leg speed will be used running kicks back or scurrying from the ruck. But he has more strings to his bow than that.
A noted fullback but playing wing at the championships, his speed enables him to find space between defenders. He is also well organised in defence.
Met West 16-18 years squad: 1 Tom Parker Ipswich SHS, 2 Mel Nonu Ipswich SHS, 3 Finn Kendall Ipswich Grammar School, 4 Tomu Cook Ipswich SHS, 5 Amon Tu’aefe Stretton State College, 6 Tiger Campbell Ipswich SHS, 7 Tyson Walker Ipswich Grammar School, 8 Xzavier Timoteo Ipswich SHS, 9 Peter Uilavai-Pita Ipswich SHS, 10 Tanielu Tuu’u Ipswich SHS, 11 Innocent Baruani Ipswich SHS, 12 Elsiyah Suavai-Laumatia Ipswich SHS, 13 Cooper Young Ipswich SHS, 14 Jaylen Naleba Ipswich SHS, 15 Clinton Smith St Peter Claver College, 16 Neyon Taito Ipswich SHS, 17 Tannar Baker Ipswich Grammar School, 18 Ryder Koia Brisbane Boys’ College, 19 Jake Malone Forest Lake SHS.
WIDE BAY
16-18 years
Eli Bunn (St Patrick’s, Gympie)
A Gympie Devils junior and St Patrick’s student, the 2024 Wide Bay Bulls Connell Cup representative is the type of kid who could make people sit up and take notice.
A halfback who impresses with his control in the middle of the park, his career is rising with the tide.
Lawson Braithwaite and Rory Crumpton (Kingaroy SHS)
Watch for these two South Burnett boys to impress at the championships.
Braithwaite, who experienced playing fullback in the Wide Bay Connell Cup side this season, is an Eagles talent who can also kick goals while Crumpton is a former touch footballer.
Crumpton, from the Kingaroy Red Ants, has a bank of experience having played halves for the Bulls Connell Cup side when he was under age.
14-15 years
Trent Sellin (Goomeri SS)
Here’s black book talent. A representative of the strong Cherbourg Hornets 2024 U14 side, winger Sellin was a man of the match performer at the corresponding championships last year against Peninsula.
He is a flair player with natural ability.
Jayden Arndell (Murgon SHS)
A fullback, Arndell will come off the bench where he can inject a delicious dose of speed, footwork and agility into the Wide Bay team.
Watch this space.
Wide Bay 14-15 years squad: 1 Lachlan Rae Shalom Catholic College, 2 Trent Sellin Goomeri SS, 3 Riley Lay Gympie SHS, 4 Hunter White-Ellacott Shalom Catholic College, 5 Hudson McArthur Gympie SHS, 6 Kobey Walsh Shalom Catholic College, 7 Patterson Braithwaite Kingaroy SHS, 8 Thomas Delacy Shalom Catholic College, 9 Jonah Frampton Gympie SHS, 10 Noah Knapp Shalom Catholic College, 11 Frankie Cooper Bundaberg SHS, 12 Cooper Fraser Gympie SHS, 13 Freddy Milton Shalom Catholic College, 14 Finn Costa Gympie SHS, 15 Kaleb Mauloni Shalom Catholic College, 16 Kristian Phillips St Patrick’s College, Gympie, 17 Brayden Martens Shalom Catholic College, 18 Jacob Thompson Shalom Catholic College, 19 Jayden Arndell Murgon SHS.
SUNSHINE COAST
14-15 years
Iosefo Taateo (Redcliffe SHS)
Taateo has impressed for Redcliffe SHS and Caboolture (rugby) with his damaging edge running, renowned for making inroads.
From the Caboolture Snakes junior catchment, Taateo first arrived at Redcliffe SHS in Year 7 and impressed with his defence and running.
A student of the game, Taateo regularly watches back his father’s recordings of his games to keep himself and teammates informed on how to improve.
