Stars on the rise: The 150 players to watch in the Harold Matthews, SG Ball and Tarsha Gale Cups
With the NSWRL junior rep season underway, there are plenty of young guns shining in the Harold Matthews, SG Ball and Tarsha Gale Cups. SEE THE FULL LIST of 150 players to keep your eye on.
Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
THE NSWRL junior rep season is finally upon us with the Harold Matthews, SG Ball and Tarsha Gale Cups in action.
We’ve previewed all competing teams, and now it’s time to look at the future stars of rugby league right before our very eyes.
To celebrate the junior representative season, NewsLocal looks at the 150 players to watch across all grades.
HAROLD MATTHEWS
Toby Rodwell (Sydney Roosters): Playing in his second season of Matts, the gun half is able to take control of the game and isn’t scared to take on the line. One of the leaders in try assists last year.
Zach Fittler (Sydney Roosters): Has a famous surname with his father Brad, but is making his own name. A big frame on an edge, Zach will take more of a leadership role this year and will lead from the front.
Cameron McKenzie (Sydney Roosters): New to the club and a standout in the trials on an edge in the back-row/centres. A big body and can bump players away at will.
Jaxan Edgar (Penrith Panthers): A fullback with plenty of pace, is able to control the play with great impact. A professional who gets the job done.
Casey McLean (Penrith Panthers): The centre is in his second year of Harold Matts, and claimed the Emerging Talent Award last year alongside Edgar. Has a bright future.
Hokafonu Lemoto (Penrith Panthers): Returns for his second season of Matts. A mobile front rower who has representative experience with NSW CCC and will get the forwards rolling along.
Alex Challenor (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks): Was rewarded with selection in the U16s City team last year. His running game has him poised as a gamebreaker for the Sharks.
Jayze Tuigamala (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks): His strong body and powerful running game gives him plenty of explosiveness, and was training with the SG Ball squad, such is his future.
Kaden Garner (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks): A standout with the NSW CHS side, the rangy back rower will turn heads this year as a talented product of Endeavour High.
Daniel Lua (South Sydney Rabbitohs): The Newington lock forward claimed player of the year honours last season, and the co-captain leads by example in every sense of the word.
Braethen Bilich (South Sydney Rabbitohs): A local junior who is versatile enough to play at the back or in the halves. Co-captain with Lua and is more a verbal communicator.
Matthew Humphries (South Sydney Rabbitohs): Joins the Rabbitohs after steering the ship for the Central Coast. Has an older head for his age and shapes as the organiser of this promising team.
Tamoko Berryman (South Sydney Rabbitohs): Links up with South Sydney after departing Manly. The second rower was in the sights of the club to provide them with a boost.
Charlie Poynton (South Sydney Rabbitohs): A high level rugby union representative who has taken officials by storm. Adapting well to the new code and has been one of their most impressive in the trials.
Kade Reed (Illawarra Steelers): Backs up for his second year in the division after injury last year. A director of the play who uses his presence effectively.
Zach Taufa (Illawarra Steelers): A big front rower who leads by example in the front line. A physically large forward but very skilful as well, also demonstrates great leadership.
Tom Kirk (Illawarra Steelers): Stands at a whopping 195cm tall. The Gerringong product outside back cuts an imposing figure with his strength and athleticism.
Hayden Buchanan (Illawarra Steelers): Liked with the club long term, such is the view they have of this young centre. His dynamic charges and physicality is something to keep an eye on.
Finau Latu (St George Dragons): A mobile middle forward who can play with the ball. A Junior Blue will star this season and joins the NRL training squad next year.
Jacob Halangahu (St George Dragons): Another from Brad Fittler’s Junior Blues camp, Jacob is a tearaway second-rower who has a trademark strong carry to terrorise defences.
Cyrus Stanley-Traill (St George Dragons): The Endeavour High student is a prop that can get through a mountain of work. Gets the dirty work done and can find the tryline as well.
Sam Chapman (Canberra Raiders): The captain and playmaker of the team who suits up for another year of Harold Matts. Leads the team around and is a handy goalkicker to boot.
