2024 SG Ball Cup season preview: Every club previewed ahead of U19s men’s season
It’s the competition that shines a light on the NRL’s future and with the talent lining up in SG Ball, this year is no exception. We provide an in-depth season preview of all 16 competing clubs.
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The SG Ball Cup is one of the most respected underage league competitions in the world, with a proven track record of producing NRL stars.
A handful even make the leap from U19s to first grade last year, signalling just how good this current crop is.
Check out our in-depth season preview of all 16 clubs competing this season.
JUMP TO
Balmain Tigers - Canberra Raiders - Canterbury Bulldogs - Cronulla Sharks - Illawarra Steelers - Manly Sea Eagles - Melbourne Storm - Newcastle Knights - New Zealand Warriors - North Sydney Bears - Parramatta Eels - Penrith Panthers - South Sydney Rabbitohs - St George Dragons - Sydney Roosters - Western Suburbs Magpies
BALMAIN TIGERS
Captain: Kian Edmed
Coach: Chris Yates
Last season: 12th (3-6)
Why they will be competitive: A clear message has come from above about what is expected, and Yates believes the team is responding in great fashion.
“The message has come from above that they want to build resilience and reward effort on effort,” he said.
“From what happened last year, most teams will look at the Tigers as an easy game, but the boys have put in a great pre-season and will shock a few teams.
“We’re a pretty young team with a few that will be eligible for SG Ball again in 2025. They’re all good fellas and it’s important for their careers they understand someone is always watching.
“They put in a great effort each week at training and every part of that training has been improving. They’ve all been sharp and have come back from the Christmas break in good shape.”
Key fixture: Wests (round six) and Cronulla (round one). Being in the Wests Tigers system together it’s a game they always look towards. Their opener against the Sharks will also give a good indication of how their preparations have gone.
Players to watch: Kian Edmed and Jared Haywood are the leaders of the group with Kian at lock and Jared playing hooker. Edmed’s father Steve is a former Tiger and his brother Tane plays with the Waratahs. Cohen Benson is a nice pick-up from Penrith who can play in the halves. He has a chip and chase, plays either side of the ruck and is a talented player from Wagga. Marc Tannous and Jekope Sovau have also impressed officials during the summer months and are set for big season as well.
Squad: Adam Meslemani, Archie Riley, Cameron Kanaan, Cayden Close, Chad Daniels, Charles Manapori-Reu, Christian Taula, Cohen Benson, Connor Tandberg, Cooper Petterson, Cooper Rauhihi, Dougie Tuala, Gabe Stuart, Henri Young, Hosea Kedzlie, Jared Haywood, Jonah Watson, Jordan Bunt, Keenan Lawandos, Kian Edmed, Levi Gwynne Tui’tahi, Marc Tannous, Massimo Maestrale, Matt Aitchison, Nehemiah Wuatai-Davis, Nelson Solo, Ratu Sovau, Sam Schmitzer, Xavier Tauaifaiga
CANBERRA RAIDERS
Captain: Owen Hromow
Coach: Peter Marrapodi
Last season: 1st (8-1, lost in semi finals)
Why they will be competitive: The Green Machine were no doubt disappointed to walk away from season 2023 without the top prize after their domination in the regular season.
They’re back and hungry in 2024 though, with some top young talents joining their ranks and some standouts from last year returning a year wiser.
“It’s our expectation to be up there every year, it’s a lot to live up to but that’s the standard,” Marrapodi said.
“We’ve got lots of guys coming back who know what’s expected of them, as well as some new players who have shown a lot of skill and talent.
“We’re only just all coming together now, we’ve had a lot of squad members training with Flegg and NRL squads.”
Key fixtures: Warriors (round seven), Dragons (round eight) and Rabbitohs (round nine) presents a challenging run of three straight away games to end the regular season, which in Marrapodi’s mind means a potential for five away games on the trot when you add finals into the mix.
Players to watch: Hooker Xavier Cacciotti is a genuine superstar in the making, having dominated the Laurie Daley Cup last season with 12 tries in five games from hooker. According to Marrapodi, Cacciotti was “on the level” of those who went on to play NRL last year, with the coach eager for Cacciotti to “show off his skills” this season. Owen Hromow captained the side last year while being a year young, returning this year with the experience of representing the City U18s team. “His body is starting to develop into an adult footballer,” so no doubt he’ll be tough to handle from lock. Elvis Nauer-Wood is another who represented the City U18s last year, a big kid who has developed a lot over the last year and will be damaging from prop.
