Meet the top 100 under-21 rugby league players in regional NSW, ACT
Bush footy is iconic in rugby league and we have put together a list of the top 100 players, under the age of 21, to watch from regional NSW competitions.
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Bush footy is iconic in rugby league. And while many regional competitions might have struggled in recent years on the back of three Covid- and rain-interrupted seasons, there is still plenty of talent running around outside of the big smoke.
To celebrate the end of a long and wet rugby league season, NewsLocal has taken a look at the best young talent lighting up bush footy in NSW and the ACT.
From the NRRRL in the Northern Rivers to Group 9 and Group 16 on the Victorian border, we’ve spoken to coaches, administrators and others in the know to compile a list of the best 100 footballers aged 21 years and under in these competitions.
While the list does include those who played for junior NRL sides, to qualify for the top 100 players must have been available for at least half of the season in their respective regional competitions.
Here are the future stars.
Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League
Blake Porter (Bilambil Jets)
Still a student at Palm Beach Currumbin State High, the 18-year-old winger played every single game for the Jets this year, who ultimately went on to win the NRRRL grand final.
Blake Marrison (Murwillumbah Mustangs)
Lightning fast and with a nose for the tryline, the 19-year-old winger has been a constant threat in attack for the Mustangs over the past couple of seasons.
“He’s only a little bloke but he’s a speedster. He was our leading tryscorer until he got injured,” says Murwillumbah president Nigel Lofts.
Daniel Butturini (Murwillumbah Mustangs)
Already in his fourth season of first grade, the 20-year-old backrower is deceptively strong and has scored a number of individual tries through his turn of pace and ability to beat the first defender.
Zacharia Roberts (Evans Head Bombers)
Nicknamed ‘Cobbo 2.0’, the tall, rangy winger was a revelation for the Bombers this season in their charge towards the grand final. While his metres from dummy-half have been important, it’s his threat in attack that has seen the 19-year-old compared to the NRL superstar.
“The way he gets up in the air for kicks is amazing. He gets up and over everyone all the time. He’s a freak,” says Evans Head trainer and football manager Dave Turner.
Michael Roberts (Evans Head Bombers)
One of the standout players of the season in the NRRRL, the 18-year-old Australian schoolboy representative comes from good stock, with retiring NRL player James Roberts being his brother.
Young Roberts, who plays either fullback or in the centres, could well be on the path to follow his brother, signing on with new NRL franchise the Dolphins for next season.
“His goal kicking and his speed are key, he’s definitely one to watch in the future,” says Turner.
Rowan Mansfield (Ballina Seagulls)
The 20-year-old stocky utility player, who plays predominantly as an outside back, was a standout for the Seagulls this season, with his speed and strength causing opponents plenty of headaches.
“He’s very strong from the back of the field,” says coach Justin Stewart. “He can really dominate a game and is learning how to do that more consistently.”
Hamish McClintock (Ballina Seagulls)
Another one of the Seagulls’ young guns, the 20-year-old half stepped into first grade this year and was a big factor in getting Ballina to the finals.
“He has a very good attacking game, he’s a good kicker and an outstanding goalkicker,” says Stewart. “He plays off the cuff and always plays what’s in front of him. We just sort of let him do that this year and it was quite good.”
Carl Lolohea (Ballina Seagulls)
The third of Ballina’s hugely impressive young-gun triumvirate, Lolohea, who spent time in the New Zealand Warriors’ youth system, is one of the outstanding young back-rowers in the NRRRL.
“He’s very physical and certainly wouldn’t look out of place at that (Q/NSW) Cup level,” says Stewart.
Jordan Kempnich (Cudgen Hornets)
The slightly built fullback was a rock for the Hornets, playing every game in first grade for the club this year.
“He’s probably our smallest player on the field, but he’s tough, he’s got really good feet and he’s very fast,” says Cudgen coach Bryce Poisel.
Kolbi Wood (Byron Bay Devils)
A perfect mix of brains and brawn, the 19-year-old hooker provided the Devils with plenty of attacking options as they made a late run for the premiership.
Josh Bowden (Tweed Coast Raiders)
Safe as houses at fullback and a threat when chiming into the backline, the versatile 20-year-old was a real asset for the Raiders this year, even finishing the season at halfback when injuries forced a reshuffle in the backline.
