South East Queensland’s gridiron top 70: Best under 20 players named ahead of finals weekend
Gridiron in Queensland is thriving as we name the top 70 talents under the age of 20 impacting matches across the southeast. Check out who has been turning heads from the Ravens, Bears, Rhinos, Stingrays, Raptors and Spartans here ahead of grand final weekend.
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Gridiron in Queensland is thriving as we name the top 70 talents under the age of 20 impacting matches with gusto across the southeast.
Emerging talent from the Bayside Ravens, Logan City Bears, Brisbane Rhinos, Gold Coast Stingrays, Moreton Bay Raptors and the Sunshine Coast Spartans have been on a tear in 2024 and here the best of the best are highlighted on the eve of a blockbuster juniors grand final.
The Stingrays will butt horns with the Raptors, before Saturday’s showcase between the Ravens and Rhinos in the mens division.
Bayside Ravens young gun Zach Perren, whose fine semi-final performance against the Stingrays was influential, was just one young gun wide receiver leaving their mark on fields across Queensland.
Perren and his Ravens will be looking to continue their string of dominance this decade when they shoot for a sixth successive Sun Bowl championship at Easts Rugby League Club.
Perrin, his Bayside buddy Tyrell Butcher, Rhinos top gun Will Moore and Stingrays quarterback Ashley Hearn were among the top youngsters destined for higher honours.
But who else was coming through the ranks?
QLD GRIDIRON SUPER 70
JUMP TO: Ravens, Raptors, Stingrays, Rhinos, Bears, Spartans
BAYSIDE RAVENS
TYRELL BUTCHER
The 19-year-old running back has been one of the Ravens’ studs in 2024 and with players like him coming through, you best believe the Ravens will be there or thereabouts again in 2025.
Donning jersey No. 30, Butcher’s blinding athleticism was no secret, nor was his exponential improvement over the past 12 months.
He is on the up and lights out in open space.
GABRIEL LAYMIN
Oh how nice it must be for coach Paul Knight to have a player like Gabriel Laymin, 17, in his ranks.
He is a player with x-factor talent, someone who would fit right in if he was asked to do a job in the men’s team.
The versatile defensive back or safety could play just about anywhere and would maintain the same intensity and ferocity that demands the ball into his hands.
A superb athlete who hits like a truck, Laymin, who has been likened to men’s Sun Bowl champion Kris Clarke, had plenty of highlights this year but few were better than his recent kick-return touchdown.
MATT LINNELL
A great prospect that enhances the club’s depth at the quarterback position, Linnell has been learning the tricks of the trade for three seasons now and it is really starting to show.
At just 17 years of age, Linnell looks ready to make the leap for the men’s division where his decisiveness under pressure and work ethic would surely create a cocktail of success.
He has big shoes to fill but when the time comes he will be the right man for the job.
ZACH PERREN
Fresh off of his special semi-final masterpiece that afforded the Ravens a rare shot at creating more history this Saturday in the Sun Bowl, Perren was ready to continue that form into a bumper showdown against the Rhinos.
The 20-year-old had his coming of age game in that frantic 40-35 win over the Stingrays where his triple treat of touchdowns showed his speed can translate into winning matches for his team.
There has been plenty to like from the first-year men’s player, whose confidence has grown in a season where he battled through niggling injuries.
Good luck catching him.
CRUZ HOIT-SCOTT
There was a young prodigy progressing out of the sporting rich Logan City by the name of Cruz Hoit-Scott.
Earlier this year the Souths Logan Connell Cup squad member was a middle forward strongman for Mabel Park State High’s Year 10 rugby league team. All the while the 15-year-old defensive lineman was finding success on the edge where his tenacious tackling, athleticism and strength was providing a point of difference for the Ravens.
Playing well above his age, Hoit-Scott gives the impression he would cut up the oranges at half time if he could. He’s just itching to make an impact, whether it be playing rugby league or American football.