Issac Paton (Mountain Creek SHS)
Paton is a young leader and a player to watch at the championships. From Coolum, he is a clever halfback, a real general who gets his team around the field nicely for a young head.
He has seen a Sunshine Coast representative jersey before at the 11-12 years state championships two years ago.
Jesse-James Schuster (Redcliffe SHS)
An Aspley junior signed by the Dolphins, this exciting five-eight gets his first taste of the representative scene.
Unlike his brother Aleki who played as a prop in the last two Langer Trophy seasons, Schuster is a playmaker.
Nate Bligh (Redcliffe SHS)
The Sunshine Coast has Redcliffe SHS’s Cody Starr in its 16-18 years side, and the tall Bligh is a younger version coming through the ranks.
Bligh, who has been scooped up by the Dolphins academy scouts, will come off the bench in game No.1 as a middle forward.
Ashton Whyte (Redcliffe SHS)
A Peninsula boy all his life, Whtye is a tough as nails kid with an impressive work rate.
He played his way into the Coast team on the strength of effort and work ethic.
Sunshine Coast 14-15 years squad: 1 Nathan Cusack Mountain Creek SHS, 2 Zac Zeremes St John’s College, 3 Brysson-Jnr Akai Redcliffe SHS, 4 Sonny Tandang Caloundra SHS, 5 Zachary Butt St Eugene College, 6 Jesse-James Schuster Redcliffe SHS, 7 Tanner Cavanagh Mountain Creek SHS, 8 Tai Henare Mountain Creek SHS, 9 Darius Birve’ Caloundra SHS, 10 Riley Apthorpe Mountain Creek SHS, 11 Iosefo Taateo Redcliffe SHS, 12 Mitchell Heit Mountain Creek SHS, 13 Ashton Whyte Redcliffe SHS, 14 Chase Stewart Mountain Creek SHS, 15 Nate Bligh Redcliffe SHS, 16 Tyler Wilson Redcliffe SHS, 17 Asa-Steven Sakaio Redcliffe SHS, 18 Jett Mewett Mountain Creek SHS, 19 Issac Paton Mountain Creek SHS.
16-18 years
Jordan Seuao (Redcliffe SHS)
Just as the Redcliffe SHS Langer Trophy side made giant strides under the duress of missing star forwards, centre Seuao rose to the occasion.
He started strongly last year in the Langer Reserves, and then earned promotion into the top side.
A Deception Bay boy, he has flown under the radar and representative selection is thoroughly deserved.
Taufa Taulani (Redcliffe SHS)
Well known by Redcliffe rugby league lovers but not so much by the wider community, this thunderous middle is sure to unleash some terror on his opposition.
A forward who flew under the radar in Redcliffe’s stellar Meninga Cup campaign, Taulani knows no bounds and with Starr on his right, watch for these Sunshine Coast boys to make some noise.
Sunshine Coast 16-18 Years squad: 1 Nate Thompson Siena Catholic College, 2 Jonathan Alo Redcliffe SHS, 3 Jordan Seuao Redcliffe SHS, 4 Ashyr Kelso Caloundra SHS, 5 James Peni Redcliffe SHS, 6 Ellyjah Birve Caloundra SHS, 7 Grady Payne Redcliffe SHS, 8 Cody Starr Redcliffe SHS, 9 Amare Wynyard Redcliffe SHS, 10 Taufa Taulani Redcliffe SHS, 11 Brian Pouniu St Eugene College, 12 Jett Ryan Caloundra SHS, 13 Jackson Koina Mountain Creek SHS, 14 Cohen Cochran Redcliffe SHS, 15 Nate Berrigan Redcliffe SHS, 16 Kaleb Teu Redcliffe SHS, 17 Jairus Suliasi Redcliffe SHS, 18 Taj Burke Mountain Creek SHS, 19 Nathan Thomas Mountain Creek SHS
NORTH WEST
14-15 Years
Kale McKenzie (St Joseph’s Catholic School, Cloncurry)
A multi-talented footballer from way out west, McKenzie has been named on the wing but can also play in the middle — just as he did for the Mt Isa side last year.