Squad: BJ Darmody, Maika Poese, Bailey Nash, Mark Tuialii, Izayah Petricevich, Ethan Alaia, Keahn Skipps, Elvis Nauer-Wood, Xavier Cacciotti, Sam Hyne, Mahonri Tiotala, Jordan Uta, Owen Hromow, Sam Chapman, Thomas Lunney, Taylor Withington, Jayze Tuigamala, Alex Hardy, Andrew Muir, Matthew Cox, Harry Hudson, Brock Apolevski, Harvey Gay, Cain Hastie, Sam Griffin, Charlie Henderson, James Croker, Lekani Mpaso, Keisaia Su’a, Dakai Lilo-Bolatagaci, Jonah Anderson, Mathias Tomuli Ah-Koi, Mitchell Brophy, Jai Purser, Jayden Wolfe
CANTERBURY BULLDOGS
Captain: Mitchell Woods
Coach: Steve Turner
Last season: 8th (5-4)
Why they will be competitive: The Bulldogs just missed out on a place in last season’s finals, but with the support of a respected junior development program they’ll be tough to keep down for long, and according to coach and former Bulldogs NRL star Steve Turner they are ready to make a move.
“There is a strong work ethic and connection among the group,” said Turner.
“Having a number of the club’s 2023 Harold Matthews Cup winning team in the squad has brought that competitive edge and they are a group that love their footy.”
Key fixtures: Roosters (round one), Knights (Round two) and Panthers (round three). Canterbury open the season with arguably the toughest draw in the competition. Pitted against three of last season’s top six teams in the first three weeks, the Bulldogs will probably need at least one victory to remain in touch with the frontrunners.
Players to watch: Logan Spinks is an Australian Schoolboys backrower and graduate from Canterbury’s North Coast academy. Highly skilled, he’s one of the groups leaders and is well respected among the group.
Halfback Mitchell Woods led the Bulldogs to last season’s Harold Matts title. After resisting the approaches of AFL and rugby, the highly regarded and competitive No.7 recently signed a long term deal at Canterbury. A local junior from St Christophers, the goalkicking playmaker has been earmarked for a bright future.
On the recruitment front, Alex Conti is a major signing from Balmain. Equally at home at home in the No.6 or halfback, the Junior Blues rep is a highly respected organiser with an astute kick game.
Squad: Latrell Fing, Cheldon Hayward, Hamish Wilson, Sosaia Kaufusi, Jethro Rinakima, Alex Conti, Mitchell Woods, Oliva Smith, Zaidas Muagututia, Massimo Mari, Logan Spinks, Sosefo Finau, Pat Young, Mitch Rogers, Bud Smith, Jed Reardon, Sosaia Alatini, Jayden Smith, Bailey Myers, Bronson Emery, Oscar Jorgensen, Joseph Teaupa, Shaye Fa’aonga, Roy Tatupu, Jet Day, David Leota, Sione Siulua, Sheldon Abbey, Tyrus Salanoa, Mo Hadid, Taj Matthews, Lachlan Mifsud, Chris Makhlouf, Kaleb Eaton, Taj Hughes
CRONULLA SHARKS
Captain: TBA
Coach: Dave Howlett
Last season: 10th (3-6)
Why they will be competitive: After failing to qualify for the finals last season, pathways manager Glenn Brailey says the Sharks are in a far better place following the club’s recruitment strategy during a busy off-season.
“We hope to be competitive in 2024 based on a combination of local and recruited players who have been gelling throughout the pre-season,” said Brailey.
Key fixture: Balmain Tigers (round one). While Cronulla kicks off their campaign with the first three games on home soil, the opening contest against Balmain could prove pivotal. With competition heavyweights Parramatta and Canberra to follow, the Sharks can ill afford to slip up against a Tigers outfit that finished 12th in 2023.
Players to watch: One of several key recruits, Riley Pollard is a dynamic playmaker who spent last season playing SG Ball for Penrith where he collected the emerging talent award. With a reliable boot and strong running game, he capped off a fine 2023 with Australian Schoolboys selection.
Alex Challenor steps up to the U19s after a breakout season in the Harold Matts last year saw the promising lock crowned Cronulla’s junior rep player of the year.