CHRISTIAN GORDON
Don’t be deceived by Christian ‘CJ’ Gordon’s lack of size or the hurt locker is where you will be.
A 15-year-old with a thirst for contact, Gordon and his buddy Hoit-Scott have spearheaded the Ravens’ defence this season, leading by example.
A player of considerable potential, Gordon is used to tackling big bodies in league where he plays for the mighty Brothers Ipswich under-15s and St Edmund’s College.
NICK KOPERBERG
Koperberg brings his tackle-busting ability as a rugby centre across to gridiron where he can make defenders miss with his eyes blindfolded.
A quick learner, Koperberg is the type of player who could get through a gap that seemingly wasn’t there.
“When he needs to put on a move, it is a real thing of beauty,” concluded coach Paul Knight.
The fact Koperberg played through an ankle injury in the semi-final said everything about his determination of the high-class Redlands rugby rookie.
LUCHA BETHAM
What is it with these big rugby league middle forwards and them leaving their mark playing American football in Queensland?
Big Betham is another multi-sport prospect whose V8 engine with the Southport Tigers transfers over to gridiron where he is one of the Ravens’ finest defensive tackles.
A “phenomenal athlete” in Year 10 at league stronghold Keebra Park State High, Betham’s team-first focus, strength, winning attitude and work ethic has been noteworthy in the early stages of his football journey.
“I just can’t say enough good things about him,” coach Paul Knight said.
The praise is high and as it should be. Betham, 15, is a teammate you’d want to play hard for.
HAYDEN MANNING
A tight end with plenty of ticker, Manning also dabbled as a running back this year where his improved speed complimented his physicality.
It has all come together for the Wynnum Bugs rugby brute who has made a very strong case for the Ravens’ Juniors MVP award.
The high-octane Manning seriously flourished this season, especially after the catch where he was a running back revelation.
He is no slouch in defence either, having scored a cracking return touchdown in a frantic win over the Raptors earlier this season. And it was on offence where Manning sliced through two defenders like a hot knife through butter to score a touchdown during that rain-soaked round not too long ago.
LACHLAN SPARKS
The Ravens’ coaching staff will be left to ponder what could have been had wide receiver Lachie Sparks been at their disposal this season.
He is a player who would’ve added so much, and then some more, had an ACL injury not intervened late in the campaign.
A gifted athlete who has excelled in touch football, Sparks oozes potential. You get the feeling he could give any sport a try and not only get it, but be good at it.
His ability to make extra yards after the catch was missed dearly by the Ravens late in the season.
ROMAN MAXWELL AND KADEN STUMER
The Ravens’ offensive linemen are from the land of giants and could be anything with the right coaching and mentorship.
Left tackle Maxwell and right tackle Stumer stand tall, approaching that 200cm mark and have thrived this season with their work ethic at the root of their success.
The boom boys have Potential with a capital P.
MORETON BAY RAPTORS
KUPA BALDWIN
What a rise it has been for Raptors rookie Kupa Baldwin, a player who started the season as a green, wide-eyed newcomer and is now the Raptors’ reliable, starting cornerback.
The Morayfield mountain mover has one of the toughest jobs on the paddock but he makes things happen. It is all a by product of his hard work behind the scenes.
He has made up for a lack of game experience with an unearthly work ethic.
KEIAHN NUKUNUKU
The Raptors have a gem in St Patrick’s College old boy Nukunuku, a tough, uncompromising do-it-all type player who has untapped potential.
A fine performer in AIC First XV rugby for two seasons, Nukunuku has taken to gridiron like a duck to water in 2024 - almost like he has been watching the game for years.
But that is not the case.
Nukunuku has just caught on quickly, with a blend of his parents’ New Zealand heritage, the powerful centre has shown he has all the tools to be a serious force moving forward.
Indeed he is a well-rounded difference maker with a mix of speed and power that has seen him do damage chewing off extra yards out of running back - a position he thrives in when given the chance.
