20 South Sydney Rabbitohs Harold Matts, SG Ball, Lisa Fiaola, Tarsha Gale squad players to watch in ‘25
It was a tough season for the South Sydney Rabbitohs on the junior reps front in 2024, but they’re determined to turn things around next season. We take a look at 20 players who can lift them to glory.
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The 2024 junior reps season wasn’t a memorable one for the Rabbitohs with all four teams missing out on the finals.
They’re determined to change that this upcoming year with four strong squads named across the Harold Matthews, Lisa Fiaola, SG Ball and Tarsha Gale Cup competitions.
We take a look at 20 players from the squads who can make a big impact in 2025.
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Harold Matthews - Lisa Fiaola - SG Ball - Tarsha Gale
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HAROLD MATTHEWS
KAIASI TALAKAI
The younger brother of former Reds, Rebels, Waratahs and Wallabies prop Sam, Kaasi is a dual-code talent who is also in the Waratahs underage system.
Has played his junior footy with Mascot and Maroubra while studying at renowned union school Waverley College. Is one Souths would love to keep in league.
MALAKI SCHWALGER-IOANE
Another who is also in the union system as part of the Sydney U16s, Schwalger-Ioane has shown plenty of talent as a lock in league.
Part of a strong Coogee Wombats U16s side this season, he’s a genuine wrecking ball when given good ball.
JAYDEN ROOKE
Brings an Oztag background to the fold but has been making waves in league with his club team La Perouse and for Matraville Sports High in the Schoolboys Cup.
Playing up in age for both clubs against 18 year olds gives him the perfect lead-in to a junior reps season as a versatile lock/halfback.
DARCY FELTHAM
Will be one of the most in-demand youngsters in the game over the next little period as the Rabbitohs look to win out the battle to keep him long term.
The City U16s representative from this season has also featured for, and made a big impression with the Waratahs U16s in their acadmey program.
CLAYTON MCGOON
Talented winger who enters his second season of Harold Matts with the Rabbitohs and will no doubt benefit from that experience.
The Coogee Wombats junior has been a regular in rep sides coming up through the grades and his finishing ability on the wing will be crucial for Souths.
LISA FIAOLA
SARAH FAKHR
A halfback the Rabbitohs have identified as someone to bring into the female program from Guildford.
Was among the leading scorers in the competition this season. Brings a good goalkicking boot and they’ll be keen to grab her before Parramatta does.
LANI ANDERSON
Coming into her second season with the Rabbitohs after performing well this year and finishing as the third-leading try scorer.
A speedy outside back who has represented the Philippines at the junior level, she is set to take her game to another level.
VIKA PALU
An interesting addition to the squad after playing her junior football with St Marys in the strong Penrith region.
She can fill a number of positions in the backline and despite turning just 15 next year, there’s no doubting the young gun is an exciting prospect.
CLAUDIA NAIRN
The second rower comes back to the Rabbitohs for another Fiaola Cup stint and she shapes as a real leadership option.
Captained Collegians in the combined Illawarra Group 7 U16s season and can push for a starting position this time around.
MARKAYLAH TALANOA
Part of a star-studded Cabramatta U16s side who took all before them this season with Talanoa a key part of that in the centres.
Talanoa showed promise when given an opportunity last year and she looks set for an increased role in 2025.
SG BALL
LACHLAN WALTERS
A versatile talent who makes the step up from Harold Matthews to SG Ball this season after winning a conference competition with the Coogee Wombats U18s.
We’ve seen him feature at five-eighth and fullback throughout the season and it will be interesting to see where he fits into coach Tyrone McCarthy’s plans.
THOMAS O’CALLAGHAN
Another stepping up from an U17s campaign and he looked the goods out in the centres throughout the year.
The Mascot Jets junior brings vital size to the outside backs and he looks like he can certainly fill a role if given the shot.
MATTHEW HUMPHRIES
One of the brightest male prospects in the pathways, named SG Ball Player of the Year for the club last year and earning a call-up to Jersey Flegg.
Not the biggest halfback by any stretch, but he takes on the line and has a great kicking game that makes him a player the Rabbitohs are keen to keep a hold of.
LISIATE MACKAY-FILIHIA
Preparing for his second season with the Rabbitohs after playing Matts last year following a stint with Manly.
The Endeavour Sports product is a big centre who is quick when he finds open space and looks a likely player to progress his game.
LANCELOT TOVIO
An outside back/second rower with the benefit of a season already at the U19s level and has featured at the ASSRL Championships for NSW CIS two years running.
Brings experience at a high level and can translate that into a strong season at this grade as the Rabbitohs look to get over the hump.
TARSHA GALE
KIARA MCGREGOR
No surprise to see the 17-year-old here after an incredible 2024 where she led the Fiaola Cup side in the halves before getting her shot at Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership level.
There’s no doubt she’ll be given the keys to the team at the U19s level and she gets the chance to show why she’s one of the most exciting halves in the competition.
AVA LAVENDER
Comes across from a campaign with the St George Dragons and was a bright spark in a tough year for the Red V.
The Engadine Dragons junior was selected in the NSW CIS side this year and she can add a touch of class out wide on the wing.
JESSICA BORG
The Singleton junior and front rower has been rewarded for her good form with the Greyhounds in the Hunter with a shot at the junior rep level.
Featured for Malta in a fixture against the Philippines recently and she certainly didn’t look out of place against a solid opposition of grown women.
MACKENZIE SCHOULTZ
No doubt would’ve been among the first picked in the Rabbitohs squad after a very good campaign last year.
Schoultz brings an aggression and workload that will be needed for Souths to compete against the best sides. A very strong second rower.
PHOENIX WILLIAMS
The daughter of former Rabbitoh Joe, Phoenix has been in the South Sydney system for a few years now and was a standout at Lisa Fiaola level in 2023.
Was part of the strong Redfern All Blacks opens team this year and that experience will be invaluable for the young winger who can mark her mark next year.
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