He will work hard with dummy half runs out of the defensive end of the field.
David Heness (Good Shepherd Catholic College, Mount Isa)
Another far western Queensland winger, Heness’s speed and agility will be handy to liven up the North West effort when he comes off the bench.
North West 14-15 years squad: Rick McCosker Richmond SS, 2 Kale McKenzie St Joseph’s Catholic School, Cloncurry, 3 Billy Cowley Longreach SHS, 4 Karson Williamson Longreach SHS, 5 James Cowley Longreach SHS, 6 Mason Gilliland Longreach SHS, 7 Denan Duncan Good Shepherd Catholic College, Mount Isa, 8 Boh Ballie Good Shepherd Catholic College, Mount Isa, 9 Phoenix Sam Good Shepherd Catholic College, Mount Isa, 10 Noel Sam Good Shepherd Catholic College, Mount Isa, 11 Cooper Robertson Good Shepherd Catholic College, Mount Isa, 12 J’Ziah Matika Good Shepherd Catholic College, Mount Isa, 13 Kyahn Pomare Good Shepherd Catholic College, Mount Isa, 14 Darby Morris Good Shepherd Catholic College, Mount Isa, 15 Charlie Orsag Spinifex State College, 16 Jack Clauson Spinifex State College, 17 Shakeal Rankine Spinifex State College, 18 Xander Flanagan Longreach SHS, 19 David Heness Good Shepherd Catholic College, Mount Isa
SOUTH WEST
16-18 years
Lawson Llewellyn (Chinchilla SHS)
From far western Darling Downs, local fullback Lawson Llewellyn is a natural runner who will spark his side either down the middle, or linking with his outside men.
Blake Dolbel (Chinchilla SHS)
He has been named on the wing, but Dolbel will not shriek the rough and tumble when he takes relieving runs out of the defensive end of the field.
After all, he was named the Chinchilla Bulldogs’ best forward last season when he played in the second row.
South West 16-18 years squad: 1 Lawson Llewellyn Chinchilla SHS, 2 Bailey Finn Roma State College, 3 Adrian Turnbull St George SHS, 4 Malik Mellors Miles SHS, 5 Blake Dolbel Chinchilla SHS, 6 Christopher Neven St George SHS, 7 Cohan Neven St George SHS, 8 Epafelasi Noa The Cathedral College, 9 Joshua Toby St Partick’s College, Mackay, 10 George Broadhead Roma State College, 11 Rowan Tanaskovic Roma State College, 12 Reid Grant Roma State College, 13 Rory Delany St John’s, 14 Jett Dingwall Roma State College, 15 Charlie Jenkins St John’s, 16 Riley Tattam St George SHS, 17 Jaxon Taylor Chinchilla SHS
18 Jack Bowen St John’s, 19 Harry Russell, Charleville SHS
DARLING DOWNS
14-15 Years
Jasper Filewood (Our Lady of Southern Cross College, Dalby)
A fullback with that touch football flair and evasive skills, Filewood made the 2024 Adrian Vowles Cup carnival Dream Team.
With ball skills, footy IQ and speed, the daring Dalby youngster is a genuine talent.
Jack Burton (Assumption College, Warwick)
A clever hooker from a true blue rugby league town, Burton has the runs on the board having represented the 2024 Darling Downs schoolboys representative side.
He is a former Wattles junior player of the year recipient.