BENSON MASOE
Keep the applause going for rookie all-rounder Benson Masoe who has hit the ground running for the Raptors after turning up to training even when he couldn’t look forward to playing in matches.
A Year 11 student at Wavell SHS, Masoe is an emerging rugby league centre from the Redcliffe Dolphins who set a high standard at training, while juggling club and school league training.
That just says it all about the up-and-coming multi-sport athlete who has the makings of a top-flight wide receiver.
Naturally athletic, Masoe’s speed is a point of difference and there should be little wonder why he racks up so many yards.
Carrying the ball forward is his thing.
REX SUESUE
You know the talent pool is deep when a player of Suesue’s calibre is, at times, stuck behind Nukunuku.
A big bopper, guard Suesue has the power and strength to make a thud in this competition. Did we mention he stands at 201cm tall?
Watch this space.
PRESTON HARRIS
Talk about a game changer on defence.
The kid is a leader on that side of the ball where his ability to identify opportunities and adjust to cause turnovers and force mistakes is second-to-none.
A return specialist, Harris sets the tone as a safety but also looms a large threat as a running back where he can swing momentum in the blink of an eye.
VILIAMI TAUFA
Another top gun on defence, Taufa leads seamlessly. He oozes leadership qualities, both on and off the field, and it is surely setting a high standard for his younger peers coming through the ranks.
A linebacker who can fire on offence, Taufa has been the foundation in which the Raptors have built their defensive identity on.
DARIUS GEE
There has been no second-season syndrome for Raptors prime-moving wide receiver Darius Gee.
After taking out the club’s Rookie of the Year award last season, Gee has continued to torment opposition defences as a revered offensive weapon.
Two touchdowns a game are a regular occurrence for Gee, who often attracts multiple defenders, so hard is he to guard.
Thrives under pressure.
MARCO TAUILIILI
The talent line doesn’t stop at Gee. Strong safety Marco Tauiliili is one of the Raptors’ elite utility talents capable of doing a job, a good one, in whatever position is asked of him.
The talented two-way Coombabah State High old boy can play anywhere in the forwards in rugby league as well. In gridiron, his leadership qualities and team-oriented approach shines through.
LYCHEN NEWICK-MATTHEWS
Lychen ‘Bucky’ Newick-Matthews is yet another talented utility adding another layer to the Raptors outfit.
A defensive terrier who brings plenty of speed to the Raptors’ defensive edges, Bucky’s resilience is to be admired.
When the team is under pressure, the linebacker is a calm head who can make things happen on both ends.
DJIMON STOWERS
A front row enforcer in rugby league for Redcliffe’s under-16s league team, Stowers translates his power-game across to gridiron where as a defensive end, his power is felt.
A versatile type capable of playing various positions, Stowers’ speed and strength is to the fore as both a defensive henchman and as a destructive running back.
KELLI KASSULKE
Plumbing is his trade but slotting conversions is his calling.
Kassulke, the first-rate place and punt kicker, is a sniper who honed his craft at Layton Christian High School Football in Utah before returning home to recover from an injury that shortened his season in the States.
His presence in the playing group has rubbed off, with the Raptors set for a grand final showdown on Friday night, a night where his radar could help get his team home.
KAI-JAMES PHIPPS
He is only four games into his fledgling gridiron career and yet he has already made a startling impression at the club.
The rookie defensive end is averaging three quarterback sacks per game, Phipps quickly asserting himself as a focal point in the Raptors defence.
To say the Caboolture young gun, who excelled in rugby as a lock this year, has made an impression would be an understatement.
LUKE JAMES
The Raptors are a proven breeding ground for elite junior talent and Year 11 student Luke James, a quarterback, has been on the improve for years now.
Small but strong, James’ composure has been an area of improvement this year, as has his arm which can pull off the odd hail mary play here and there.
MAURICE DEIANA
In his first season playing the game, Deiana has been on a steep upward trajectory. Starting the season as a fill-in to now being the team’s starting cornerback, Deiana has been dialled in to the max.