A De La Salle junior, he’s not out of place putting in the hard yards through the middle and continues to develop as a leader.
Out wide, Nikora Williams will be out to replicate his barnstorming efforts in the Harold Matts last year. A product of Endeavour Sports High, the strapping centre played alongside Pollard in the Australian Schoolboys side in Papua New Guinea.
Squad: Lama Afu, Lachlan Araullo, Dallas Blackburn-Kingi, Jasper Catton, Alex Challenor, William Charles, Beniel Dakunibubului, Jai Davies, Tanna Featherstone, Pharrel Gray, Cooper Hannay, Sione Latu, Albert Litisoni, Daniel Louka, Max McCarthy, Kurt Montgomery, Kalan Ngaika, Joseph Partch, Manako Piutau, Riley Pollard, Cairo Ruri, Bryce Sait, Harry Samuel, Adrian Sandy, William Saunders, Ashton Simmonds, Will Stewart, Jack Taper, Tipene Thompson, Richard Whalebone, Nikora Williams, Blake Woodger
ILLAWARRA STEELERS
Captain: Daniel Meafou
Coach: Shaun Timmins
Last season: 7th (5-1-3)
Why they will be competitive: With one of their own greatest exports at the wheel for 2024 in Shaun Timmins, there’s a healthy buzz around the Illawarra Steelers camp.
Narrowly missing out on finals in 2023, the Steelers have a squad packed full of talent, with the likes of Hayden Buchanan and Kade Reed having been training alongside the NRL squad.
“We’ve got some exciting young players in the halves and the outside backs, all over the park really,” Timmins said.
“A lot of them are a year young, so will be backing up and playing next year as well.
“We want to make finals of course, and the players are good enough to do so. Our goal though is to hopefully be developing the boys as players and people into professionals.”
Key fixtures: St George (round seven) is a tasty local derby that Timmins has his eye on, as too with Parramatta (round four) at WIN Stadium, traditionally a tough test for the Steelers against the opposition.
Players to watch: Speedster Charlie Heidke has been impressing in pre-season from the outside backs. With a rugby background, he impressed at club level for Berry Shoalhaven Heads Magpies where he scored 22 tries last season. Toby Rumble can play anywhere across the backline and has pace to burn, knowing how to perform under pressure, having scored in the Laurie Daley Cup grand final last season. Drew Langdon is another looking to impose himself in the squad this year. A former Country rep, the physical young gun has impressed in pre-season and will be lining up in the back row
Squad: Tyrone Amone, Viliami Amone, Hudson Bailey, Clay Baldock, Bohden Barrett, Lucas Borg, Hayden Buchanan, Aaymon Fitzgibbon, Charlie Heidke, Eden Hodges, Lyhkan King-Togia, Tom Kirk, Tom Knox, Drew Langdon, Isaac Laughton, Bailey Marks, Daniel Meafou, Lincoln Miners, Ramses Munro, Seth Pearman, Braith Plecas, Kade Reed, Jackson Rieck, Toby Rumble, Jackson Smith, Jarrah Treweek, Lachlan Weir, Harry Wililo
MANLY SEA EAGLES
Captain: Dylan Coyte
Coach: Nathan Hogan
Last season: 15th (1-8)
Why they will be competitive: A lot has to change from last year for Manly to find themselves in the fold, but it looks like they’ve done just that.
With some new faces, players rising through the ranks and a new coach with a background in strength and conditioning, there’ll be no issues with these boys being ready for the challenge straight away.
Despite finishing 15th, they have the 10th best attack in 2023, so they’ll be looking to maintain that intensity with the ball in hand.
Key fixture: Knights (round five). A clash against a rival smack bang in the middle of the season will give the perfect indicator if this side has turned things around. They have a tough first five weeks before their draw eases.
Players to watch: Simione Laifai is a mobile front rower who performed strongly at the ASSRL U18s last season and shapes as a real leader in the forward pack. Riley Burke was a tryscoring machine for Erina in A-grade at just 17 years of age last year and is one player that can provide a real spark to this side.