Layne Hardy (Kyogle Turkeys)
A shining light in a difficult season for the Turkeys, the 20-year-old spent most of the season at five-eighth, with his speed and good footwork offering his young team plenty in attack.
Group 2
Ronan Singleton (Orara Valley Axemen)
After picking up the rookie of the year award last season at the Coffs Harbour Comets, the young half went to another level this season under the stewardship of Axemen coach and former NRL star Sam Burgess.
With Singleton in the halves the Axemen finished the season as minor premiers before going down to the South Grafton Rebels in the grand final. However Singleton was rewarded for his efforts with selection in the Group 2 representative side.
Jordan Gallagher (South Grafton Rebels)
One of the most outstanding young talents in the competition, the playmaker has been earmarked as a long-term first grade halfback and was a key reason behind the Rebels’ ultimately successful premiership campaign.
“He’s really rounded in all his skills: kicking, passing, game management,” says coach Ronnie Gordon. “His defence is extraordinary. He’s so strong for a young fella.”
Brian Quinlan-Randall (South Grafton Rebels)
While normally a centre, Quinlan-Randall played predominantly on the wing this year for the Rebels and impressed with his performances.
“His work rate is ridiculous. He was probably our best player from the June long weekend onwards to the grand final,” says Gordon.
Jake Martin (Grafton Ghosts)
The 21-year-old centre was not only one of the Ghosts’ standouts, but one of the best players in Group 2 this season.
“He’s about 100-odd kilos, quick, strong – that sums it up pretty well. He’s very hard to handle,” says Grafton president Riley Law. “He scores plenty of tries and not much gets through him.”
Lachlan Mifsud (Coffs Harbour Comets)
Still only 17, the North Coast Bulldogs representative and Malta under 17s captain proved to be a solid performer for the Comets this year, lining up in a number of different positions in the pack.
Group 3
Cuban Quinlan-Piper (Port City Breakers)
Given the season the Breakers had, it is perhaps no surprise to see them well represented in the list.
The versatile outside back, who played centre and fullback for the Breakers throughout the season, was key to the team’s minor and major premiership-winning year with his attack.
Tyrese Dungay (Port City Breakers)
After missing out on a contract with the St George Dragons, Dungay returned to the Breakers this year and impressed with his performances off the bench.
He was ultimately rewarded with a spot in the North Coast Bulldogs rep side.
Nicholas Smith (Port City Breakers)
The outside back, who mainly lined up at centre, was a key attacking threat for the Breakers on the edges.
He showed his worth with a man-of-the-match performance in the grand final win over Old Bar, and was also selected for the Group 3 representative team.
Taye Cochrane (Old Bar Pirates)
One of the most outstanding young players in the competition, the 18-year-old fullback plays well above both his weight and years, and has already attracted the attention of NRL and Q Cup sides.
“There’s not much of him, but he’s absolute lightning on his feet and he’s safe as houses under the high ball. He’s a talent,” says Old Bar coach Jordan Worboys.
Jaxson Longa (Old Bar Pirates)
The 19-year-old centre has been a surprise packet of sorts for the Pirates, progressing from the under 18s last season to become a key first grader in the team’s run to the grand final.
“He’s just a ball of muscle,” says Worboys. “He’s got a lot of raw ability, and if he was put into a good system with a good education, then I think he’d turn into a very good footballer.”
Navren Willett (Taree City Bulls)
The 18-year-old was an absolute standout in what was a difficult year for the Bulls. Playing halfback for the under 18s team, Willett then backed up at fullback in first grade for much of the season.
At six foot six, Willett previously spent time with the Newcastle Knights junior system and has been in discussions with Sydney-based NRL clubs for next year. Given his height and kicking skills, he was even approached by the Sydney Swans, who wanted to entice him for a code switch.
“He’s very tall, skilful – both in the kicking department and with his hands on the ball,” says Taree City president Nigel Wallis.
Oscar Holt (Taree City Bulls)
Another Bulls young gun who went on to play for NSW Country this year, the front-rower impressed when he stepped up into first grade.
“He’s a real workhorse up front,” says Wallis.
Lester Andrews (Wingham Tigers)
Not just a talented footballer, but a fantastic local citizen. After his family relocated to Queensland, the 18-year-old captain at Wingham High took up two part-time jobs and rented a granny flat to stay in town with his mates and finish school.