The athletic Deiana can also get it done on the hardwood, but his passion now lies with American football.
GOLD COAST STINGRAYS
ASHLEY HEARN
The Stingrays talent pool runs deep and leading the way was 17-year-old quarterback Ash Hearn whose improvisation under pressure warrants plenty of praise.
A top-flight prospect, Nerang State High ace Hearn makes up for what he lacks in size with his athleticism, vision and, of course, strong right arm.
Teammates look to, and trust, the fearless young veteran to deliver when all momentum seems lost.
JAY REDFORD
Can we get a Netflix series that documents the life of dynamic duo Ashley Hearn and Jay Redford?
The pair are as potent as any duo in the competition, with the Gold Coast’s offence running through them this season.
Like screen-setter Draymond Green and flamethrower Steph Curry in the NBA, these two have an unspoken connection that comes to life on the field where at times you’d be right thinking there was telepathy taking place.
Hearn’s favourite target, outstanding deep-ball receiver Redford uses his Aussie rules background with Surfers Paradise, height, and quick change of direction to come down with the ball more often than not.
The tall Nerang State High talent has turned heads this year making impressive contested catches.
CASSIUS PREMA
A man among boys, Prema leads with both his words and actions.
His actions sure set the tone, but the Tongan Terror has a way with his words as well, which creates a winning environment within the playing group.
The Miami State High school captain would be nearing 200cm with boots on and tips the scales at 150 kgs, so you can imagine he has that fear factor at left tackle.
Don’t be fooled by his size. Prema is a quick-footed leader with an impressive reach and a tendency to leave a bruise when blocking.
GRIFFIN PEPYAT
Despite a small sample size (two games) in 2024, there was still plenty to like from talented 16-year-old linebacker Pepyat, who was sorely missed when on the sidelines.
If there was a phrase that describes Pepyat to a tee it would be ‘right place, right time’ because the high-IQ defensive rock is seemingly always where he needs to be as the focal point of the team’s defence.
An elite organiser for his peers, Pepyat spearheaded a shutout in his first game of the year before an ACL injury prevented more defensive masterclasses from being engineered.
He was sorely missed by the Stingrays when on the sidelines.
KUNDAI MUNYENYIWA
Jay Redford’s having a quiet night? You best believe Kundai Munyenyiwa is going to step up and vice-versa. When they are both on, shut the gates.
A freakish athlete, Munyenyiwa gets on the outside of his defenders in Gold Coast rugby league for the Southport Tigers and it’s a similar story with the Stingrays where so often he evades the first defender.
Damaging in open space, Munyenyiwa has the soft hands and scintillating top speed to excel in his position.
WIREMU WILLIAMS
Are we looking at one of Queensland’s most improved juniors? Right tackle Wiremu ‘Woody’ Williams has gone from zero to hero in the space of 24 months to be a smaller, but perhaps even more ferocious, version of big Cassius Prema.
You’d be forgiven thinking Woody takes joy in burying people because he does it so often.
The big improver played every single moment of the Stingrays’ semi-final triumph over the Rhinos last Friday when he motored through on both offence and defence.
On offence he offers some serious strike power.
KYAN JACOBSEN
If you search unsung hero in the dictionary, a picture of Kyan Jacobsen ought to come up.
An undersized lineman with a lionsheart, Jacobsen does the dirty work in the centre for his team, grinding out the hard work that creates a domino effect for success.
A stalwart of Gold Coast’s junior team, Jacobsen would be among the last people asking for credit for doing a job well.
ALEX GARCIA
Need to put an end to a run? Garcia’s your man.
The hard-hitter sets the highest standard with his interior defence and without him, the Stingrays would be down a highlight or two, that is for sure.
The versatile Keebra Park product is a top-gun defensive end, but seeing him rip in at running back would be worth the admission fee alone.
A tenacious tackler, Garcia can swing a game with his pressurising, and at times painful, defence.
KALE NELSON
With Hearn’s hand on the trigger, receiver Kale Nelson is set for no shortage of touchdowns in 2025.