14-15 Years squad: 1. Jasper Filewood Our Lady of Southern Cross College, Dalby,
2 Ali Himstedt Warwick SHS, 3 Lawson Morris Toowoomba Grammar School, 4 Hunter Tate-Roche St Mary’s College, Toowoomba, 5 Will McDowall Toowoomba Grammar School,
6 Cayleb O’Neil St Mary’s College, Toowoomba, 7 Lachlan Weston St Mary’s College, Toowoomba, 8 Kobe Johns St Mary’s College, Toowoomba, 9 Jack Burton Assumption College, Warwick, 10 Lewis Pott Dalby SHS, 11 Wayne Robinson Harristown SHS, 12 Zac Garner St Mary’s College, Toowoomba, 13 Nate Goulding St Mary’s College, Toowoomba, 14 Oliver Lewington Our Lady of Southern Cross College, Dalby, 15 Fletcher Collie St Mary’s College, Toowoomba, 16 Jack Mowbray Toowoomba Grammar School, 17 PJ Price Dalby SHS, 18 Lincoln Mason St Mary’s College, Toowoomba, 19 Sione Manisela Dalby SHS
16-18 Years
Tom McDonald (Toowoomba Grammar)
McDonald will be just the type of forward leader Darling Downs need at the championships.
An unsung hero of the Clydesdales’ Connell Cup campaign, the tough country kid made his first grade debut last season for Brothers Toowoomba. He’ll show the way forward for his side - no matter what the scoreboard reads.
Hunter Price (Toowoomba Anglican School)
A Valleys Toowoomba junior, Price will be a glue player in the middle of the field for the Darling Downs.
Toby Storey (Lockyer Valley SHS)
A Gatton front rower, Storey has mixed it with the best of them and selection here is rich reward for a player who works hard through fatigue.
Darling Downs 16-18 years squad: 1 Jackson Winnett St Marys College Toowoomba, 2 Cooper Brown Toowoomba Grammar School, 3 Taj Batty St Marys College Toowoomba, 4 Alex White St Marys College Toowoomba, 5 Leroy Malone Concordia Lutheran College, 6 Charlie Barnes St Marys College Toowoomba, 7 Kalan Potter Lockyer District SHS, 8 Liam Marshall St Marys College Toowoomba, 9 Samuel Lowien Mary MacKillop Catholic College, 10 Hunter Price Toowoomba Anglican School, 11 Laythan Potter Lockyer District SHS, 12 Lachlan Lyons St Marys College Toowoomba, 13 Alastair McLachlan St Marys College Toowoomba, 14 Max Murphy St Marys College Toowoomba, 15 Dustin Golding St Marys College Toowoomba, 16 Jackson Hopley St Marys College Toowoomba, 17 Toby Storey Lockyer District SHS, 18 Thomas McDonald Toowoomba Grammar School, 19 Lachlan Hillman St Marys College Toowoomba.
MET NORTH
14-15 Years
Angus and Harvey McLaughlin (Gregory Terrace)
Don’t ask us to tell them apart.
The identical twins are coming through the ranks at Terrace, playing rugby with distinction and in league they go all right too.
Making this team is no mean feat and the humble, softly spoken Year 9 students will add plenty — just watch for the boys in bright boots.
Playing alongside each other, the McLauglin boys seem to have a sixth sense and also a tough, aggressive attitude in defence where they love making tackles.
Sania Elisala (Marist College Ashgrove)
A high-achiever in the dorms of Marist College, Elisala is a speed machine who will be rubbing shoulders with the best in Brisbane.
On one edge is Manamo’ui Toia, the younger brother of boom Roosters rookie Rob, and Elisala will be on the other side where the young athletic marvel surely has a license to rove.
A natural in the art classroom at Ashgrove, Elisala is also in his element running sprints on the track and performing long jump as well.
14-15 years squad: 1 Tane Crampton St Joseph’s Nudgee College, 2 Oliver Smith St Joseph’s Nudgee College, 3 Sania Elisala Marist College Ashgrove, 4 Manamo’ui Toia St Joseph’s Nudgee College, 5 Thor Welfare St Joseph’s Nudgee College, 6 Maihi Pene Wavell SHS, 7 Levi Fien St Joseph’s Nudgee College, 8 Knight Tanielu St Joseph’s Nudgee College, 9 Noah Stagg Padua College, 10 Lenton Steven Funaki Wavell SHS, 11 Isaac Salei Wavell SHS, 12 Kalani Ford-Stevens Wavell SHS, 13 Cruz Molo Wavell SHS, 14 Angus McLaughlin Gregory Terrace, 15 Jonah Bell Wavell SHS, 16 Tristen Renata-Kokiri Wavell SHS, 17 Lennox Lakatani Wavell SHS, 18 Jasiah Parsons Wavell SHS, 19 Harvey McLaughlin Gregory Terrace.
