Queensland’s gridiron top 70: Best under 20 players revealed
South East Queensland is chock full of gridiron top guns primed to reach the bright lights of College football. Meet the top 70 talents in every corner, under the age of 20. SEE THE FULL LIST
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How bright is the future of gridiron in Queensland?
It could not be brighter.
From the Sunshine Coast through Brisbane and down to the Gold Coast, there is no shortage of next-up gridiron talents honing their craft, taking names and putting themselves on College radars.
While our future Queensland Sundevils continue to work hard behind the scenes, enjoy this New Year Special canvasing over 60 of the top under 20 players from six major clubs across the southeast.
If you know of some we are missing, comment below.
Jump to your club: Raptors / Ravens / Stingrays / Sunshine Coast / Bears / Rhinos
QUEENSLAND’S TOP UNDER 20 GRIDIRON PLAYERS HAND PICKED FROM CLUBS IN THE SOUTHEAST
GOLD COAST STINGRAYS
Taj Bordon
Tough as teak and somewhat of a gridiron prodigy, Bordon is a young veteran who plays the same position as Tom Brady.
Aged 19, Bordon is “the hardest working bloke” Stingrays coach Keagan Wienand has ever met.
“Insanely athletic”, Bordon hurdles his opponents, throws “absolute dimes” and is a terrific leader with football IQ.
Bordon has played with an ACL injury for past 18 months and only last month did he go into surgery for it so you can imagine the type of player he is.
Christian Denton
20-year-old Denton is the prototypical “ball-hawk” according to Wienand, a versatile effort player who is full of hustle.
“An effort guy … He has a presence, people know where he is on the field at all times,” Wienand said of the DB, safety, or linebacker who has played for the Stingrays since 2018.
Kane Mackin
Like most on this list, the athletic Mackin is versatile. He can play linebacker, running back and quarterback meaning he can be put anywhere on the field and have the IQ to know where the ball is and how to influence the game.
Nicknamed “Mack Truck” in the Sun Devils under-20 set up, Mackin is known for being destructive in space.
Caedan Eastwood
Defensive back Caeden Eastwood has been with the club for half a decade and while he is only 175cm tall, he hits like a truck.
Always in the right place at the right time, Eastwood is an aggressive, high-motor player who gives 110 per cent every game, which rubs off on his teammates.
18-year-old Eastwood graduated from Upper Coomera State College last year.
Kenneth Stevens
Stevens has been playing for four years but became a Stingray in 2022.
A tackling machine who rarely gets run over, Stevens is always a play ahead, has “great gap integrity and never gets lost” according to coach Wienand.
The 18-year-old Stevens is always where he needs to be.
Mason Fields
Mason Fields is an up-and-coming Juniors Most Valuable Player.
Aged 17, Marymount College senior Fields was selected as the Sun Devils under-20s receiver in what was his first full year playing the game.
Described as illusive by his coach, Fields rarely drops the ball and catches just about anything that comes his way.
“He’s a cheat code,” Wienand praised about Fields, who can make anyone miss in space.
“We can throw him a yard scream and he will take it 40 yards.”
THE TOP GRIDIRON JUNIORS OF 2022
Patrick Knight
16-year-old Patrick Knight plays interior defensive lineman and is an absolute work horse who refuses to be blocked.
With a V8 engine, Knight has one of the highest ceilings on this list and continues to improve.
Knight, who is in his third year playing, has improved in leaps and bounds and is getting better each week with post-training-extras a regular for the sizeable 185cm, 105kg young gun.
Explosive for his size, Knight is Impressive with a capital I.
Clarke Vorhauer
The in-form Stingrays corner back is 75 kgs of pure muscle and like Knight, he keeps getting better.
Aged 20, Vorhauer will hawk his opponents across the field and uses his athleticism to prevent defenders form evading him.
He came into his own last year playing in the state team after shifting positions from running back to cornerback.
Ashley Hearn
Second year player Hearn is the junior quarterback with endless potential.
One of the rawest athletes Wienand has ever seen, Hearn learns from the best in Taj Bordon (see above) and plays just like him with his accurate throw and fearless game style making him an elite prospect.
Aged 16, Hearn can find the mark on the run, is not afraid to roll out of the pocket and does not shirk contact.
