Souths Juniors: Mid-season report card, all teams graded, plus the key players to make a title run
With the halfway point of the Souths Juniors season behind us, we run the rule over all six teams, grading their performance to this point, plus looking at their key players and young guns for 2023.
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As the halfway point of the Souths Juniors competition ticks over, it’s time to look back at who has excelled so far in 2023.
We grade each team on their season so far as they prepare for the road to the finals.
COOGEE DOLPHINS
Record: 4-4 (fourth)
Key performers for the second half of the season: Mark Daoud, Cameron Longhurst
Young gun who has impressed: Rowan McIntosh
Analysis: Three of their losses this season have been by a try or less, including going down to Matraville by two points twice. They’ve only been genuinely outplayed once this year, and have the potential for a top-two finish if they can knuckle down in crunch time. We’ve seen enough to believe they can genuinely contend for a title on their day, and they have the veteran experience needed to win big games. Currently they boast the best defence in the competition and that is something coach Michael Golden will hang his hat on, and something that can keep them going in this competition.
Grade: B
LA PEROUSE PANTHERS
Record: 5-3 (third)
Key performers: Aaron Grech, Che Hyslop
Young gun: Evan Manning
Analysis: They came into the mid-season of the competition with the biggest win of the year and the honour of being the first team to knock off the defending premiers Matraville. It was an emotional win, highlighting the ability this team possesses. Since round three they’ve had a loss followed up by a win, so it’s important to find the consistency in their performances to ensure they remain in a lofty position. They’ve conceded 28 or more points on three occasions, so their defence will have to tighten up, but their attacking flair is among the best in Sydney.
Grade: B+
MASCOT JETS
Record: 0-8 (sixth)
Key performers: Matthew Makk, Dalton Armstrong
Young gun: Drew Williams
Analysis: The going has been tough for the Jets this season, but with a four-team finals, they’re still in the race to make the post-season. Despite a poor record to this point, they’ve been competitive in a lot of their games and have been in the hunt, only to drop away late. They’ll need some roster additions to advance into the four, but we won’t write their season off just yet. Their skipper and Rabbitohs NSW Cup-aligned player Matthew Makk leads their engine room, but he needs help for them to break through for that first win.
Grade: C-
MATRAVILLE TIGERS
Record: 7-1 (first)
Key performers: Kyle Wilson, Sione Tovo
Young gun: Brent Hawkins
Analysis: They’ve set the benchmark so far in 2023 and would need a collapse to avoid winning the minor premiership. Their full depth has been on show, with their reserve grade squad regularly called upon and consistently aiming up. They’ve put themselves in a strong position despite a setback at their last outing. Based on what we’ve seen from them so far in 2023, they have an ability to win ugly and grind it out when they have to. Matraville are deserved title favourites, but the pack is hot on their tails now.
Grade: A
REDFERN ALL BLACKS
Record: 5-3 (second)
Key performers: Kareel Phillips, Latrell Robinson
Young gun: Joven Gyemore
Analysis: We’ve seen the best and worst from Redfern so far this season, and if they can maintain something close to their optimum, they’re right in the title hunt. They’ve got the best attack in the competition, averaging 26 points per game, and currently have the best points differential. With a big game player like Kareel Phillips joined by some crafty older heads and some exciting young guns, there’s a lot to be excited about. Their round 10 clash with Matraville will give us a great guide to their credentials.
Grade: B+
SOUTH EASTERN SEAGULLS
Record: 3-5 (fifth)
Key performers: Ky Bouris, Bayleigh Bentley-Hape
Young gun: TJ Herring
Analysis: After going within a minute of winning last year’s comp, the Seagulls have certainly faced some adversity this time around. With their halfback departing to their rivals, they’ve had to adjust to a new leader. Their forward pack is strong with the likes of Rabbitohs pathways players D’Arcy Hardman and TJ Herring, but they’re just not posting enough points this season to get over the top of the better sides. Their round five win over La Perouse showed they have what it takes, we just need to see it on a more consistent basis over the final seven rounds.
Grade: C+
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Originally published as Souths Juniors: Mid-season report card, all teams graded, plus the key players to make a title run
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