Top 30: Established and emerging local footy stars to watch in 2023 Group 7 Rugby League
Group 7 Rugby League kicks off on the south coast of NSW this weekend. Check out 30 of the most exciting players to watch throughout the 2023 season.
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LOCAL footy is back for 2023 and it’s kicking off on the south coast of New South Wales.
Group 7 Rugby League is back for another exciting year as the Warilla-Lake South Gorillas look to fend off nine hunters and defend their crown from 2022.
We’ve compiled a list of 30 of the most exciting local talents to watch this season, with a mix of established players and rising stars to watch.
Don’t forget to check out of ultimate preview of the upcoming Group 7 season.
JOSH SAINSBURY (Albion Park-Oak Flat Eagles)
An Albion Park junior who returns to the side after a stint with Wests in the Mojo Homes Cup.
The lock forward will take the captain responsibilities this season adding a new dimension of leadership to his game.
KANE BALL (Albion Park-Oak Flat Eagles)
Described by his coach as “a bit of a freak”, Ball is another Eagles junior returning from a stint at Cronulla.
A magic fullback who can simply make things happen, also with the quality to drop into the half and centres if needed.
BUDDY BRANDICK (Albion Park-Oak Flats Eagles)
Coming into his third season as an Eagle, big things are expected of Brandick in 2023.
The second-rower has been impressive in the trials and looks to have picked up where he left off.
BILLY HAYBURN (Berry-Shoalhaven Heads Magpies)
A fit and energetic halfback who brings a lot to the side.
Constantly going “100 miles an hour” according to his coach, he’s set for a pivotal role in 2023.
RHYS FAGERLUND (Berry-Shoalhaven Heads Magpies)
Fresh to the team from the Gerringong Lions, Fagerlund is set to be an important utility player.
Can slot in the lock or hooker and is seen as an important investment into the future of the club.
RORY MCCALL (Berry-Shoalhaven Heads Magpies)
A big framed backrower who makes strong carries and is very important to the side due to his workrates.
ALEXANDER WEIR (Gerringong Lions)
A front rower who gets better with age.
A staple of the Lions side that the team can always rely on.
HAMISH HOLLAND (Gerringong Lions)
A player on the younger side of things with a lot of potential.
A hard running centre who gets stuck in both on attack and defence and will be big for the club in the future.
NATHAN GALLESTEGUI (Jamberoo Superoos)
An explosive fullback looking to dominate in 2023.
Started his Superoos career on the wing before transitioning to fullback, catching everyone off guard with just how good he is.
MATT FORSYTH (Jamberoo Superoos)
Was a bit of a utility player in his first season at the Superoos, but after an impressive pre-season he’ll be looking to cement a starting role in the centres.
LUKE ASQUITH (Jamberoo Superoos)
On-field captain for the Jamberoo side for the first time this season.
A lock forward who has been deserving of more responsibility and will have no problem stepping up to the plate.
TYLER CLARK (Kiama Knights)
Another leader for the Knights, having the experience of triumphing in the 2019 grand final.
A front rower who has been looking fit and strong in the pre-season.
KADE HOTHAM (Kiama Knights)
A young talent that the club sees plenty of potential in.
Currently a winger but has the quality that will no doubt see him move into the spine at some point down the line.
DANIEL MARTIN (Kiama Knights)
A local junior looking to bounce back this season after a 2022 that was plagued by injuries.
He provides great leadership and quality from hooker, leading through the middle and bringing great experience to the spine.
KIRRAN ROUGHLEY (Milton-Ulladulla Bulldogs)
Set for a big year after working hard in the off-season to improve his fitness.
Formerly a centre but now in the front row, he’ll be playing big minutes in 2023 and will look to punish defences with his footwork and offloading ability.
SAM ENGLAND (Milton-Ulladulla Bulldogs)
An exciting prospect that has had a breakout pre-season as he looks to nail a starting lock spot in round one.
Described by his coach as a bit of an unsung hero on the field, he’s a tireless worker.
TYLER SPROULE (Milton-Ulladulla Bulldogs)
Currently in the U18s, but with talent that could see him play first grade this season.
A lock forward who didn’t look out of place among the big boys during pre-season trials.
TYSON SIMPSON (Nowra Bomaderry Jets)
A second rower who has been in Group 7 for a few years now and is expected to take up a leadership role among the boys.
Has been on fire in pre-season, with his coach backing him among the best second rowers in the league.
JONAH LONGBOTTOM (Nowra Bomaderry Jets)
A young front rower who the coach is putting a lot of faith in this year, but is backed to be dominant this year and in years to come.
ATUNAISA MATORI (Nowra Bomaderry Jets)
Will be looking to stamp his mark on first grade this season after playing third grade last year.
The centre has shown great ability in the pre-season as a damaging ball runner and confident defender.
DYLAN FARRELL (Nowra Bomaderry Jets)
Former NRL star with the South Sydney Rabbitohs and St George Illawarra Dragons.
Returns to the club after a year off, bringing exceptional quality and leadership on and off the field.
EMANUEL SULTANA (Shellharbour Sharks)
An established five-eighth looking to stamp his mark on the competition once again in 2023.
ISAAC MORRIS (Shellharbour Sharks)
Will partner Sultana in the halves, unleashing an exciting new combination for the Sharks.
Replacing club and league legend Matt Carroll who hung up the boots after last season.
NICK HAY (Shellharbour Sharks)
A tireless worker from the lock forward position for the Sharks.
His defensive ability and overall toughness is second to none.
COLBY SMITH (Stingrays of Shellharbour)
An energetic hooker set for a big year in the starting side, having been off the bench last season.
Small in stature but big in heart and very skilful.
JIMMY SCOTT (Stingrays of Shellharbour)
A young and electric talent who had a breakout season at the Illawarra South Coast Dragons in 2022.
A fullback with a lot of heart who brings life to his side.
WILL LATU (Stingrays of Shellharbour)
New to the side and coming from a rugby union background.
Big Will Latu is a developing talent who will start off the bench for the side, but has the potential to be one of the most devastating back rowers in the competition.
TYRONE ROBERTS (Warilla-Lake South Gorillas)
Another talented young footballer with experience training with the Wests Tigers.
A five-eighth who has been a super sub in the past but will look to nail a starting spot in the halves this season.
ZANE BOERSMA (Warilla-Lake South Gorillas)
Over three years sidelined with shoulder reconstruction issues, this lad has earned a good patch of form.
He has fitted right back into the squad in pre-season as he looks to find his groove again in the back row.
DANE NELSON (Warilla-Lake South Gorillas)
Small in stature but big in heart and effort.
A centre who is still young but seems to get better every year, becoming a bit of an all-rounder for the Gorillas.
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