Harvey Butler
A defensive back in his sixth year playing, Butler is solid in coverage and chops his rivals around the legs.
While he is small in stature, his tackling technique makes up for it and he has hit his strap playing one of the hardest positions on the field.
The 19-year-old has held his own against state and national receivers over the last two years.
Jacob Smith
19-year-old Smith is in his second year playing and has the build to be brilliant.
Standing at 185cm tall and weighing about 100 kgs, he is what Wienand calls an “absolute dog”, who works his pants off playing interior linebacker.
One game Smith dislocated his shoulder early in the game, bit down on his mouthguard and got his teammates to pop it back in.
He was only mad he missed out on game time and this was the prime example of the type of player he is.
Marco Brown
Brown is a second-year defensive back who managed to make the state team in his first year playing the sport.
The 16-year-old snuck into the under-20 squad aged 15, and it has helped his development dramatically.
With a great change of direction and even better leadership, Coombabah SHS student Brown lifts his teammates up no matter the circumstances.
Flynn Pelgen
Pelgen lives and breathes football and is one of the smartest on the field.
A great leader, linebacker Pelgen can play anywhere on the defensive side, making him a coaches dream player.
A TSS boarder, Pelgen has a rowing background and is a true hit man, a reliable, versatile rib-cruncher who has “proper knocked some kids around before”.
He is taking names in his third year playing.
Alex Podvorac
Podvorac, a second-year player, made a switch to receiver after excelling as a corner last year, showcasing exceptional coverage skills and athleticism, particularly with an impressive vertical leap.
This season, he has become a formidable jump ball machine, consistently making catches and displaying remarkable hands.
Despite being just 15 years old, Podvorac’s athleticism in open space combined with his age indicates a high ceiling for his potential.
He expressed a desire to make a more significant impact, suggesting that the best is yet to come for his promising football career.
Denvah Eastwood
Denvah Eastwood, the younger brother of Caeden, is a formidable presence on the field, described as an absolute animal in his approach to the game.
At 15 years of age, he holds the position of outside linebacker, where his enthusiasm for hitting people shines through and brings him immense satisfaction.
Eastwood is known for his aggressive playing style where he runs through opponents and revels in physical contact.
He represents Upper Coomera at Foxwell State Secondary, showcasing his skills and passion for the sport at a young age.
Cassius Prema
Prema, a second-year offensive lineman aged 16, stands as an absolute behemoth of a man at an imposing 195cm and 140 kgs.
His sheer size and strength have earned him a reputation that has the opposition “shitting bricks” when facing him on the field.
Known for giving a relentless 110 per cent effort, Prema not only possesses physical prowess but also a deep understanding of his coaches’ strategies.
His joy comes from pancaking opponents, relishing the moment when he triumphantly lies on top of a defender. In fact, he takes pride in tallying the number of pancakes he achieves in a game, highlighting his dominance in the trenches.
Remarkably, Prema has showcased his commitment by playing through an ongoing ankle injury, demonstrating his resilience and dedication to the game.
Wiremu Williams
Williams, nicknamed “Woody,” earned his name after an impressive debut season that saw him representing his state.
Initially a defensive end, Woody showcased remarkable versatility during a state camp by seamlessly transitioning to centre and guard.
In a display of exceptional skill and tenacity, he held his ground throughout all three games, facing opponents older than him and adeptly moving players around on the field.
Woody is known for his high motor and relentless drive, qualities that have contributed to his success. Standing at about 180cm and weighing 80 kgs, he continues to develop physically, growing stronger and solidifying his presence in the game.
Mitchell Goodman
Mitchell Goodman, a second-year defensive back with a focus on playing free safety, stands out as a state-level sprinter, showcasing remarkable speed as he effortlessly flies around the field.
Known for his agility, Mitchell is not only an exceptionally quick player but also a proficient short tackler, punter, and kicker. His versatility extends to the kicking game, where he excels at every task assigned to him.
Notably, Goodman has earned recognition as the best corner on the team, proving his mettle as a coverage specialist. He competes at a level matched only by Caeden.
This marks his first proper season after joining midway through the previous season, signifying a rapid integration and impact on the team.