Squad: Riley Burke, Lachie Davis, Benji Keene-O’Keefe, Alton Naiyep, Druzel Taula, Charlie Boyle, Callum Dowell, Simione Laiafi, Bailey Schneider, Campbell Munn, Will Lane, Dylan Coyte, Riley Watson-Miletic, Rome Toomey, Jett Jackson, David Kelly, Blake Long, Lenni Plati, Max Dalby-Ball Faithfull
MELBOURNE STORM
Captain: TBA
Coach: Ash Lanfranchi
Last season: 16th (1-8)
Why they will be competitive: Despite finishing the past two seasons at the foot of the table, the long term prospects of the club’s SG Ball side are set to benefit from the addition of a team to this year’s under-17 Harold Matthews Cup.
With a strong finish to last season’s SG Ball competition that included an encouraging performance against eventual premiers Parramatta, and with numerous players returning, Melbourne are well placed to cause a few surprises.
Key fixtures: Round four (Balmain), round five (Dragons), round six (Sea Eagles). Melbourne’s mid-season draw shapes as an opportunity for the side to make a move. With three consecutive matches against sides that failed to make the finals last season, including two at home, the Storm will be eager to convert their hard work to points on the table.
Players to watch: Hugo Peel had a taste of SG Ball action on the wing last season and returns for a another year desperate to hold down the No.1 jumper. With a background in rugby union, he’s highly skilled with ball in hand and difficult to contain given half a chance.
Blessed with attacking weapons out wide, towering centre Nisifolo Fauonuku is definitely one to keep an eye on. Earned selection for Combined Affiliated States at last year’s under-18s championships and offers the Storm plenty of strike.
In the pack, Suli Pole will be better for last season’s run. A menacing front-rower with speed and footwork, the Sunbury Tigers junior has represented Victoria at schoolboys level.
Squad: Brad Higgins, Ethan Van Gelderen, Josiah Moreli, Burnham Salesa, Harper Collins, Malachi Vaeau, Chae Sinclair, Harrison Hill, Nisifolo Fauonuku, Chase Paterson, Hugo Peel, Philip Telea, Clayton Tapelu, Ioane Lui, Rhylis Hohepa, Cooper Fuller, Ivana Tuafuti, Rua Ropoama, David Tuariki, Jacob Tinsley, Shalom Uatisone, Dela Cruz Ripley, Jaziah Tefilo – Koko, Suli Pole, Devonte Vaotu’ua, Jett Elich, Tully McLellan, Dylan Galagher, Joseph Vela, Will Semu
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS
Captain: Malachi Smith
Coach: Matt Nicholls
Last season: Third (8-2-2, lost grand final)
Why they will be competitive: 2023 was a great year for the Knights’ junior rep sides, with teams in the Andrew Johns Cup (under-16s), Harold-Matthews (under-17s) and SG Ball (under-19s) all making their respective grand finals. With some of the best Matts players from last season making the jump up an age group, as well as last year’s underage players backing up for another season of SG Ball, the Knights have a team chock full of representative young guns and can be confident of another strong showing in the competition.
Key fixtures: After falling to Parramatta by just six points in last year’s grand final, the Knights will no doubt will looking for some redemption when they take on the Eels at St John’s Oval in a round six home clash.
Players to watch: One of the returning crew of Ball players who starred last year, halfback Jye Linnane has continued his excellent progression after doing the pre-Christmas pre-season with the NRL squad. After getting a taste of A-grade footy by debuting for hometown club Kurri in last year’s Newcastle Rugby League season, Linnane will be looked upon as a senior figure to marshal the side around the park.
Elsewhere, edge forward Jermaine McEwen and hooker Malachi Smith have also recently come off a pre-season with the NRL side and will be up for a big season after building on strong 2023 seasons.
Squad: Connor Votano, Sosaia Latu, Wilson De Courcey, Logan Aoake, Harley Walker, Jye Linnane, Haami Loza, Brock Thomas, Malachi Smith, Cody Hopwood, Jermaine McEwen, Will Cannavo, Jack Hilliar, Fletcher Hunt, Beau Slade, Te Kaio Cranwell, Wailer Whaiapu
NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS
Captains: Kayliss Fatialofa and Jaydee Auloa
Coach: Grant Pocklington
Last season: 9th (4-5)
Why they will be competitive: Pocklington believes the addition of the Warriors in the U17s will help lay the platform for the Warriors to be strong in the coming years.
“We’re a bit different to other clubs in that we’ve only started this year in Harold Matthews,” he said.
“These boys have never been through a system so we’ll teach them how to train week in, week out and they’ve trained very well so far.
“They’ll be a lot better in the next year or two. We’re focused on educating the boys on how to train properly and they’re definitely responding. The running and gym aspect they’ve been doing well.
