SG Ball: The young stars on the brink of breaking into the NRL

You can expect to see these SG Ball standouts in the NRL sooner rather than later, Jocelyn Airth profiles the next generation of rugby league stars.

The SG Ball stars on the rise.

From sprint champions and Australian cricketers, to Queenslanders and Schoolboy Cup stars — these are the SG Ball players to watch in 2021.

JORDAN SWANN (ROOSTERS)

Talented at both league and union, tore it up for Waverley College’s victorious CAS side in 2020. Joined the Roosters system when he was 15 and is developing into a strong centre who can find the line.

Sandon Smith bursts into space for the Central Coast Roosters in their SG Ball semi-final win over the Canberra Raiders. Picture: Bryden Sharp

SANDON SMITH (ROOSTERS)

Classy playmaker from Kincumber. One of the first kids to filter through the Chooks’ Central Coast pathway. Scored a brilliant intercept try for St Edward’s College against Farrer MAHS in the dying seconds of NRL Schoolboy Cup eliminator last year.

XAVIER SAVAGE (RAIDERS)

Sprint star who has been training with Canberra’s NRL side. Savage won the 100m at Queensland’s Junior Athletics Championships last year with a time of 10.95 seconds – Josh Addo-Carr clocked at 10.6sec at the same age. Was electric at fullback and wing for Queensland’s under-16s. Canberra lured Savage from the Titans and they’re excited about his future.

Raiders SG Ball star Clay Webb Picture: Raiders Media

CLAY WEBB (RAIDERS)

Skilful forward from Gundagai. Has a strong constitution and great maturity for his age. Turned down multiple clubs in favour of Canberra and spent his summer training with the NRL squad.

Cronulla Sharks recruit Ryan Rivett in action for the club's SG Ball side. Picture: Adam Wrightson

RYAN RIVETT (CRONULLA SHARKS)

One of Queensland’s most promising teens. Was stuck behind Titan Toby Sexton, but had a breakout Schoolboy Cup season for Palm Beach Currumbin. His dominance at five-eighth saw him selected in Queensland’s team of the year and the Sharks were on the hunt for a playmaker.

Panthers hooker Ryley Smith. Picture: Bryden Sharp

RYLEY SMITH (PANTHERS)

A talented hooker, lock and … opening batsman. While playing for Penrith, has also played cricket for Australia and NSW. So far, the 18-year-old has managed to juggle both sports — but he’ll have to pick one soon. On the footy field, Smith is “bulldog,” plays with tenacity and has a great left boot.

Ryley Smith also plays cricket for NSW and Australia. Picture: Toby Zerna

DAVVY MOALE (SOUTHS)

A 17-year-old front-rower who has been perfecting his craft with the Bunnies NRL side. Immediately impressed club legend John Sutton, who is helping coach both SG Ball and first grade in 2021. Played SG Ball alongside Joseph Suaalii. Souths beat rugby union and NRL rivals to lock down his signature.

Young South Sydney Rabbitohs prop Davvy Moale. Picture: Lars Roy

JUSTIN MATAMUA (WESTS)

Local junior from Campbelltown who will captain Wests in 2021. Has progressed from five-eighth into lock this season and is able to make great decisions under pressure. Shone for Westfields Sports High in last year’s NSW NRL Schoolboy Cup.

Westfield's Justin Matamua in action in the NRL Schoolboy Cup Semi Finals. Picture: Toby Zerna

JAY KIRK (WESTS)

Another local junior who is a natural athlete. Determined to become an NRL player. On top of Wests training, Kirk does his own training with sprint coach Roger Fabri. The winger is always keen for extras and is even disciplined with nutrition — down to the gram. Coaches expect Kirk to be rewarded for his effort.

Parramatta SG Ball player Jock Brazel Picture: Bryden Sharp

JOCK BRAZEL AND BROCK PARKER (EELS)

Brazel is a no-nonsense front rower from Corindi Beach. One of the most consistent kids Parramatta has ever seen — his best training session and his worst are almost identical. Brazel is similar. The back-rower from Moree always turns up and gets it done.

Balmain SG Ball skipper Brandon Tumeth trained with Wests Tigers NRL squad this summer Picture: Wests Tigers Media

BRANDON TUMETH (BALMAIN TIGERS)

Aggressive back-rower who trained with the Tigers NRL squad over the pre-season. Coaches are excited to watch him apply everything he learnt from James Tamou and Russell Packer over the summer. Starred for NSW’s under-16s in 2019 and was a standout for Holy Cross in the NRL Schoolboy Cup.

BRYCE MAGNONE (ILLAWARRA STEELERS)

An old school type of front-rower. Solid kid who offers a strong work rate and skillset. Played SG Ball for the Raiders last year, but moved down the coast to attend university. Great pick up for the Steelers.

Dragons SG Ball star Caleb Navale. Picture: Bryden Sharp

CALEB NAVALE (DRAGONS)

Fijian lock who is climbing the ranks at St George. Has a high football IQ and plays well above his weight. Runs great lines and turns up in defence. Played well for Westfields Sports High in last year’s NRL Schoolboy Cup.

DANNY GHANTOUS (BULLDOGS)

Zippy hooker who has spent his summer training with Canterbury’s Jersey Flegg side. Selected in the 2018 NSW under-16 squad. Will be his third year playing SG Ball.

DIEGO BRAVO-GRAHAM (BULLDOGS)

A strong outside back with good feet. A handful to tackle. Made the 2018 NSW under-16s pathways squad. Preparing for his third year in SG Ball.

Originally published as SG Ball: The young stars on the brink of breaking into the NRL