On the field, Andrews fits in anywhere in the backrow or at hooker, and was part of the Tigers’ first grade squad for their run into the semi-finals.
Shane Davis-Caldwell (Macleay Valley Mustangs)
The young halfback was a real highlight for the Mustangs this season.
A junior rep player for the North Coast Bulldogs, Davis-Caldwell also represented NSW Country under 18s against City earlier this year.
Northern Region
Lachlan McGrady (Moree Boomerangs, Group 19)
While he might only be slightly built, the 18-year-old fullback plays well above his weight and was a star for the Boomerangs, who narrowly went down to the Narwan Eels in the Group 19 grand final.
Lightning fast and incredibly elusive, it’s no surprise that he finished the season as the competition’s leading tryscorer with 13.
Jake Clydesdale (Scone Thoroughbreds, Group 21)
From Scone’s famous Clydesdale family, the 18-year-old front-rower has plenty of size and was a huge part of the Thoroughbreds undefeated season in first grade.
Reuben Andrews (Greta-Branxton Colts, Group 21)
An outstanding young talent, the 19-year-old was a standout for the Colts at fullback this season, winning Group 21’s rookie of the year award on the back of his performances.
Trent Taylor (Dungowan Cowboys, Group 4)
The 18-year-old fullback has been a mainstay of the Northern Tigers’ junior rep system and made his debut for the men’s regional representative team this year.
He also played a key role for Dungowan in the Cowboys’ excellent season, which saw them finish second and narrowly lose the grand final to the North Tamworth Bears.
Jack Grob (Inverell Hawks, Group 19)
The 18-year-old, who can play both in the front and second-row, has been a regular in the Northern Region’s representative pathways as a junior.
His hard work in both attack and defence ensured that he was one of the Hawks’ best and most consistent players this season, as the team finished second on the ladder, narrowly missing out on the minor premiership by points difference.
Newcastle Rugby League
Taj Ridley (Maitland Pickers)
In a team such as Maitland’s, which won the minor-major premiership double in Newcastle and collected the statewide Presidents Cup with a win over the Hill Bulls, simply playing first grade would be a huge achievement for any young player.
A local Maitland junior and Newcastle Knights SG Ball representative, the 19-year-old hard-working forward impressed in his 10 games in first grade this season for the Pickers, providing solid support for Maitland’s all-conquering pack, which included the likes of representative forward Jayden Butterfield, Reid Alchin and former NRL player Pat Mata’utia.
Harrison Spruce (Maitland Pickers)
Another one of Maitland’s young forwards who overcame injuries throughout the season to earn a spot on the bench in the Pickers’ grand final win over Macquarie.
“Harrison has had an injury-plagued season this year, but is very much on our radar as a 10-year first grader at Maitland,” said coach Matt Lantry.
Kain Anderson (Central Newcastle Butcher Boys)
From strong rugby league stock, the 20-year-old winger or fullback is the younger brother of Melbourne Storm outside back Grant Anderson and Central star Cameron.
A junior NSW representative cricketer with his spin bowling, Anderson also has a knack for finding the white stripe, with his highlight reel including a spectacular diving effort against Cessnock in the minor semi-final.
“He’s a good finisher and he’s got speed,” says coach Phil Williams.
Fletcher Kennedy (Central Newcastle Butcher Boys)
In a team that features halves such as 250-game professional Luke Walsh and his brother Ryan Walsh, no one would have predicted that Kennedy would have attracted much attention this season.
However injuries to the Walsh brothers saw him step up, and he was a standout playing at either halfback or five-eighth for the club, which finished in second place, just two points behind the all-conquering Pickers.
“He’s a good organiser, his kicking game has improved and what you love as a coach is that he follows the gameplan to a letter,” says Williams.
Tyrone Nean (Cessnock Goannas)
The 20-year-old had a breakthrough year in his first season with the Goannas, bouncing around Cessnock’s backline as the club made a charge into the third week of the finals. His strong performances certainly haven’t gone unnoticed, with Nean named Newcastle Rugby League’s rookie of the year, while also earning a trial with the Canterbury Bulldogs Jersey Flegg squad.