A “genuine deep threat” as described by his coach Keagan Wienand, Nelson is at the peak of his powers with room to move.
But Nelson is also worth his weight in gold on the defensive end where he is a dependable blocker who can free up his teammates.
He made up for lost time in 2024 after giving last season a miss.
EMMANUEL SAMMAI
Arguably the most athletic talent in the juniors competition.
The kid has springs in his achilles, a jetpack on his back and the lightest feet around - at least it looked that way when he sprung free, not once but twice, for two touchdowns in the semi-final against the Rhinos.
A deadly receiving back with an Oztag and football background, Sammai is new to the game but quickly finding his fleet feet in both offence and defence.
It wouldn’t surprise one bit if his teammates started to nickname him ‘Cut on a Dime’.
EMMANUEL ASOMUA
It was as if powerhouse defensive end Emmanuel Asomua whispered ‘anything you can do, I can do better’ to his younger brother Bayden earlier this season when he joined the Stingrays ranks as a thumping mid-season addition.
Bayden had been sending a tremor through the competition with his defence and the fearless Emmanuel, a mobile big man out of Marsden State High, has joined his ‘bash bro’ to make some noise.
A high-class rugby league middle forward from the Logan Brothers, Asomua has maintained the rage after the school season where he played a key role in Marsden’s run to the Langer Trophy grand final.
A gentle giant, Asomua lets his actions do the talking and they warn his foes to steer clear.
BAYDEN ASOMUA
Bayden is just like the prototypical Marsden State High enforcer in that he is ruthless with the strength of an ox.
The 16-year-old defensive lineman is an immovable object at times, someone who is understanding the queues, reading passes, applying pressure endlessly and improving in all aspects as the season progresses.
Imagine the sacking-machine as a finished product. Jeez that will be a sight to see.
JUDD GREENAWAY
The Stingrays’ elite junior talent comes in all different shapes and sizes and while defensive end Greenaway is undersized for his position, boy does he punch above his weight.
The club’s Rookie of the Year awardee last season, Greenaway possesses sheer strength. The kid hits and sticks and against much bigger bodies, he holds his own and does even more.
The best way to describe his deceptive strength, which has been a factor in his progression as of late, is to imagine shaking someone’s hand and it hurting to do so.
Coach Wienand said that is the type of strength we are dealing with when it comes to Greenaway, a player has more than enough speed and finesse to weave past blockers.
TAJ MASON
He is a coach’s dream.
The Stingrays have unearthed another gem in first-year strong safety Taj Mason, a Mr Reliable who does his job well, rarely makes a mistake, communicates at a high level and seems to always be on song.
It is worth noting that Mason has intervened with a handful of interceptions this season.
FENNEL GREENE
Similar to Pepyat in that he has been out for much of the season, Greene remains a top-tier talent in this space after last season making the state team as a corner.
The versatile speedster, aged 16, can also flourish as a defensive end or linebacker where his athleticism is easy to see.
Currently recovering from a mid-season injury to his elbow, Greene is a high-achiever with three seasons experience and some serious wheels under his belt.
Excitement machine.
MIKEL WELLAND
Welland’s trademark is peanut punching and few were better at forcing fumbles in the competition than him. It is his bread and butter.
The third-year linebacker just has a knack for it, and his understanding of his coverage, where to be and when, has seen him solidify himself as one of the Coast’s most sure tacklers.
As such, when he is not on the paddock making his presence felt, the Stingrays can almost feel a chink in their armour.
RYAN COLES
The Stingrays have missed representative running back Ryan Coles whose gridiron smarts have been missed while sidelined with an ATFL injury in his ankle.
He just has it. It seems he is always a play ahead with his ball-carrier vision just superb.
His footwork and positioning behind the defence is an added bonus.
TRAE AUSTIN
One of the finest discovery players of the season has been 18-year-old Trae Austin, a cornerback has improved in leaps and bounds throughout his first season.