16-18 Years
Jevahnissi Vevesi (Brisbane Grammar)
Plucked by the Dolphins Academy selectors from Dilworth, a boarding school in Auckland, Vevesi has come across the Tasman to continue his sporting journey in both codes.
Now in the dorms at Brisbane Grammar, the giant middle forward is improving with every experience and will provide interchange impact alongside Wavell bulldozer Romarion Tuitama.
Payton Gifford (Wavell SHS)
Gifford, a true utility, is one of the more known players on this list, but makes our story for his surging comeback this year after having his 2024 season curtailed by a knee injury. He played alongside school mate Charlie Webb in the Sydney Roosters’ Harold Matthews team.
Gifford and Webb went all the way to the semi-finals before being toppled 26-20 by the Knights.
He played hooker and lock at times for Sydney, although he is a half at heart.
SOUTH COAST
14-15 YEARS
Ryley Taylor (Palm Beach Currumbin SHS)
There was no surprise seeing this kid from PBC SHS break through into a hotly contested forward pack.
A hard running prop, Ryley Taylor is a true middle forward who has subtle variety the way he carries the ball to the line and charges back towards the ruck.
He seems to love attacking with his defence.
Blake Millar (Palm Beach Currumbin SHS) and Will Jessiman (The Southport School)
Both boys are fullbacks, but will be wing twins in this white-hot South Coast side.
Millar was influential last season as a fullback in the PBC SHS Renouf Shield side and Jessmian plays for the powerhouse Burleigh Bears club.
Cruze Switala (Coombabah SHS)
From the Helensvale Hornets, Cruze Switala was no certain selection when the trials started, but the gifted halve has worked his way into the squad which is a huge milestone moment for the youngster.
14-15 Years squad: 1 Jaxon Worthing Palm Beach Currumbin SHS, 2 Blake Millar Palm Beach Currumbin SHS, 3 Xane Jarvis Palm Beach Currumbin SHS, 4 MJ Otunuku Keebra Park SHS, 5 Will Jessiman The Southport School, 6 Leison Malu Kings Christian College Pimpama, 7 Cooper Buchanan Palm Beach Currumbin SHS, 8 Peter Ngaoire-Finau Keebra Park SHS, 9 Max Imrie Palm Beach Currumbin SHS, 10 David Sipu Palm Beach Currumbin SHS, 11 Marko Pauli Keebra Park SHS, 12 Brayden Rapata Palm Beach Currumbin SHS, 13 Ike Bilish Palm Beach Currumbin SHS, 14 Kobe Te Kiri Kings Christian College Pimpama, 15 Alexander Ruiz Keebra Park SHS, 16 Ryley Taylor Palm Beach Currumbin SHS, 17 Jonah Kelly Palm Beach Currumbin SHS, 18 Taj Williams Keebra Park SHS, 19 Cruze Switala Coombabah SHS.
16-18 YEARS
Brodie Saunders (Palm Beach Currumbin SHS)
Brodie Saunders, a ball playing forward, adds a point of difference to a team.
The younger brother of Sharks academy hooker Brodie is a defensive terrier with a slightly smaller frame.
Kaea Cribb (Palm Beach Currumbin SHS)
Cribb is an outside back with speed to burn. He is comfortable at fullback or on the wing and has great footwork.
Cribb is the type of kid who can find the line when you need it.
Gad Tata (Palm Beach Currumbin SHS)
Tata has made a white hot South Coast White side which highlights the extreme depth of talent on the Gold Coast.
A powerful centre or wing, Tata’s very strong carry enables him to regularly beat the first defender.
Importantly, Tata seems to make good judgement calls in defence.