Quincy Ross (Northern Hawks)
Just 20 years old, the young front-rower has been a huge revelation for the Hawks this season with both his work rate and ball skills. “He’s a ball-playing middle. He’s got wonderful silky hands, and as well as being hard-edged in defence, he just reads the game wonderfully well,” says club manager Andrew Chapman. “He’s a young gun with a massive future ahead of him.”
Taj Blackman (Lakes United Seagulls)
There are big wraps on the young halfback, who experienced a taste of first grade this year for the Belmont-based club.
A Newcastle Knights representative junior, Blackman also represented NSW Country in 2022.
“His kicking game and leadership around the park have been huge for us this season,” says Lakes under 19s coach John Prince.
Nathan Kegg-King (Wyong Roos)
The 21-year-old front-rower, who previously represented the NSW Country under 18s team and spent time inside the Canterbury and Manly NRL systems, was a key for the Roos this season, playing every game for the club in first grade.
“He’s a dynamic, powerful forward who causes the defence plenty of trouble when he runs the ball,” says captain-coach Mitch Williams. “He also has good ball skills and also offload – he did a phenomenal job.”
Bailey Scholes (Western Suburbs Rosellas)
Quick on his feet and with a good football sense, the outside back was a revelation for the Rosellas this season, picking up the most promising junior award in his first year in the top grade.
Remarkably, Scholes was just 17 when he made his first grade debut against the all-conquering Maitland Pickers team in round two, lining up on the wing.
Scholes will trade the red and green of the Rosellas for the red and green of South Sydney next year, where he will join the Rabbitohs’ junior teams.
Connor Cromarty (Western Suburbs Rosellas)
In a season where up to 17 players were unavailable at certain stages due to commitments with NRL clubs, the 19-year-old front-rower was another one of Wests’ impressive young brigade to make the step up to first grade.
“He’s strong, is a good size, is reasonably aggressive for that position and has got good body shape,” says Wests’ secretary Russell Petrie of Cromarty, who will link up with Manly next season.
Jordan Wilson (Western Suburbs Rosellas)
Alongside Cromarty, fellow front-rower Wilson impressed the Rosellas with his performances in the middle this season.
“Like Connor, he’s good-statured, got a good physique with plenty of good aggression,” says Petrie.
Peter McDonald Premiership (Group 10/11)
Charlie Lennon (Forbes Magpies)
After leaving the Canterbury Bulldogs halfway through the season to return home to Forbes, the 21-year-old was a standout for the Magpies in their premiership-winning season.
A powerful back-rower with good ball skills, Lennon played a key role for Forbes in their run for the premiership, and will return to the Bulldogs again next season.
Toby Hurford (Forbes Magpies)
The starting hooker all season for the grand final-winning Magpies, Hurford proved his worth in the middle in combined Group 10/11 competition.
Sharp out of dummy half, the hooker found his way over the white stripe plenty of times throughout the season, including in the grand final victory over Dubbo CYMS.
Riley Wake (Dubbo CYMS)
After finishing the SG Ball season with Penrith, the Western Rams representative proved to be a key addition for Dubbo CYMS in the back row as the side topped the Group 11 pool.
Wake then came off the bench in CYMS’ grand final loss to the Magpies.
Nick Murphy (Orange CYMS)
Quick between the ears and fast on his feet, the 18-year-old fullback had a stellar season for Orange CYMS, who finished the regular season in second place in the Group 10 pool.
He was rewarded with selection for both the Western Rams and NSW Country under 18 rep teams, winning the Tom Nelson Medal as the best player in the Laurie Daley Cup.
Hudson Brown (Mudgee Dragons)
The 18-year-old is another young forward doing well in a strong team.
The backrower was a regular for the Dragons, who finished the regular season in first place in the Group 10 pool.
David West (Mudgee Dragons)
A versatile back who can play either fullback or in the centres, the 19-year-old became a regular for the Dragons in the second half of the season after playing for the Newcastle Knights in the SG Ball competition.
Noah Griffiths (Bathurst Panthers)
A halfback/five-eighth with previous experience in both the Melbourne Storm and Newcastle Knights systems, the 20-year-old also has strong rep footy history, having represented the Western Rams, NSW Country and the NSW under 18s origin team.
Griffiths was a regular for the Panthers this season, playing all bar one game as his side made it through to the second round of the finals.