Jonah Anderson (Canberra Raiders): Partners Chapman in the halves. The Queanbeyan Blues product possesses an old head on young shoulders with his skill and vision.
Sam Griffin (Canberra Raiders): The back-rower from Bega has a high workrate and solid ball skills for a big man. His defence will be crucial to Canberra’s chances.
Coby Thomas (Central Coast Roosters): The second rower lined up for NSWCIS despite being two years young. A strong talent with big expectations on his shoulders.
Demetrius Kilisimasi (Central Coast Roosters): The talented fullback makes the trip over from New Zealand and is a livewire at the back.
Josh Kopua (Central Coast Roosters): Another to venture from across Tasman Sea, Josh is a strong forward who will provide plenty of go forward.
Josiah Fesolai (Central Coast Roosters): Graduates from the Andrew Johns Cup. Has trimmed down and will move into the back-row. A skilful player who has had a monster pre-season.
Brady McMillan (North Sydney Bears): Links up with the Bears from Mackay where he played in the Queensland U16s competition. A centre who provides a lot of hope for the club.
Heath Turner (North Sydney Bears): The Kuringai junior has been a staple in the Bears’ junior development system, as well as representing the NSW Waratahs Gen Blue U16s team.
Ben Stringer (North Sydney Bears): A year young player who will likely get two season of Harold Matts, the fullback has been one of the best in the trials and has earned a starting spot.
Alex Conti (Balmain Tigers): An up and coming halfback who will lead the team well as skipper. Experienced at the rep level and is a highly promising prospect.
Michael Nasser (Balmain Tigers): The fullback returns to the division once again and is a strong voice at the back. Talented and asks questions of the defence.
Douglas Tuala (Balmain Tigers): A front rower who has come along in leaps and bounds. Gets his team going forward and shapes as a real gamebreaker.
Joseph Raad (Balmain Tigers): One that has trained really well and surprised a lot of people is the utility player. Has earnt a starting spot at lock forward for round one.
Kohan Lewis and Nate Gallagher (Wests Magpies): The front rower and winger respectively bring experience from a campaign in last year’s premiership winning side. That will prove invaluable.
Luke Laulili’i (Wests Magpies): A fullback who is fleet footed and looks destined for bigger things. Part of the very talented Laulili'i’ clan.
Onitoni Large (Wests Magpies): A year young but you wouldn’t know it judging by his poise. A versatile player who can slot in a number of positions, and is highly athletic.
Campbell Munn (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles): A dual premiership winner with the Scone Thoroughbreds in U16s and U18s last year. Named captain this year and will be a key in the middle.
Simi Laiafi (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles): Got a taste of Harold Matts last year and has been one of the most impressive in the pre-season. A fit and mobile front rower.
Benji O’Keefe (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles): A standout performer in the trials who boasts good speed and a strong fend out in the centres. Good in defence too.
Jezaiah Funa-Iuta and Junior Fagalele (Parramatta Eels): Both study at Patrician Brothers College and the duo bring experience from last year. Captain Funa-Iuta will play in the second row and Fagalele in the centres, with both possessing size, strength and a damaging run.
Jack Hilliar (Newcastle Knights): Lines up in the front row and will help to spearhead a damaging forward park. Was part of the Juniors Blues and has played up in age previously.
Kane Self (Newcastle Knights): Comes to the Knights from a stint with the Ipswich Jets in the Queensland underage system. Has represented Queensland and will make an impact off the bench.
Will Cannavo (Newcastle Knights): Backs up from a Harold Matts campaign and the second rower has used that experience to pump out a very impressive pre-season.
Mitch Woods (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs): The captain of the side has experience in league, union and AFL. There’s every chance we see him in SG Ball before the season is out.
Aleva Smith (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs): The Queenslander is a new face to the Bulldogs after making the move, but has made a big impression with his devastating runs.
Daniel Christodoulou (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs): Another cross-code star who has represented Gen Blue for NSW in union. Brings a lot of physicality whenever he’s around the ball.
SG BALL CUP
Salesi Foketi (Sydney Roosters): Came from New Zealand at 15 to join the Roosters pathways. Features in his second year of SG Ball and is an enforcer in the middle or on an edge.
