NRL 2022: The junior clubs behind the Penrith Panthers and Parramatta Eels
The battle of the west takes centre stage between the Penrith Panthers and Parramatta Eels in this weekend’s NRL grand finals, and we look at the local clubs all 34 players represented in their younger days.
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THEY’RE the 34 players who will run out onto Accor Stadium on Sunday night with the chance to live out every junior rugby league player’s dream.
As the Penrith Panthers and Parramatta Eels prepare for one of the biggest stages in the sport, the adoring eyes of the next crop of superstars will be watching across the country.
They were once in their shoes, idolising the likes of Greg Alexander and Peter Sterling, for the chance to be where they are now.
In anticipation for Sunday’s decider, we look at the junior football clubs of all 34 Panthers and Eels players.
PENRITH PANTHERS
1. DYLAN EDWARDS
The classy fullback has made a name for himself in recent times as one of the game’s most consistent players.
Hailing from Albury, Edwards played his junior football with the Bellingen Dorrigo Magpies.
2. CHARLIE STAINES
Retains his spot on the wing after Taylan May was ruled out due to injury.
Known as the ‘Forbes Ferrari’ dating back to his days with the Forbes Magpies, and knows how to find the tryline.
3. IZACK TAGO
The St Mary’s Saints junior is enjoying a breakout season in the centres.
Got a crack of first grade last year and has turned the jersey into his own in 2022.
4. STEPHEN CRICHTON
Another Panther enjoying a stellar season after making his Origin debut earlier in the year.
Grew up playing for the St Clair Comets after he was born in Samoa, who he will represent in the World Cup this year.
5. BRIAN TO’O
Part of the strong contingent of St Mary’s Saints juniors currently in this Panthers line-up.
Like Crichton, donned the sky blue of NSW and is part of a stacked Samoa side to tackle the World Cup.
6. JAROME LUAI
The X-factor at five-eighth for the Panthers.
Part of a very strong St Mary’s Saints outfit growing up and always represents his roots in Mt Druitt with pride.
7. NATHAN CLEARY
The current favourite for the Clive Churchill Medal and the incumbent NSW halfback.
Was always destined to represent the Panthers after growing up and playing for Brothers Penrith.
8. MOSES LEOTA
One of the unsung heroes of a star-studded Panthers pack.
Played with the St Mary’s Saints as a youngster after coming across from New Zealand.
9. APISAI KOROISAU
Has been one of Penrith’s most important players in recent times.
A Berala Bears junior who has won dual premierships with the Rabbitohs and Penrith last year.
10. JAMES FISHER-HARRIS
Solidifying his spot as one of the NRL’s premier front rowers and a big performance would only enhance that.
Born and bred in New Zealand, Fisher-Harris’s junior club was Whangarei Marist Brothers.
11. VILIAME KIKAU
Departing for Canterbury next year and striving for back-to-back premierships.
Born in Fiji, where he played rugby union as a youngster before the North Queensland Cowboys first signed him.
12. LIAM MARTIN
Been a part of the Blues team for the last two years and is a workhorse for his club.
Grew up and represented the Temora Dragons before entering the Panthers system as a teenager.
13. ISAAH YEO
The Dally M captain of the year also claimed the honour of best lock for his big year.
Learnt his way at St Johns Dubbo before coming through the Panthers junior system and into the big time.
14. MITCH KENNY
Will we see Kenny start the match on the field or on the interchange bench?
Regardless, the Windsor Wolves junior will no doubt continue his strong partnership with Koroisau.
15. SCOTT SORENSEN
Been a real force coming off the bench for Penrith this year.
Was a Cronulla-Caringbah Sharks junior growing up and made his debut there before switching west.
16. SPENCER LENIU
Doing well to play this weekend after copping a nasty shot against the Rabbitohs, but earns his place on the interchange.
The Minchinbury Jets junior has been huge this season.
17. JAEMAN SALMON
A former Parramatta Eel who can get one over his old club this weekend.
A junior De La Salle Caringbah who rose through the Sharks junior reps system.
PARRAMATTA EELS
1. CLINT GUTHERSON
Parramatta’s skipper leads the way from the back and is looking for his crowning moment. Played with the Cromer Kingfishers as a junior before going on to make his NRL debut with Manly.
2. MAIKA SIVO
The star Fijian winger moved across from his native country and played with the Gundagai Tigers.
He was signed with the Panthers before joining the Eels and making his debut.
3. WILL PENISINI
Made his debut midway through last year and has been a regular ever since out in the centres.
A Rouse Hill Rhinos junior alongside Jake Arthur, and named in the Tongan squad for the World Cup.
4. BAILEY SIMONSSON
Gets the nod to start in the centres with Tom Opacic ruled out of the game due to injury.
A Harbord Devils junior who joined the club this season from the Canberra Raiders.
5. WAQA BLAKE
After a tough first week of the finals, Blake has responded in good fashion with a pair of very solid games.
Born in Fiji before moving to Australia where he played with the Brighton Seagulls, before debuting with the Panthers.
6. DYLAN BROWN
If there was a most improved award on Dally M night, he’d be a leading contender.
Born and bred in New Zealand, where he played his junior football with the Hikurangi Stags.
7. MITCHELL MOSES
Moses had links with the Eels during a junior, representing the club in the Harold Matt’s competition before debuting with the Wests Tigers.
He played for the Carlingford Cougars and Holy Cross Rhinos throughout his junior days.
8. REAGAN CAMPBELL-GILLARD
Coming off a near perfect performance against the Cowboys in the preliminary final.
Was a Rooty Hill Dragons player in his younger days and was a past Penrith Panther before making the move to their rivals.
9. REED MAHONEY
Off to the Canterbury Bulldogs next year, but he’ll be looking to end his Eels career on a high.
A Queenslander, Mahoney spent time with the Beerwah Bulldogs and Kawana Dolphins.
10. JUNIOR PAULO
One of the most powerful forwards in the game, Paulo is on a tear at the moment.
Played junior footy with the Ashcroft Stallions and Cabramatta Two Blues, and is a Samoan representative.
11. SHAUN LANE
Has been an absolute beast on an edge for the Eels this year with his trademark offload.
Started out his football journey with the South Eastern Seagulls before linking with the Clovelly Crocs.
12. ISAIAH PAPALI’I
Was a hot commodity when coming onto the open market, such has his form been with Parramatta.
The New Zealand native is a Te Atatu Roosters junior and he debuted with the Warriors.
13. RYAN MATTERSON
Had his first appearance for the NSW Blues this season.
A Wentworthville Magpies and Bankstown Bulls junior, played with the Roosters and Tigers before returning home to the Eels.
14. NATHAN BROWN
Recalled to the Parramatta side after multiple weeks on the sideline, and his aggression will be a huge factor.
Stints with Five Dock RSL, Dundas, Fairfield and Cabramatta during his junior days before playing in the NRL with the Tigers and Rabbitohs.
15. JAKE ARTHUR
Will fill the role of utility back should anything go wrong for the Eels.
Was a Rouse Hill Rhinos junior who got the chance to make his debut last year.
16. OREGON KAUFUSI
The Eels will be looking for his trademark impact off the bench if they’re to knock off the Panthers.
Born in New Zealand, Kaufusi played with the Wentworthville Magpies while rising up the ranks.
17. MARATA NIUKORE
Another New Zealand born player in this Eels side, Niukore was a representative of the Mangere East Hawks.
Is set to join the Warriors next year, so looking to go out on a high.
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