Tom Lemmich (Bathurst Panthers)
Still young enough to play under 18s, the second-rower/lock made the step up to first grade and stood out for the Panthers.
“His attitude and energy is tremendous,” says captain-coach Jake Betts. “He’s only a little fella but he plays like he’s 110 kgs. He’s aggressive in defence and he’s got that ball-playing ability in attack as well.”
Lachlan Lawson (Orange Hawks)
The 18-year-old’s season started in promising fashion, with the centre captaining the Western Rams rep team in the Laurie Daley Cup and helping the Hawks to three wins from their opening four games in the Peter McDonald Premiership.
However a neck injury in May ultimately ended Lawson’s season as the Hawks finished fifth in their Group 10 pool at the end of the regular season.
Zac Williams (Dubbo Macquarie Raiders)
Coming off an SG Ball season with South Sydney, the 19-year-old back proved to be a handy player for the Raiders, slotting in at centre, back row and on the bench as the team finished third in the Group 11 pool and progressed to the finals.
Illawarra Rugby League
Ben Rumble (Collegians)
One of the outstanding young talents in the Mojo Homes Cup, the 19-year-old, who can play centre and fullback, joined Collegians after helping the Illawarra Steelers to the finals in the SG Ball competition.
Once at Collies, Rumble was a key part of the team’s premiership-winning season, scoring a try in the 12-10 grand final victory over Wests Devils.
Max Devlin (Collegians)
A local junior whose father also played for the Collies, the 19-year-old five-eighth was a mainstay for the club this season.
A slightly built player, Devlin played well above his weight in first grade, ultimately finishing the season as the leading pointscorer in the competition.
Ryan Hodgson (Collegians)
The third of Collegians’ outstanding young trio, the versatile 19-year-old played a key role for the Collies this season across a range of positions, including hooker, five-eighth and lock.
“He’s an exceptional talent and I’ve got no doubt that he’ll finish up in the system and play a lot higher level than what he’s at now,” says Collegians chairman Bruce Prior. “He’s a talent. He’s a strong kid and a really lovely guy to go with it.”
Logan Aldridge (De La Salle)
While technically a Sydney club, De La Salle celebrated its first season in Illawarra’s Mojo Homes Cup by finishing fourth. One of the club’s standouts was 20-year-old Aldrige, who played both fullback and in the centres throughout the year.
“He was one of our best players all year,” says coach Luke Manahan. “And I think he was one of the better players in the competition.”
Ryan Couchman (Thirroul Butchers)
It’s hard to be more of a Thirroul local than Ryan Couchman and his brother Toby.
While Toby spent the season with St George-Illawarra’s junior teams, Ryan, himself a NSW Country and Australian schoolboys’ representative forward, spent an early part of the season with the Butchers.
Te Umuariki Heremia-Tukere (Wests Devils)
The outside back played a year up for the Illawarra Steelers this season before joining the Devils for their run towards the grand final, where they ultimately lost to Collies.
A former NSW schoolboys representative, the 18-year-old is expected to return to the Steelers’ system in 2023.
“We lost the grand final 12-10, but he didn’t look out of place and played really well,” said coach Peter McLeod.
Isaiah Kennedy (Wests Devils)
Playing on the wing next to Heremia-Tukere was another one of the Devils’ young brigade, 19-year-old Isaiah Kennedy.
The local junior previously spent time with Cronulla before returning to his hometown club, where he was a key player on the left flank.
Levi Pascoe (Wests Devils)
The New Zealander, who first moved over to Australia to play for the St George Dragons’ junior teams, has all the makings of a future NRL player, however work commitments have meant that he hasn’t been able to continue inside the Dragons’ system.
In light of this, he has been a mainstay for the Devils’ first grade side over the past couple of seasons.
A strong ball carrier and defender, the second-rower was a cornerstone of Wests’ pack in the Illawarra competition.
Group 7
Dylan Egan (Gerringong Lions)
One of the standouts in Gerringong’s golden generation of young talent, the second-rower made 11 appearances in the top grade this season for the minor premiers, impressing with work rate off the bench.
Wes Pring (Gerringong Lions)
A quick winger with good footwork and a nose for the tryline, Pring certainly made the most of his time in the top grade this season, including an eye-catching debut against Berry Shoalhaven Heads.