Ryder Abell (Marymount College)
Able has capped a golden couple of months by playing his way into the Brisbane Broncos Academy — and subsequently the No.1 South Coast side.
A genuine utility, he played centre, hooker or half for the Bears during its run to the premiership.
Tavake Tau’a’alo (Keebra Park SHS)
Tavake was magnificent for the Burleigh Bears roaring off the bench during its successful Meninga Cup finals’ campaign.
He will add thrust to the side in the middle.
Souths Coast 16-18 years squad: 1 David Bryenton Keebra Park SHS, 2 Siosaia Poese Keebra Park SHS, 3 Joseph Tupuse Keebra Park SHS, 4 Antonio Verhoeven Palm Beach Currumbin SHS, 5 Kaea Cribb Palm Beach Currumbin SHS, 6 Marley McLaren Palm Beach Currumbin SHS, 7 Taj Lateo Palm Beach Currumbin SHS, 8 Tavake Tau’a’alo Keebra Park SHS, 9 Max Fife Palm Beach Currumbin SHS, 10 Torino Jackson Palm Beach Currumbin SHS, 11 Cruz Dangerfield Palm Beach Currumbin SHS, 12 Kalani Patu Keebra Park SHS, 13 Kobe Hauraki Palm Beach Currumbin SHS, 14 Cooper Murphy-Humphreys Keebra Park SHS, 15 Tomasi Vaitai Keebra Park SHS, 16 Josiah Fa’Aoso Palm Beach Currumbin SHS, 17 Brodie Saunders Palm Beach Currumbin SHS, 18 Simione Tauelangi Keebra Park SHS, 19 Ryder Abell Marymount College Burleigh
South Coast white 16-18 years squad: 1 Isaac Fidock Somerset College, 2 Gad Tata Palm Beach Currumbin SHS, 3 Santino Pekepo-Tevaga Keebra Park SHS, 4 Israel Lotaki Keebra Park SHS, 5 VJ Letalu Keebra Park SHS, 6 Justus Lowndes Keebra Park SHS, 7 Harvey Smith Keebra Park SHS, 8 Tomasi Vaitai Keebra Park SHS, 10 Lennox Whaiapu Keebra Park SHS, 11 Treleque Boyce-Silimaka Keebra Park SHS, 12 Cruz Tauaifaiga Keebra Park SHS, 13 Billy Mulheran Palm Beach Currumbin SHS, 14 Axel Friend Marymount College, 15 Dylan Watkins Palm Beach Currumbin SHS, 16 Marlie Barry Palm Beach Currumbin SHS, 17 Devin Bates-Wellington Palm Beach Currumbin SHS, 18 Tyrell Schwenke Keebra Park SHS, 19 Fynn Laffranchi Palm Beach Currumbin SHS, 20 Gazniah To’omaga Keebra Park SHS
PENINSULA
14-15 YEARS
Jayden Herewini (Woree SHS)
An impressive mobile, middle forward, Herewini was also actually selected for the Emerging Reds Cup country team late last year.
The Edmonton talent is a young veteran of the middle who knows his role back to front.
Zaeden Kitching-Ely (Trinity Bay SHS)
A likely-looking fullback who has come across the Cowboys radar, fullback Kitching-Ely will be a spark plug in attack.
He knows how to get the job done — after all he helped Innisfail Leprechauns win the 2024 under-14 grand final.
Originally a superb athlete at Innisfail State College — he still holds the school’s 800m record which is a big achievement given the natural talent which flows each year through the school — Kitching-Ely represented the Queensland Country rugby side at last year’s Emerging Reds Cup.