“The ability to execute under fatigue will be key, having not been in a system to do that before.
“One thing we know with the NZ boys is skill is never a problem. We’re encouraging them to play the Kiwi style of footy, it comes a lot more naturally.”
Key fixtures: Parramatta (round one) and North Sydney (round two). A match against the defending premiers to kick off the season will be a great gauge for the club on how the pre-season as gone. They head home to take on the Bears and will have that excitement of playing in front of their families.
Players to watch: Rodney Tuipulotu Vea played a couple of games last year after returning from a couple of years of injury. He badly broke his leg but is back to full strength. Malakai Cama makes the transition over from union and he shapes up as an exciting winger or fullback. Captains Fatialofa (second row/centre) and Auloa (hooker) are better for the run last year after playing in 2023. This experience won’t be new to them and they’ll lead from the front.
Squad: JD Auloa, Malakai Cama, Alvin Chong-Nee, Tallan Egan, Ezekiel Faga-Ieti, Kayliss Fatialofa, Jeriko Filipi-Talisau, Augustino Filipo, Malachi Filipo, Hiraka Haenga-Waitai, Noah Harmer-Campbell, Tyrone Hurt-Pickering, Mikaele Ilaiu, Noah Jensen, Lucky Kali, Andrew Nansen, Asher Norman-Te Pou, Hame Palelei, Motu Pasikala, Meihana Pauling, Kalani Peyroux-Donaldson, Te Waaka Popata-Henare, Lyrakai-Layke Posimani, Compton Purcell, Jason Salalilo, Junior Sikuvea, Raphael Sio, Elijah Solomona, Jesse Soric, Jackson Stewart, Tom Summer, Waka Tate, Rico Toeava-Ward, Francis Tuimauga, Rodney Tuipulotu-Vea, Nganatatafu Vake, Simi Veatupu, Te Paeroa Wi Neera, Taipari Wikitera, Maui Winitana-Patelesio
NORTH SYDNEY BEARS
Captain: Billy Arena
Coach: Paul Mamo
Last season: 14th (2-7)
Why they will be competitive: Mamo has been particularly pleased with how his squad has adapted to what has been put in front of them, and hopes that attitude will translate into wins.
“They’ve really been buying into everything this year. We’ve changed a few things up, they’ve responded well and the trust is there,” he said.
“Team morale is really high at the moment. We’ve brought in some new players to the club who will fill holes, including a new hooker and halves.
“There’s some younger guys pushing the older boys and creating that healthy competition. With nine rounds you’re going to have injuries and you have to trust the players at the back end of the group to do the job.
“I think we have the squad that can do that and we’ll be knocking on the door of the finals.”
Key fixture: Warriors (round two). A trip across the Tasman is a big one for the club with both players and staff excited. While they’re an unknown force, the Warriors will provide a big challenge and one that Norths cannot wait for.
Players to watch: Billy Arena joins the club from Canterbury and the Moorebank junior will get first crack at the hooking role. Someone who trialled exceptionally well and came to the club wanting to play and lead. Thomas Epere and Nash Hillier were both year young players last season and the towering front rowers will be all the better for that experience. They’ve shown leadership on the field and in the gym.
Squad: Alex Fonoti, Billy Arena, Blake Pasfield, Brandon Navarro, Brookyln Malietoa, Brooklyn Taumata, Chris Alaelua, Connor Autagavia, Cooper Maggan, Eli Morris, George Mapuilesua, Hayden Stevens, Hunt Leavai, Inga Kokohu, Isaac Jim, Jack O’Connor, Jerome Goddard, Jwakeen Have-Va’a, Kobi Walsh, Markkuz Ofanoa, Nash Hillier, Quinn Mersal, Riley Barglik, Thomas Epere, Tyson Kunkel, Zac Coom
PARRAMATTA EELS
Captain: TBA
Coach: Mitchell Lewis
Last season: Premiers (7-2)
Why they will be competitive: They mixed their form during the regular season last year but were on fire when it counted, turning in some great performances against quality teams to lift the trophy.
Their ability to grind out wins is something that will be carried over into the new season, and while they’ll be looking to improve on their defence (ranked eighth in 2023), a big forward pack allows them to tighten things up in the middle.
This year will see them run out with an entirely new spine, but the right systems are in place for them to succeed.