“The first time he played first grade for us he scored four tries,” said coach Scott Stewart.
Dane Nelson (Warilla Lake South Gorillas)
The 20-year-old centre, dubbed the ultimate “effort player” by coach Troy Grant, was a key player in the Gorillas ultimately successful grand final-winning season.
“Dane’s a strong ball-carrier for the size of him, his defence is rock-solid and his broken line running is second to none,” says Grant. “He’s just an all-rounder.”
Darnell Walker (Warilla Lake South Gorillas)
On the other flank, another 20-year-old centre made headlines for his damaging ball-running throughout the season.
“Darnell’s more of the running style,” says Grant. “He’s got a really nice swerve and seems to break the line and makes the first one or two defenders miss every time he runs the ball.”
Tyrone Roberts (Warilla Lake South Gorillas)
One of the most talented young players in Group 7, the Gorillas’ half added an extra element of maturity to his game in the club’s successful season.
“He’s always had ability-plus. But his kicking and passing game has fallen in to become a bit more defensive, which is something he’s worked hard on,” says Grant. “His kicking game and passing game is right up there for a young bloke.”
Matthew Greene (Shellharbour Sharks)
A tough front-rower who’s good in defence, the 18-year-old made a successful transition from under 18s to first grade this year, impressing his coaches with his attitude.
“He likes to get his head in places that most 18-year-olds don’t like to put it,” says coach Abed Atallah.
Isaac Morris (Shellharbour Sharks)
Mature and vocal for his age, the young half, who was in and out of the Dragons’ system throughout the season, was key for the Sharks this season.
“He’s a really good young kid, very skilful,” says Atallah.
Jayden Foye (Jamberoo Superoos)
Coming in at 6 foot-plus and full of muscle, the 20-year-old born and bred Jamberoo boy had a breakout first season in the top grade for the Superoos, packing down in the front-row in every game except one.
“He’s a fit, tall forward,” says Jamberoo coach Jono Dallas. “He’s just a workhorse, plays up front as a 20-year-old in a first grade comp, and we’re in the top-four teams.”
Colby Smith (Shellharbour Stingrays)
The 19-year-old hooker is one of the most promising young talents running around in the competition. Quick off the mark and dangerous with the ball in hand, Smith’s try count reached double figures across 18 games this season.
“He’s a good ball carrier out of dummy half and his leg speed is second to none,” says Stingrays co-coach Greg Reh.
Kade Hotham (Kiama Knights)
Traditionally a halfback coming through the ranks, the 19-year-old played predominantly on the wing this year as he impressed in his first season in the top grade.
“He’s not a big bloke, he’s really lean. But he’s a really skilful kid,” says Kiama coach Mark Laird. “He’s good under the high ball but he can also use the ball as well.”
Travis Barrett-Hancock (Kiama Knights)
The nephew of NRL legend Trent Barrett, it’s clear that the 19-year-old comes from good rugby league stock.
In a sign of the regard he is held in, the backrower/lock captained the Illawarra Steelers’ SG Ball team and then filled in for St George Illawarra’s Jersey Flegg team throughout the season.
“He’s a quality player, a good kid, and is one of those players who will go a long way on his attitude alone,” says Laird. “He rips in at training. Everything he does, he does it to the best of his ability.”
Canberra Regional Rugby League
Arthur Brown (West Belconnen Warriors)
The 19 year-old ball-running backrower was a standout in the Warriors’ minor and major premiership campaign, and has been rewarded by being picked up by the Canberra Raiders for next season.
“He’s quite a big boy and he’s got a big motor – he just doesn’t stop,” says Warriors president Steve Kirby. “He’s a strong ball carrier, he hits good lines and is happy to get in there and do plenty of work in defence as well.”
Siamani Leuluai (Woden Valley Rams)
Still only 17, but the centre made quite an impression for the Rams after finishing the Harold-Matthews season for the Canberra Raiders.
While not the biggest player on the field, Leuluai’s power and mobility caused opposition defences plenty of headaches out wide before a shoulder injury prematurely ended his season.
Sam Gash (Woden Valley Rams)
Another one of the Rams’ young guns, the 17-year-old goalkicking fullback/centre was the Raiders’ leading pointscorer in the Marold-Matthews competition and led Erinadale College on a run to the semi-finals in the Peter Mullholland Cup.