14-15 years squad: 1 Zaeden Kitching-Ely Trinity Bay SHS, 2 Kye Pease St Augustine’s, College, 3 Joel Maka Trinity Bay SHS, 4 Whittington Dotoi Woree SHS, 5 Walter English Woree SHS, 6 Ellery Singapu Trinity Bay SHS, 7 Ashley Summers St Augustine’s College, 8 Jayden Herewini Woree SHS, 9 Manti Eteru Trinity Bay SHS, 10 Waydon Vaili Trinity Bay SHS, 11 Jailen Cross Trinity Bay SHS, 12 Ben DuPlessis St Stephen’s Catholic College, 13 Dallas Robertson Trinity Bay SHS, 14 Dayton Emery-Hunia Trinity Bay SHS, 15 Kaden Laifoo Trinity Bay SHS, 16 Eli Mauro St Augustine’s College, 17 Cooper Batten Trinity Bay SHS, 18 Declan Montague St Andrew’s Catholic College, 19 Wayne Douglas Ravenshoe SS.
16-18 YEARS
Kayden Payne (Atherton SHS)
An outstanding Atherton Roosters junior, interchange hooker Payne brings a wealth of experience to the table having played for the Northern Pride in this year’s U17 Connell Cup.
An Atherton SHS school mate joins him in the side, centre Nathaniel Ross.
Tyler Addo (Trinity Bay SHS)
A Cairns Kangaroos junior, Addo’s vision is a point of difference along with his evasive skills.
Having played in the halves earlier in his career, fullback Addo has a sixth sense when it comes to reading the game.
16-18 years squad: 1 Tyler Addo Trinity Bay SHS, 2 Braith Clubb St Augustine’s College, 3 Jaic Morris St Augustine’s College, 4 Nathaniel Ross Atherton SHS, 5 Jaxson Rayson Trinity Bay SHS, 6 Ky Stammers St Andrew’s Catholic College, 7 Lucas Russell St Augustine’s College, 8 Cayde Miller St Augustine’s College, 9 Ben Walker St Augustine’s College, 10 Cooper Meares St Augustine’s College, 11 Wyatt Tyrell Trinity Bay SHS, 12 Kaci Singleton Woree SHS, 13 Riley Wells St Augustine’s College, 14 Solomon Stewart Trinity Bay SHS, 15 Kayden Payne Atherton SHS, 16 Zavier Suluvale-Liumaunu St Augustine’s College, 17 Phoenix Matthew Woree SHS, 18 Preston Lee Long Trinity Bay SHS, 19 Kai Cooper St Augustine’s College.
NORTHERN
14-15 YEARS
A’Tai Li’Downie and Bryce Cassidy (Ryan Catholic College)
Watch for this pair to impact matches for different reasons.
Centre Li’Downie will bring speed to the outside back division at both the defensive and attacking ends of the ground, while prop Cassidy will truck it up the middle of the ruck looking for post contact metres and a quick play the ball.
14-15 years squad: 1 Travel Ngatuakana Kirwan SHS, 2 William Price Kirwan SHS, 3 Jeffrey Tugai Kirwan SHS, 4 A’Tai Li’Downie Ryan Catholic College, 5 Joshua Gleeson Kirwan SHS, 6 Patrick Fanning Ignatius Park College, 7 Jack Goodhew Kirwan SHS, 8 Bryce Cassidy Ryan Catholic College, 9 Ellisala Dau Kirwan SHS, 10 Cooper Snary Ignatius Park College, 11 Moroni Kaulave Kirwan SHS, 12 Hugo Rosenblatt Ignatius Park College, 13 Sonny Meti Kirwan SHS, 14 Issac Seawright Kirwan SHS, 15 Jarrad Skiba Kirwan SHS, 16 Sam Samasoni-Selu Kirwan SHS, 17 Blake Bamford Kirwan SHS, 18 Kyros Mataa Kirwan SHS, 19 Jett Batimala Kirwan SHS.
16-18 Years
Brad Pilchowski (Ignatius Park College)
A Brothers Townsville fullback, Pilchowski had a whale of a season playing at lock or coming off the bench for Blackhawks in the Meninga Cup.
But he has been selected at fullback for the championships, rich rewards for the heavy lifting he did during a wet season for the Blackhawks.