Michael Abdow (Sydney Roosters): A local junior with the club since 13 and an Australian Schoolboys rep at 15. A back-rower who will be vital for the Roosters premiership hopes.
De La Salle Va’a (Sydney Roosters): Comes from the Darling Downs and the younger brother of NRL prospect Xavier. A mobile front rower who gets through a heap of work on the field.
Cade Mellon (Sydney Roosters): The Central Coast talent can play anywhere on the park and excel. Wherever used he will light up the field and lift the Roosters.
Cooper Toy (Sydney Roosters): We saw him shine at this level last year, and the classy outside back can add to his growing tryscoring tally with some good halves inside of him.
Moustafa Dirani (Penrith Panthers): The NSWCHS schoolboys representative is a lock who brings experience from being in last year’s premiership team. Can do something special in this side.
Bayden Moran (Penrith Pathers): Partners Dirani in the back row and has been going superb in the pre-season. A few keeping an eye on him with a view towards the future.
Jett Cleary (Penrith Panthers): The younger brother of two-time NRL champion Nathan, Jett steps up to the SG Ball after a stint in Harold Matts last year. Will be plenty of eyes on the young half.
Billy Phillips (Penrith Panthers): Comes from out near Forbes and has put a lot of dedication into his craft. Got a stint in SG Ball last year and now has earned the starting lock spot.
Tom Peters (North Sydney Bears): Comes from the Erina Eagles and brings a toughness at hooker. Is always one to take advantage of a quick play the ball and an eyes-up footballer.
Jesse Limon (North Sydney Bears): Popular Bathurst recruit who brings size and an ability to finish well on the wing. His energy is infectious around the North Sydney setup.
Brad Avery (North Sydney Bears): Shapes as a fascinating recruit from the Western Force in rugby. Has an electric turn of foot that will come in handy throughout 2023.
Jye Gray (South Sydney Rabbitohs): Comes down from Queensland where he claimed the Mal Meninga Cup player of the year. A Queensland Schoolboys rep who has huge wraps on him.
Tyrone Munro (South Sydney Rabbitohs): Will be pushing for the top tryscorer gong. Tall and rangy with pace to burn, and spent the pre-season training with the NRL boys. A genuine star.
Thomas Fletcher (South Sydney Rabbitohs): A very handy pick-up who is a strong back rower who runs and tackles hard. Put on a lot of size and is destined for much bigger things.
Dane Towns (South Sydney Rabbitohs): In a hot race for fullback, Towns won the battle. That gives you an indication of how highly coach John Sutton rates this flying young gun.
Dylan Egan (Illawarra Steelers): The no-nonsense Gerringong back-rower got the chance to sped time with the NRL boys in the pre-season, and Illawarra will thrive off his physicality.
Lyhkan King-Togia (Illawarra Steelers): A Dalby Devils junior making the journey down south. A livewire half who will join the NRL training squad with the Dragons next year.
Jett Liu (Illawarra Steelers): The monster prop has excelled during his debut NRL pre-season. With a dominating physical presence, the Leeton junior is tipped to climb the Dragons ranks.
Kyan Hjaltason (Illawarra Steelers): The crafty and scheming hooker has been a surprise packet this off-season with his ability to get the forward marching up-field in the trials.
Loko Tonga (St George Dragons): Tonga is a towering prop who helped Ipswich State High School claim the National Championship. A born leader who has a destructive carry.
Nick Tsougranis (St George Dragons): Comes from the Arncliffe Scots and is an aggressive backrower who has already had a taste of Jersey Flegg action. Looks set to progress further.
Corey Ackers (St George Dragons): An energetic foot-to-the-floor explosive ball carrier. Capable in the back-row or lock, the Arncliffe product will join the Dragons NRL training squad in the coming seasons.
Carlos Pauli (St George Dragons): Comes as a new recruit to the club and there are expectations on him to cause havoc with his dynamic charges.
Chevy Stewart (Canberra Raiders): One of the biggest recruits in the SG Ball off-season after switching from Cronulla. Spent time with the NRL squad and is a classy speedster at fullback.