A true blue performer in the semi-final, Austin’s ability to take in information and quickly implement it was one of his biggest assets. That and his sharp footwork, patience and power through the hips.
The club would be hoping he comes back to help the mens teams’ pursuit of Sun Bowl glory in 2025.
KAELOB SMITH
Made for the moment he is.
The big offensive lineman adds real potency alongside Prema and Jacobsen at left guard.
A sponge, Smith has stood tall in his first year, playing through niggling injuries at times because he wants to be there for his team.
Coming up against powerful state team defensive linemen, Smith has held his own on more than one occasion.
HUDSON SCHULTZ
He is one of the youngest mentioned in this story but the way he goes about his business would imply he is a seasoned veteran.
A 14-year-old offensive lineman, Schultz has a real toughness and grit about him that consistently sees him punch well above his weight class.
A coachable type who could lift more than most his age, young machine Schultz has done a stellar job keeping quarterback Ash Hearn protected so that he can do his thing.
BRISBANE RHINOS
WILL MOORE
The Australian representative is just special isn’t he?
Surely a frontrunner for the club’s Rookie of the Year award, Moore’s magic at offensive tackle has been on display for four years at the Rhinos and he is the gift that keeps on giving.
He couldn’t have performed any better stepping up from the juniors to seniors this season, Moore a Mr Reliable whose IQ is through the roof.
HUNTER HARRIS-WHAN
Another Australian under-20s representative, Harris-Whan has given his opponents nightmares this season with his relentlessness at linebacker. The big improver has made a startling impression in his first season with the Rhinos.
It seems the 19-year-old revelation has enough ticker to go around for everyone.
“The development in him in the space of two years has been ridiculous, physically and mentally,” praised Will Saxby, the Rhinos coach.
LENNOX SAMOA
The Australian team running back (under-20s) has also made an impressive jump from juniors up the mens division.
As reliable as an old brick outhouse, Samoa has been one of the top new additions at the club after moving across from the Raptors.
Softly spoken off the field and an enforcer on, Samoa has no thought of self-preservation and that gives his team a big boost.
SELUPE FIFITA
The Rhinos’ defensive end is one of the most athletic going around, this year and in years past.
Fast and twitchy, Fifita wins his individual battles with a sprinkle of pace and a smattering of will to win.
The 18-year-old is excitement-plus.
JONATHAN HIGHTON
A specimen, Highton has his eyes fixated on College football and he has the build, and speed, to make that a reality.
The 18-year-old speed demon has excelled as a linebacker or defensive end this season, deciding games here and there when the Rhinos were in need of someone to stand up.
The Unity College product has some serious upsize.
LIAM ANDERSON
Set to be the first Australian to attend College in the States as a quarterback, Anderson’s progression as a left-handed quarterback has been one of the highlights in the Rhinos’ run to the Sun Bowl.
He is a natural and you can see for yourself this Saturday at Easts Rugby League (Langlands Park).
JACK BURBURY
A security guard by night and offensive tackle by day, big man Burbury has been on a mission over the past 24 months working towards opportunities in the States.
Initially a defensive lineman, Burbury found a home as an offensive lineman and would have added another dimension to the Rhinos this season had he played.
A New Mexico College signee, Burbury and his buddy Anderson just had to be mentioned here despite not playing in 2024 (due to eligibility).
“He is one of the biggest, aggressive and most reliable offensive lineman I have ever seen come through our team,” Saxby said of Burbury, a homegrown talent.
DENVAH EASTWOOD
The SunDevils under-18s linebacker has been a tone-setter in the club’s junior ranks for some time now and makes up for what he lacks in size with his thirst for contact and execution.
Fearless. Contact hungry. Smart. Improving.
XAVIER CLARKE-BATES
An electric running back, Clarke-Bates lit up the juniors league in 2024 with his turn of foot eyebrow raising.
Renowned for breaking tackles, the speedster has been a game changer for his team, turning difficult situations into favourable ones with a single run.