Although not the biggest body, Gash’s powerful running and tidy ball-playing will ensure that he makes an impact for the Raiders’ SG Ball team next year.
Jack Anderson (Queanbeyan Blues)
Defensively strong with a great passing and running game, the hooker/lock played a key role for the Monaro representative team that took out the statewide under 19s competition this year.
After returning to the Blues, Anderson provided great cover for the club’s first grade team, making the squad for the ultimately unsuccessful grand final against West Belconnen.
Bradley Terry (Queanbeyan Blues)
A Monaro representative with a strong running game, the second rower is somewhat of a throwback to yesteryear with his outstanding tackling technique, which saw him put plenty of opponents on their backs throughout the season.
Regan Carr (Belconnen Sharks)
In a season where the club used 47 players in first grade, including 12 debutants, the 17-year-old winger was an absolute revelation for the Sharks, winning rookie of the year and impressing with his ability to step up to the demands of first grade.
“He carries the ball strong for a small man and just works hard,” says president Darren Piercy.
Owen Hromow (Belconnen Sharks)
The captain and players’ player of the year for the Canberra Raiders Harold-Matthews side, Hromow impressively transitioned to playing senior football in the back row and at lock for the Sharks. 17 as well.
Darcy Leadbitter (Belconnen Sharks)
Nicknamed “the whisk”, the 18-year-old fullback went close to bagging the rookie-of-the-year award from Carr. He played 13 of the 16 games in first grade, only missing out due to a fractured tibia.
“He’s a really good ballrunner and a good talker for a young player,” says Piercy.
Josh Latham (Goulburn City Bulldogs)
The halfback, who was still young enough to play under 18s this season, rose to the occasion with an outstanding debut season in first grade, winning rookie of the year at the Bulldogs and earning selection in the under 21 Canberra Region rep team.
“He did a phenomenal job of leading the boys round the park in his rookie year, especially in such a crucial position as a halfback,” says first grade coach Tyson Greenwood.
“I think his organisational skills are his key attribute. He’s quick on his feet, but I really saw his defence shine this year, considering he was an 18-year-old kid playing first grade. I think that’s what highlighted his season: the way he didn’t back away from any challenges and how he didn’t look out of place defending as a first grade footballer.”
Jordan Eti (Gungahlin Bulls)
The front-rower, who played in the Canberra Raiders’ SG Ball team before linking up with the Bulls, provided Gungahlin’s young side with plenty of go-forward this season.
Jayden Ford (Gungahlin Bulls)
The Monaro Colts’ representative backrower was another of Gungahlin’s impressive young brigade, doing plenty of damage with his ball carrying on the edges.
Group 9
Latrell Siegwalt (Gundagai Tigers)
The 21-year-old fullback wasn’t just one of the best young players in the comp, but one of the best running around in Group 9 – full stop. His form for the undefeated Tigers saw him rewarded in Group 9’s team of the year.
“He’s got it all,” says Gundagai captain-coach Luke Berkrey. “He plays very tough at times, at other times he’s really silky and skilful, and he’s got some real aggression in his game, so he’s been a real joy to have at our club.”
Jack Elphick (Gundagai Tigers)
One of Gundagai’s famous Elphick family, whatever the winger gives away in size he makes up for in ability.
Very fast, tough and safe under the high ball, Elphick was a key part of the Tigers’ perfect season.
Nick Hall (Young Cherrypickers)
Lightning quick and with a nose for the tryline, the former Canberra Raiders junior fullback finished the season as equal tryscorer despite injuring his hamstring and missing the preliminary and grand final.
Billy Reardon (Temora Dragons)
The son of Canterbury Bulldogs legend Steve Reardon, it’s perhaps no surprise that the backrower won Temora’s best-and-fairest award this season.
A former Canberra Raiders junior product and Group 9 rep player, Billy could well find himself following in his father’s footsteps, with his younger brother, 17-year-old Jed, having recently signed with the Bulldogs for next season.
Hamish Starr (Temora Dragons)
One of the three Starr brothers who joined Temora from Grenville, the 19-year-old fullback, who can also play centre and wing, was one of the best fullbacks in the competition, and was rewarded with selection in the Group 9 rep side at the end of the season.