He represents Foxwell State Secondary College, where his athletic prowess and multifaceted skills make him a standout player at the school.
Griffin Pepyat
Pepyat, now in his third year as a player, initially showcased his potential skills by making an impact at the youth level during his first year.
Stepping into the juniors, he confronted opponents who were bigger, faster, and stronger, marking a significant transition in the level of competition.
This year, Pepyat has truly come into his own, radiating faith and confidence. As a great interior linebacker, he possesses an unparalleled understanding of the defence, making him a standout organiser on the field.
Despite the challenging transition, Pepyat has proven his mettle by securing three interceptions in just three games.
Pepyat has emerged as a leader both on and off the field, admired for his infectious energy. While not yet eligible for the captaincy due to his age, his influence and contributions are undeniably felt within the team.
Alejandro Garcia
Garcia, a second-year player often referred to as “Alex,” hails from Keebra and brings with him a rugby league background.
Despite his relatively young age of 16, he has made a significant impact on the field, showcasing versatility by spending time at defensive end and running back positions.
Possessing a stocky build, Alex excels at setting the edge and boasts an impressive tackle percentage.
Known for his love of delivering impressive, inspirational hits and putting opponents under physical pressure, Alex’s aggressive playing style stands out.
His time at Keebra has played a crucial role in his development as a player. Alongside teammates Taj, Christian, Kaden, and Kenny, Alex contributes to the collective strength and dynamics of the team.
MORETON BAY RAPTORS
Lennox Samoa
The Raptors running back or defensive end has averaged 100+ yards per game this season and is closing in on double digits for rushing touchdowns.
You can trust him to get a sack or two and he is one of the leading junior players at the club.
Viliami Taufa
Taufa, a quarterback or tight end, has a positive pass completion rate which is impressive in itself.
Throw in the fact he has threw 10 touchdown passes in the first four games of the season and you can’t help but be impressed with this young Raptor.
He knows how to find the target, even under immense pressure.
Lychen Newick-Matthews
Newick-Matthews can carve up as a running back, linebacker or defensive end.
In the first three games of the season he ran over 100 rushing yards with two rushing touchdowns and a handful of tackles for losses and sacks at linebacker.
He has been on a tear and adds an extra dimension to the Raptors line-up.
Preston Harris
A major part of the Raptors secondary defence, safety or returner Harris is invaluable.
With a handful of interceptions and well over 100 rushing/ return yards to his name this season, Harris has stamped his mark on every match.
Darius Gee
Gee is a rookie wide receiver and has been on fire to begin the season.
He has more than half a dozen touchdowns and 100+ receiving yards beside his name and is the Raptor’s magic man.
A finisher who gets his team on the board.
Joseph Fairhall - Centre
Fairhall, a centre, has a perfect snap rating and is influential within the Raptors run heavy offence.
An unsung hero if you will.
Tupou Liku
Liku is one of the form players of the competition having racked up plenty of tackles for losses while consistently sacking the opposition.
He is the king of applying pressure on the quarterback and is exactly the type of player you want on defence.
Hunter Harris-Whan
Harris-Whan is a tireless blue collar worker who spearheads the team with his defensive effort.
He averages a whopping 20 tackles per game and it is rare someone escapes his grasp.
Denzael Toki-Mautairi - Guard
The up-and-coming Raptors guard who like Fairhall, has a major influence on the offensive line.
Takala Utura
Cornerback Takala Utura is an intercept king, having recorded four interceptions in his first four games this season.
Teams are never safe with Utura on the field.
Keep an eye out for Raptors rookies AJ Maka (offensive/ defensive line), Darrius Vailua (offensive/ defensive line), Jett Jones (wide receiver), Ryan Maher (wide receiver), Maverick Hayward (offensive/defensive line) and Sabre Lourigan (defensive line) who are all exciting young prospects at the club.
BRISBANE RHINOS
Oliver Hen
Hen plays defensive lineman or offensive lineman in the Bears Junior team.
In what is his second year playing, Hen has taken his game to a new level.
Often training with the mens squad, Hen is coming into his own and continues to be a physical force to be reckoned with.
He is perfecting all things technique and will be dangerous moving forward because of his size and sheer strength.