Key fixtures: Newcastle (round six) and Wests (round nine). A grand final rematch always delivers and the Knights will have a target on this game, so Parra will need to aim up. A last round clash against Wests also promises to be a cracker with two of the games elite pathways systems coming together.
Players to watch: Sebastian Piukala has the bonus of an SG Ball season under his belt and the middle forward provided the Eels with plenty of impact off the bench last year. Devonte Vaivela is a winger who had a strong finals series and he is able to finish in the tightest of spaces, providing a real target out wide. Junior Fagalele is a highly touted junior who is coming off the back of a good Schoolboys campaign with Patrician Brothers and can step up into the halves.
Final squad: Beau Lucien, Corey Leigh, Dakota Kakoi, Devonte Vaivela, Dominic Farrugia, Dylan Brettle, Elijah-Shane Tapau-Taylor, Izaiah Mafi, Jai Camilleri, Javahn Stevenson-Hala, Jezaiah Funa-Iuta, Junior Fagalele, Kade Moujalli, Kobi Hurford, Lachlan Coinakis, Lawson Moffitt, Lorenzo Talataina, Mark Williams, Max Popo, Mohamed Alameddine, Movete Otoota, Ollie McCarthy, Sebastian Piukala, Semi Ropeti, Soteila Junior Fatui, Tyrese Lokeni, Tyson Sangalang
PENRITH PANTHERS
Captain: Jack Ewer
Coach: Scott Thompson
Last season: 2nd (8-1, eliminated semi-final)
Why they will be competitive: Almost had a perfect record heading into last season’s finals and were considered unlucky to miss out on qualifying for the grand final. There aren't many faces remaining from last year’s campaign, but with the rise of a successful core from last season’s strong Harold Matthews Cup squad and several handy recruits, it’s difficult to see Penrith missing out on playing a part at the pointy end.
Key fixture: Roosters (round four). Based on last season’s standings it could be argued Penrith have a comfortable draw to open the season. In the first three weeks they face the Dragons, Rabbitohs and Bulldogs, while their first serious test against a side from last year’s finals comes in round four at Henson Park when they tackle the Roosters.
Players to watch: After picking up the Harold Matts MVP award last season, Kye Raven makes the transition to Penrith’s pack in SG Ball. Still only 18, the skilful lock is a year young and will be out to extend the form that won him NSWCCC selection.
Queensland recruit Isaiah Scanlan adds strength to an already formidable pack. A noted tradesman upfront or on an edge, last season he captained Tweed Seagulls in the Mal Meninga Cup and took part in the Gold Coast Titans futures program. A member of last year’s Marrons under-18s squad, it looks like Penrith have backed a winner.
Speedster Cooper Hale is one to watch out wide, capable at centre and on a wing, he’s another to make the jump from Harold Matts.
Squad: Billy Thompson, Cameron Robertson, Cooper Hale, Danny Johnstone, Ej Savesi, Harry Wald, Hayden Brown, Hokafonu Lemoto, Isaiah Scanlan, Jack Attard, Jack Ewer, Jaxen Edgar, Jenson Tuaoi, Jett Cleary, Josiah Vahaakolo-Fifita, Judah Galuvao, Karlos Kavapalu, Kye Raven, Liam Perram, Marika Korovou, Mitchell Heather, Ollie Seu, Poutoa Hotere-Papalii, Semisi Faasisila, Tana Papu, Thomas Vanegas, Tua Patea, William Herbert, Zaid Lehn, Zedrick-Petaia Tupulua
SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS
Captain: Zane Rugless
Coach: Tyrone McCarthy
Last season: 13th (2-7)
Why they will be competitive: For SG Ball coach and South Sydney pathways coaching director Tyrone McCarthy, the Rabbitohs junior reps are heading in the right direction.
“Since the entire program has come under the one banner we’ve seen improvements across the board,” said McCarthy, who joined Souths last year following more than 10 seasons as a player in Super League.
“We’ll have a core of players from Ball looking to rise into the Jersey Flegg (under-21s) system later in the season. And with Souths managing the entire program, it’s now easier for the club to retain talent now that we have an uninterrupted pathway all the way through to the NRL.”
In terms of the upcoming SG Ball season, preparations have been far from ideal.
“It has been an interrupted build up,” he said.
“We had 19 players unavailable through injury for the opening round of trial matches.