Joe Roddy (Tumut Blues)
After finishing the SG Ball season with Canberra, Roddy, who only turned 18 throughout the course of the season, became a regular in the second row for a strong Tumut side that made it all the way to the preliminary final.
In addition to representing the Riverina Bulls, Roddy was also selected in the NSW Country under 18s side.
Jett Liu (Wagga Kangaroos)
Big, strong and skilful, the 18-year-old middle forward made a huge impact for the Kangaroos after finishing the SG Ball season with the Canberra Raiders, capping off his season with selection in the Group 9 rep side.
“His first 80-minute game for us was against Gundagai, who went through the season undefeated, and they were very impressed with him,” says coach James Smart. “It says a lot about him if you can impress the guys you’re playing against, especially against a top side like that.”
Ned Cooper (Wagga Kangaroos)
The 20-year-old centre was another young gun who stood up for the Roos against far more experienced opposition.
“He’s aggressive, which is a good trait to have for a young kid coming in,” says Smart. “He played against some really experienced centres this year that have been rep players for a long time and he really stood up to them.”
Wilson Hamblin (Wagga Brothers)
The crafty little hooker, who previously spent time in the Canberra Raiders system, was one of the brighter lights for the Brothers this season.
“He’s only small, but he’s a dynamo in defence and is a very good dummy-half,” says Wagga Brothers’ Bob Hay. “He’s very dedicated to his craft.”
Kye Wright (Junee Diesels)
It’s not often that young players make their first grade debut in a rep game, but that is exactly what happened for Wright when he played in Group 9’s victory over Group 20 at the end of the season.
Still young enough to play under 18s, the front-rower was prevented from playing first grade on account of Junee pulling out of the grade early in the season. However he was a standout in both reserves and under 18s for the Diesels, and will join the Illawarra Steelers next season.
“Kye’s just barnstorming,” says coach Mick McDermott. “He’s like (Jason) Taumalolo, he just runs over the top of blokes.”
Will McDermott (Junee Diesels)
Joining Wright in making his first grade debut for the Group 9 rep team, the hooker is not only solid in defence, but was key to the way the Diesels attacked this year.
“He’s just fast out of dummy half and he’s got good ball skills,” says McDermott. “He throws a great pass both ways, which means teams have to keep their defence wide.”
Group 16
Matt Wheatley (Bega Roosters)
Still just 18, the former Canberra Raiders junior and NSW Country under 18s representative, who plays either second row or in the centres, was pivotal for the Roosters in their charge towards grand final glory this year.
“He’s a very hard, wiry kid. He’s tough,” says Bega president Phil Dummet. “Matt’s a good running forward and a good centre as well.”
Liam Kelly (Bega Roosters)
Another one of the Roosters’ young guns, the five-eighth showed his toughness and really blossomed as a player throughout 2022.
“Liam took plenty of hits this year, including in the grand final. But he’s a good five-eighth and he’s got a good kicking game,” says Dummet.
Clay Ellison (Tathra Sea Eagles)
Still only 19, the crafty goalkicking half, who can also fill in at hooker, was central to the Sea Eagles’ run towards the grand final this season, where they went down to Bega.
Ty Dowdle (Tathra Sea Eagles)
A versatile player who spent most of the year at fullback, filled in at hooker and then finished the season in the centres, 19-year-old former Monaro Colts rep player made the step up from under 18s to become an integral part of the first grade squad.
He even had the honour lining up alongside his brothers Luke and Jack in the grand final.
Jahream Lole-Ngarima (Batemans Bay Tigers)
Coming in at 110kg-plus, the 18-year-old front-rower was a standout for the Tigers’ first grade team after finishing the SG Ball season for the Illawarra Steelers, making the Group 16 open rep side and attracting the interest of South Sydney for next season.
“He’s very skilful for a big guy and very aggressive as well,” said Batemans Bay under 18s coach Justin Taylor.
Michael Griffiths (Batemans Bay Tigers)
Another 18 year-old who played a full season in first grade, the Canberra Raiders youth product overcame a knee injury to put in an excellent season for the Tigers.
While mainly a five-eighth, with a big frame and strong ball-running skills, Griffiths can also slot into the back row.
Hunter Marsh (Moruya Sharks)
The shining light in what was a very difficult season for the Sharks, the Monaro Colts rep player held his head high with his performances at fullback and centre.
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