Thomas Scholes (Columba Catholic College)
A Charters Towers Miners’ junior halve, he did his apprenticeship behind 2023 top gun Mathias Santo-Hero at Columba Catholic College.
Selection in this side is a milestone moment for the clever playmaker given the quality of players at the trial.
16-18 Years squad: 1 Bradley Pilchowski Ignatius Park College, 3 Kees Anderson Kirwan SHS, 4 Pitason Benioni Kirwan SHS, 5 Trent Martin Kirwan SHS, 6 Kye Connell Ignatius Park College, 7 Riley Carbone Kirwan SHS, 8 Sitiveni Afu Ignatius Park College, 9 Cooper Reinders Ignatius Park College, 10 Anthony Vaigafa Kirwan SHS, 11 Ryder Soper Ignatius Park College, 12 Eneliko Savelio Kirwan SHS, 13 Mathew Belyea Kirwan SHS, 14 Thomas Scholes Columba Catholic College, 15 Quentin Ofahulu Kirwan SHS, 16 Mitch Hardy Ignatius Park College, 17 Sian Matane Kirwan SHS, 18 Tama Reupena Ignatius Park College, 19 Gausa Dau Kirwan SHS.
CAPRICORNIA
14-15 Years
Ethan Rea (Tannum Sands SHS) and Cooper Johnston (Calliope SHS)
Both boys have broken into their first major representative side from outside the regional cities of Rockhampton and Mackay respectively.
Rea is a local junior from the Tannum Seagulls club — located 20 minutes south of Gladstone — and the young second rower will come off the bench after impressing in the trials.
Johnston is a similar story, achieving great things from the proud township of Calliope where he captained the U15s from No.13.
Capricornia 14-15 years squad: 1 Zacariah Campbell Mackay SHS, 2 Ronan Ramsey The Cathedral College, Rockhampton, 3 Zion Green Mackay SHS, 4 Colt Newton St Brendan’s College, Yeppoon, 5 Benji Calicetto Mackay SHS, 6 Romen Conway Emmaus College, Rockhampton, 7 Libaan Hajiyussuf Mackay SHS, 8 Slade Carey The Rockhampton Grammar School, 9 Jet Fischer St Brendan’s College, Yeppoon, 10 Hugh McKinlay The Cathedral College, Rockhampton, 11 Cooper Lee Johnston St Brendan’s College, Yeppoon, 12 Cooper Venz Mackay SHS, 13 Lucas McLean St Brendan’s College, Yeppoon, 14 Addison Atkins Yeppoon SHS, 15 Cooper Johnston Calliope SHS, 16 Ethan Rea Tannum Sands SHS, 17 Kanes Ghee Mackay SHS, 18 Talan Branford St Brendan’s College, Yeppoon, 19 Brooklyn Taituma The Cathedral College, Rockhampton
16-18 years squad: 1 Harley Biles The Cathedral College, Rockhampton, 2 Mason Broadhurst The Rockhampton Grammar School, 3 Leo Fanuatanu The Rockhampton Grammar School, 4 Flynn Battaia St Patrick’s College, Mackay, 5 Norman Campbell St Patrick’s College, Mackay, 6 Adam McSherry St Patrick’s College, Mackay, 7 Michael Busby The Cathedral College, Rockhampton, 8 Alekisio Siale The Cathedral College, Rockhampton, 9 Ryan John St Patrick’s College, Mackay, 10 Mark Morrow St Patrick’s College, Mackay, 11 Zac Bateman The Cathedral College, Rockhampton, 12 Marcus Tipman The Cathedral College, Rockhampton, 13 Lachlan Anderson St Brendan’s College, Yeppoon, 14 Jay Marsh St Brendan’s College, Yeppoon, 15 AJ Gilbert St Brendan’s College, Yeppoon, 16 Parker Gallagher The Cathedral College, Rockhampton, 17 Jake Symes St Brendan’s College, Yeppoon, 18 Bailey Smith St Patrick’s College, Mackay, 19 Will McLaughlan Emmaus College, Rockhampton
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