Niu Mariota (Canberra Raiders): The younger brother of Canberra NRL prop Ata Mariota, Niu is an impact player fast tracking his own path to higher honours. A big player set to fire.
Jake Clydesdale (Canberra Raiders): The younger brother of former Knight Adam, Jake is a front-row talent who will take plenty by surprise with how he makes an impact in the middle.
Lawson Cotter (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks): A local junior who shapes as an exciting prospect. An edge back-rower who has the engine and size to cause problems on an edge.
Lachlan Crossle (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks): Like Cotter, Crossle is a local junior living out his dream with the Sharks. Got a taste of SG Ball last year and brings experience in the front row.
Taj Brailey (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks): The next of the Brailey clan coming through the league ranks, Taj has excelled at hooker, made multiple rep teams and looks poised to join his brothers at the top flight.
Josiah-Ekkehard Neli (Melbourne Storm): The captain of the side who features at lock and finished the year playing at Jersey Flegg level. A willing player who is aggressive and always in the fight.
Zayvian Langkilde-Fale (Melbourne Storm): The front rower who has also had a taste of Flegg, Langkilde-Fale is a strong ball carrier who does all the right things in defence.
Suliasi Prescott (Melbourne Storm): Got the chance to spend the NRL development program and is an elusive dummy half coming back after a solid season last year.
Siulagi Pio (Melbourne Storm): A young centre has got a great frame on him and brings a great attitude to the club. There are expectations from officials that he can really kick on.
Josh Feledy (Balmain Tigers): One who looks destined for first grade in the future. Came across from Manly and he will co-captain the club this year. Trained with the NRL squad in the pre-season.
Tony Sukkar (Balmain Tigers): Will also lead the club with Feledy. A forward who has experience at this level. Brings a maturity to the club and has also had an NRL pre-season.
Oliver Lawry (Balmain Tigers): Stands at over six-foot tall at halfback, has incredible skills for a big man and cuts an imposing figure when he runs at the line.
Elijah Mataale (Balmain Tigers): The prop had a huge pre-season that saw him come back fitter and trimmer. Got injured last year so is fit and firing as he looks to make a big impression.
Kit Laulili’i (Wests Magpies): The ball-playing lock brings real leadership to the team and won a Harold Matts title last year. He’s a year young for SG Ball but is very mature minded.
Zac Clarke (Wests Magpies): An edge back rower who can also play at the six. Brings a versatility, size and elusiveness that gives the Magpies hope for a huge season.
Tallyn De Silva (Wests Magpies): Everything the club wants with a nine. Gets out and runs, and will make full use of a big Wests forward pack. One the club has locked down for the future.
Heath Mason (Wests Magpies): Had a stint with the Emerging Blues and graduates from the Harold Matts last year. A St Gregory’s product who is a running half and hard to bring down.
Tylor Bunting (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles): One of the most talented players in the SG Ball competition. Has Jersey Flegg experience and named in the NSW U19s train-on squad.
Koby Douglas (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles): One of the new faces at the side who is turning heads with his pace and fend in the centres. A player that will prove hard to handle.
Max Hayley (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles): Used to play in the centres but now moves in closer in the second row. Skilful with plenty of speed and strength to match, and is a strong performer.
Teapo Stoldman (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles): Another new addition to the side in the centres. Officials have been happy with how he has adjusted. Has good footwork and lightning pace.
Latu Fainu (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles): A highly-regarded talent, who along with Bunting, forms one of the best halves partnerships in the comp. An electric talent who looks a star of the future.
Ethan Ferguson (Newcastle Knights): A classy centre who represented the NSW CHS and the Australian Schoolboys last year. With natural progression he promises to be a future star.
Myles Martin (Newcastle Knights): A nice addition to the club from Parramatta, Martin will captain the side, with his workrate and intensity in the middle to prove invaluable to the Knights.
Fletcher Sharpe (Newcastle Knights): The Cessnock fullback has built an impressive resume, including stepping up to Jersey Flegg and making the Junior Blues squad to boot.