Clarke-Bates’ vision, natural ability and drive to get better each week have seen him improve significantly.
LOGAN CITY BEARS
FINNLAY TAMATI-SLIGO
The Bears wide receiver is just an out-and-out athlete.
Freakish at times, Tamati-Sligo can play pretty much anywhere and stood tall all season long as one of the team’s strike weapons.
A Queensland under-17 flag football ace, Tamati-Sligo has followed in his older brother Jordan’s footsteps who was elite during his time as a junior at the club.
CAMERON HANSON
The 15-year-old young veteran has been playing since he was 10 years old and it shows.
A student of the game, Hanson’s thirst for knowledge has a big factor in his progression so far in his fledgling career.
Also a talented footballer from the Marsden State High academy, Hanson is loaded with potential.
AARON TAUVAO
The Bears’ offensive and defensive lineman is just a man among boys and has the sharp footwork, soft hands and humble attitude to become a real force to be reckoned with.
Aged just 15 but standing at over 190cm and tipping the scales at more than 120 kgs, Tauvao is a work in progress that could be something special in the code.
A young giant honing his craft at the Endzone Academy.
AUSTIN MCCOSKER
A linebacker, McCosker’s development through the youth program has been a highlight for the Bears this decade.
A seven-year young veteran, McCosker’s physicality, V8 engine and work ethic at training has paved the way for yet another top notch juniors season.
Progressing into the men’s division next year, McCosker looks likely to make the step up in style once he recovers from a broken foot.
PARKER SPIES
The Bears quarterback has seemingly been around forever.
Almost a coach on the field, the quick-between-the-ears Spies is at the peak of his powers getting out of the pocket and making things happen with his elusiveness.
Watch for him in the men’s division in 2025.
JOSHUA PEWEE
A receiver, Pewee was a point of difference for the Bears this season.
One of quarterback Spies’ favourite targets, Pewee is at times too quick for his quarterback specialist, so fast is he.
The speed demon just added that x-factor and he has the thing you can’t coach.
Pace.
JAKE REARDON
The relentless Bears cub has no stop and if the club could clone a player 10 times, it would be him.
A two-way weapon who plays from the first whistle to the last, Reardon even jumped into centre midway through this season when injury struck.
He did a fine job but who’s surprised? He is a toiler.
JAYDEN SCANLAN
His older brother Jordan is a weapon in his own right but keep an eye on young Jayden, a defensive tackle who knows how to use his body to his advantage.
A coachable type, Scanlan has serious upsize. A fine prospect for the men’s team in 2025, the well built Scanlan knows his role back to front.
LUCA SCHREIWEIS
The Bears linebacker is just 16 and in his first year, played out of his skin.
Watching Schreiweis play this season you would be right to think he has been involved with American football for half a decade. The kid just has it.
Always willing to learn, the physical Schreiweis punches above his weight and he gave the Bears a boost at different stages across the 2024 season.
ZACKYE SOE
A 17-year-old defensive lineman, Zakye Soe bypassed the juniors league so determined was he to play against the best Queensland has to offer in the men’s division.
A starter in many games, Soe made an impact when he was afforded the opportunity to.
Potential is endless.
SUNSHINE COAST
TOBY JOSHUA
Joshua, 17, has a unique ability to play both slot and half back.
With clean, crisp routes and huge blocking potential he has set himself apart as one of the states premier offensive weapons.
TOM HUBER
Huber is the Sunshine Coast’s 17-year-old quarterback sensation currently attending the Hotchkiss school in Connecticut where he is the starting quarterback.
AARON BOLDT
Fresh on the scene Aaron has quickly set himself apart as one of the leading running backs in Queensland.
With quick cuts and the ability to make quick cuts, Boldt, 16, has quickly become a handful for the defences in Queensland.
FIN HODDER
Playing both offence and defence whether he is catching balls or knocking balls away from the opposition
Hodder, 16, has become a reliable player on both sides of the ball.
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