Yassir Nimir
Jack of all trades Yassir Nimir plays at either x-receiver or defensive back, and is in his fourth year playing.
An athlete, the talented Namir does it all for the Rhinos. He can step into quarterback, return the ball and all signs point towards College for this exciting prospect.
Jano Heighton
Typically a linebacker but can play anywhere on the field.
Heighten, whose muscles stick out like a sore thumb, is a grown man playing against juniors.
The 17-year-old Sunshine Coast product drives down each week for training and games so you can imagine his dedication to the sport.
Will Moore
While on the topic of muscles let us introduce you to Will moore, a big offensive lineman, left tackle, defensive end player who is the captain of the team.
He uses his size and power to get the better of his rivals and is a inspirational leader in his second year playing at the club.
Izzy
A big boppa, Izzy cannot be blocked.
A first-year player, Izzy is a force right in the middle of the defence and has upside about him.
Watch for him to deal damage in Juniors before mixing it with the best in the mens competition in the near future.
Liam Anderson
The 18-year-old Rhinos quarterback is exciting.
Liam Anderson, a second-year player, was part of last year’s undefeated juniors team and the club has big plans for him after he helped that team go undefeated and win the sun bowl in his first year.
Now playing in the mens competition, Anderson has started in six games and threw a whopping nine touchdowns in the Rhino’s last game against Griffith University.
The club even brought in a veteran quarterback to train him up.
Boy has it paid off, with the first year mens player at the forefront of the Rhino’s 5-2 start on the season.
Taniela Kaufusi
Taniela Kaufusi, nicknamed ‘Nela’, is a second-year player of great pedigree, his dad an ex NRL player.
An offensive lineman, Nela is improving each week and has been excellent moving around positions to help the team.
Jack Burbury
Burberry is the starting left tackle in the mens team and is having a phenomenal season so far.
From a back-up player to starter, Burberry has improved out of sight and is still only 19 years old.
Trey Fuamoli
20-year-old Fuamoli has played a handful of seasons on the defensive line and would not look out of place in the bright lights of college football.
a tall and sizeable youngster, Fuamoli is super twitchy and prides himself on physicality.
The explosive Fuamoli doesn’t say much but lines up his prey and whacks them.
A wrecking ball who is getting better every week.
Ashton
Watch for this youth talent to make an impact.
A tall, long striding kid in his first year, Ahston is trying new positions and is brimming with potential.
BAYSIDE RAVENS
Harry Pratt
Positions: Defensive Back & Wide Receiver
17-year-old Pratt has elevated his level of play this season following a solid off season in the gym which was paired with relentless film study.
He has been absolutely electric on offence so far with his big play capability when his team desperately needs yards a standout of his game.
Pratt, who can make that energy lifting play for the team, has been the corner stone of the team’s weekly improvement on defence and leads with his hard hitting style of play.
He has a team first mentality and is working hard to get over the to United States.
Matthew Linnell
Position: Quarterback
16-year-old Linnell is another who is worked overtime during the off-season.
A talented Villanova College rugby player, Linnell is always thinking about the game and how to make the offence more effective.
Linnell, a super coachable player, constantly puts the team on his back and leads from the front without going to the point where he makes bad decisions on a play.
He is a workhorse whose technique is everimproving.
Zion Kamu (16)
Positions: Offensive and Defensive Lineman
Kamu, a rookie with a rugby background, has grown tremendously in a short time.
A big and powerful player who is benefiting from the coaching of Jesse Williams, 16-year-old Kamu is playing great on both the defensive and offensive line, embracing a dual role.
He has a huge motor and is a team player.
Lucha Betham
Positions: Offensive and Defensive Lineman
In his second year with the Ravens, rugby league natural Betham has seen growth physically and mentally.
Full of potential, Betham has also benefiting massively from having Williams around.
HIs skills, technique and attitude are always improving and his power has seen him excel this season in a move from the offensive line to the defensive line.
Watch for this big-hearted 14-year-old.
Cruz Hoit-Scott
Positions: Linebacker and Running back
Scott is a brilliant rugby league player on a scholarship at Mabel Park SHS in their elite program.
A big and physical 14-year-old, Hoit-Scott would not look out of place playing 18-year-olds.
He plays well above his age and is mature mentally in the way he carries himself on and off the field.