Charlie Guymer (Parramatta Eels): Has previous captaincy experience with the club, was named as the best back last year and is a Junior Blues squad member. Switches to lock this year.
Blaize Talagi (Parramatta Eels): Currently has a development contract with the NRL side, a livewire half who is constantly scheming and setting up his outside men.
Joshua Lynn (Parramatta Eels): A five-eighth with a wealth of talent and experience at this sort of grade. Comes from nursery Keebra Parkhaving represented Queensland at various levels.
Sio Kali (New Zealand Warriors): Comes into the comp as a highly-rated winger out of renowned St Paul’s College rugby league nursery. Selected for the Blues U18s development side in rugby also.
Tanner Stowers-Smith (New Zealand Warriors): Hails from Christchurch, Tanner is a middle forward who has a famous connection as the great grandson of former international Pat Smith.
Patrick Moimoi (New Zealand Warriors): Comes from a dual union-league background, opting to stick with league despite making the Auckland Blues U18s development squad.
Eddie Ieremia (New Zealand Warriors): One from the clouds. The back rower has made officials take notice after he impressed at the World School Sevens for the Warriors.
Michael Gabrael (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs): A new face at the club after playing with Parramatta last year. A year young but has impressed ahead of his team debut in the centres.
Jonathan Sua and Jordi Mazzone (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs): The local juniors and flying wingers got a taste of Jersey Flegg last year. Their return to this level has officials excited to see their height and athleticism in action.
AJ Jones (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs): Made the move over from Auckland and has shown his potential in training. Gets the nod to start in the second row, and looks a promising type.
TARSHA GALE CUP
Brooke Talataina (Sydney Roosters Indigenous Academy): A clever half who has played at a good level in rugby union. Dominant in the trials and leads her team around the park.
Tavarna Papalii (Sydney Roosters Indigenous Academy): A lock forward named as the Australian Schoolgirls captain in 2022. Comes down from Queensland and can stamp herself as one of the best players in the comp.
Krystal Bulmer (Sydney Roosters Indigenous Academy): The Central Coast player missed last year through injury, but the fullback will be hungry to pick up where she left off previously.
Madison Mulhall (St George Dragons): The captain of the side is a member of the NRLW Dragons Academy. Lays the platform through the middle and is coming off a strong year.
Leela Ma-Chong (St George Dragons): An excellent defender with a high workrate. Her craftiness around the ruck is a huge benefit, and she looks primed for a breakout season.
Madison-Lee Kelly (St George Dragons): A halfback blessed with dazzling footwork and athleticism. The smarts of the Dragons who can lead her team to glory.
Manaia Harris-Wilson (St George Dragons): One that has taken officials by surprised with how well she has gone during the pre-season. A former union rep who will cause havoc out wide.
Grace Weekes (North Sydney Bears): The Asquith junior will feature in her second season of Tarsha Gale Cup. A powerful centre who hits hard in defence and is a leader of the squad.
Sienna Deeley (North Sydney Bears): A Central Coast product who has been snapped up by the Bears, one of the younger in the side who has been entrusted with they halfback role for round one.
Lara George (North Sydney Bears): A fearless ball carrier at lock forward who isn’t scared to take on the opposition’s biggest player. Regularly topping the tackle count and is a tireless player.
Kimberly Duncan (North Sydney Bears): A natural ball player with the speed and acceleration off the mark the Bears need. She can break a game wide open.
Montana Clifford (Penrith Panthers): A backrower who will shape as one of the natural leaders of the Panthers. Was a key part in St Mary’s claiming the U18s premiership last year.
Yasmine Baker (Penrith Panthers): Played Tarsha Gale last year and she has shown a lot of promise at fullback. A professional young player who is a part of the leadership group.
Georgia Willey (Canberra Raiders): Represented the NSW/ACT Schoolgirls last year and backed that up with an appearance for Australia. Her kick returns at fullback are something to behold.
Abbie Grant (Canberra Raiders): A ball-playing back-rower, Grant is just as effective passing before the line or taking on the defence with her powerful charges. Stood out at the trials.
Samantha Nealon (Canberra Raiders): Is a local Canberra product from the Woden Valley Rams. Tall and lean, the speedy winger loves nothing more than crossing the white stripe.