He is embracing his role as a team leader and linebacker, hits and plays hard and fast and is well respected at the club.
LOGAN CITY BEARS
Finn
Finn is an athlete.
He plays wide receiver, quarterback, defensive back you name it. He is an attacking threat with ball in hand and a defensive threat with his ferocious tackling ability.
The captain of the Bears junior team represented the Queensland Sundevils Under 20s at Nationals.
Zac
Like Finn, Zac also represented the Sundevils Juniors at Nationals.
A defensive back and running back, Zac is a hard-hitting tackler who is tough to bring down when carrying the ball.
He is also a terrific young leader.
Parker Spies
Quarterback Parker Spies has great game IQ and has the mind to be coach one day.
With quick feet and an accurate arm, Spies is always a threat not just as a passer but as a running option.
Like Zac and Finn, Spies possesses great leadership qualities.
Austin (Tex) McCosker
A product of the Bears Youth program, McCosker started as a lineman but is now playing tight end.
He is leading the charge as a scoring threat and makes at least one ridiculous catch a game.
Tough to handle, McCosker has thrived in the classroom as a result of playing with the Bears.
Watch for him to be there or thereabouts as league leader in touchdowns this season.
Colby Dennien
Wide receiver or defensive back Colby Dennien is elusive with ball in hands and a trusty cover safety.
Dennien is penchant for making defenders miss with an array of moves after the catch and was featured in last year’s story.
Byron Cafe
Offensive or defensive lineman Cafe is the Bears snapper - their leader of the offensive line.
He ensures all teammates are on the same page and he does that awfully well.
A tenacious blocker.
Jake Reardon
Offensive or defensive lineman Jake Reardon is a product of the Bears Under 13s Youth team.
In his first year playing Juniors, he has been Mr Consistent, rarely off the field because he is busy making key blocks in the run game.
Reardon is also a solid pass protector who makes several tackles on the interior defensive line each game.
He has a V8 engine.
Cameron Hanson
Another Youth product like Reardon, Cameron Hanson is a linebacker enjoying his first year in the junior age group.
Hanson is a defensive leader, the Bears on-field coach despite being so young.
A sideline to sideline tackler, the young gun is excellent in coverage and a born leader.
He is not afraid of contact. He welcomes it.
Daniel McKinnon
First year junior Daniel McKinnon, a wide receiver, running back or defensive back, has elite cover skills and tracks the ball well in the air.
A tough downhill runner like LeBron James, McKinnon may be small but he has a lions heart.
Don’t let size fool you, the fearless McKinnon will trample the biggest players and tackle them too.
Malakai Barboa
Barboa is relishing year No. 1 playing the game at the Bears club.
A wide receive or defensive end, Barboa is always a target, great on short and deep routes and a consistent threat off the edge on defence where he can utilise his length and speed to beat would be blockers.
Watch this space.
Malaika
A youth program product, Malaika is playing both juniors and ladies opens.
A wide receiver or defensive back, Malaika is a trusted cover corner that is not afraid to come up and chop the legs of any would be ball carriers and is a future star at the club.
London
In her first year playing London has found a home as running back and line backer, running out for the juniors and ladies opens teams.
She is a strong ball runner and determined blocker with untapped potential.
Asiah (Bears youth) and Rae (Mens) are other elite talents at the club.
SUNSHINE COAST
Mitch Barwick
The 19-year-old quarterback or receiver is a big boy and has a strong arm, making him a deep ball threat for defences.
His size gives him an edge.
Bailey Winser
19-year-old offensive lineman Bailey Winser is an imposing force on the line with a pinch of fear factor,
How nice it must be for his teammates to run out into battle alongside him.
Fletcher Patterson
20-year-old receiver or defensive back Fletcher Patterson has a wide reach and a big stature, making him a danger on both sides of the ball.
He has upside.
Toby Joshua
Toby Joshua, 16, has a unique ability to run clean, crisp routes. Couple that with an amazing set of hands and you have an exciting prospect.
He plays receiver and is brimming with potential.
Thomas Huber
16-year-old quarterback Thomas Huber is currently attending IMG high school in Florida where he is part of the rotation for the team.
Talk about doing the Sunshine Coast proud.
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