Harmony Crichton (Wests Tigers): The younger sister of Stephen, she looks a likely prospect of graduating to the open women’s team. Can feature at either fullback or centre.
Ashanti Pennell (Wests Tigers): Made the massive trip from Baradine to feature in this competition. Set up home in Sydney and will relish her chance at halfback.
Mia Taylor (Wests Tigers): A pre-season with the Harvey Norman women has sharpened her up. A workhorse in the second row who refuses to take a backwards step.
Tiana Thorne (Wests Tigers): Possesses versatility for the Tigers which is a huge bonus. Can switch from the centres or fullback with Crichton and have just as big an impact.
Parker Stanton (South Sydney Rabbitohs): Gets the nod as captain and is a player who adds a new dimension in the back row. A hard runner who hits just as hard in defence.
Yillara Widders (South Sydney Rabbitohs): Can play out on an edge or in the middle. The daughter of former NRL star Dean, Yillara helped La Perouse claim an open women’s title last year.
Kasey Taaffe (South Sydney Rabbitohs): The cousin of NRL player Blake, Kasey is a leader of the team in the hooking role. The club is hopeful of her return from injury soon.
Zoe Kurnoth and Shanelle Lyons (South Sydney Rabbitohs): Two players that have stood up in the pre-season. Shanelle’s runs with the ball are incredible and a menace to tackle, with Zoe causing chaos in the middle of the field.
Ella Koster (Illawarra Steelers): As Illawarra as they come, a long time development player who gets her shot at Tarsha Gale. A versatile forward who is firmly on the NRLW radar.
Mia-Rose Walsh (Illawarra Steelers): The winger has been very dominant in the trial games and has developed her game a lot over the past few months. Damaging near the tryline.
Tayleah Handcock (Illawarra Steelers): This is her first season of tackle footy, but the fullback has a strong background and the skills to make her debut season one to remember.
Ana-Sofima Seia Perez (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles): The leader of the forward pack and captain of the side. Her strength and determination sees her create history as the club’s first ever Tarsha Gale skipper.
Taleenza Nelson (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles): Plays in the second row or centres. Brings a huge work ethic and competes at every play while charging full steam ahead.
Tafao (Tee) Asaua (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles): Tee is a big, powerful middle forward who brings a strong defensive mindset and has great mobility for her 6’3” frame.
Wanita Leatherby (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles): The former netballer is in her second year of league, but is super athletic and is already in line for achieving higher honours.
Debbie Doueihi (Parramatta Eels): Leads the charge from the fullback position as one of the co-captains of the team. Super talented and firmly on the NRLW radar.
Ashlee Pottinger (Parramatta Eels): Plays out of dummy half and is good at catching defenders napping, as well as creating for her team. Shares captain duties with Doueihi.
Evie Jones (Newcastle Knights): The five-eighth has been training very well for Newcastle and has been one of the standouts throughout the pre-season. Has the smarts to steer the ship.
Lilly Davies (Newcastle Knights): Plying her trade in the second row and has caught the eye of officials with her willingness to work hard and compete. In for a very big year.
Chelsea Makira (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs): The halfback comes across from a Tarsha Gale season with Penrith last year. Her leadership and experience will be invaluable.
Alexis Tauaneai (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs): A very good pick-up for the ‘Dogs. Alexis has experience playing rugby in New Zealand, taking out Wellington’s player of the year in 2021.
Litia Fusi (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs): Comes across from St George, and the damaging centre could be one of the buys of the year after making the Australian Schoolgirl team last year.
More Coverage
Originally published as Stars on the rise: The 150 players to watch in the Harold Matthews, SG Ball and Tarsha Gale Cups
Join the conversation
‘Disgrace’: ‘Sore loser’ Hawks torn to shreds
Sam Mitchell had been widely praised for his handling of Friday night’s fiery final — but Hawthorn’s antics have now been branded “pathetic”.
Read more
Huge potential issue facing Aussie, McLaren
An F1 commentator says a national rivalry between Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris could drive both to new heights — if McLaren can keep them in line.
Read more