“That said, there’s plenty of hard work and energy among the squad and we’ll be disappointed if we’re not pushing for a finals spot towards the end of the season.”
Key fixture: Kicking off the season against the Steelers (round one) should provide a decent indication of how the Rabbitohs are tracking. Illawarra finished mid-table last year, and for a Souths outfit desperate to climb the ladder, they’ll want to give a good account of themselves.
Players to watch: Prop Jason Hallie has arrived from Cairns and comes with an impressive reputation as a dominant middle. Mark Nosa is another from Queensland, equally capable at fullback or in the No. 6 jumper, he’s already played reps and offers plenty of footy smarts.
Goal kicking half Matthew Humphries played Harold Matts last year and has been earmarked for a leadership role, while reliable centre Jacob Fong also transitions from the under-17s and could well develop into a genuine surprise packet.
Squad: Zane Bell, Tylan Berryman, Braethan Bilich, Ryan Casey, Levi Dowling, Dayne Fallon, Tavis Felsch, Jacob Fong, Atticus Fotofili, Jason Hallie, Mateus Heslin, Matthew Humphries, Yasin Kuscu, Max Laing, Fetaiaki Lua, Charlie Mann, Cooper McLaren, Jonti Morshead-Feildel, Mark Nosa, Kai Organ, Eden Potter, Charlie Poynton, Lennox Risati, Jaii Robertson, Harrison Rooke, Zane Rugless, Salih Saracoglu, Shaq Saunders, Setefano Sele, Bailey Smith, PJ Sosiaete, Nazareth Taua, Palu Tausala, Samuel Taylor, Kynan Toevai, Lancelot Tovio, Daniel Wright
ST GEORGE DRAGONS
Captain: Shadi Hammoud
Coach: Willie Talau
Last season: 11th (3-6)
Why they will be competitive: The current crop of Dragons features a talented mix of homegrown players and talents picked up from interstate.
There are former Australian Schoolboys in their ranks, as well as three players returning from train and trial periods with the Dragons NRL squad.
They’ve shown their game-readiness in a recent trial victory against the Steelers, with another test set for this weekend against the Roosters.
“It’s important we build on the back of last year,” Talau said.
“We lost a lot of close ones last year, games where if we held on for five minute periods, we would’ve won.
“We want to push for the eight this year, it’s a short season so we’ll be looking to start strong and fast and string some wins together.”
Key fixtures: Penrith (round one) is a massive test off the bat for the Dragons to test the waters for the season. Illawarra (round seven) is always a tough affair as well, with Talau keen to go up against friend and colleague Shaun Timmins who he has great respect and admiration for. An away trip to New Zealand (round nine) will also provide a physical test.
Players to watch: Jacob Halangahu has a lot of hype around him after an impressive Harold Matts campaign in 2023. He’s a former Australian Schoolboy and NSW U17s captain, a strong and robust backrower who is a real competitor in any side. Cyrus Stanley-Traill will complete the Dragons back-row, another competitor who is dynamic and powerful, playing a year young as well. Shadi Hammoud is another to watch from five-eighth, returning for his second spell of SG Ball after impressing last season.
Squad: Corey Ackers, David Afu, Peter Assaf, Ratu Cayuqueo, Angus Clark, Lyric Craft-Te Moananui, Uchenna Egbu, Isaiah Fagalilo, Ben Geary, Jacob Halangahu, Shadi Hammoud, Hudson Harmer, Viliami Hikila, Lennox Jensen, Mitchell Langley, Finau Latu, Zac Nachar, Xavier Ndaira, Tyler Peckham Harris, Risiate Smythe, Cyrus Stanley Trail, Brandon Tikanau, Loko Tonga, Jesse Williams, Harley Yates, Campbell Lyons, Rydell Tyrell, Ryan Hutchison
SYDNEY ROOSTERS
Captain: Blake Steep
Coach: Jake Friend
Last season: Sixth (5-2-2)
Why they will be competitive: Head of pathways Blake Cavallaro believes the influence of former NRL player Jake Friend at the helm will bring elite experience and teachings to the talented group.
“They’re taking on a lot of the stuff he’s coaching and emphasising what they do at NRL level,” he said.
“We didn’t have a great start last year losing our first two, so we’re really hoping to start better. In the last five years we’ve won two minor premierships and have always been in that finals bracket.
“We’re really trying to improve that and go a couple of steps better. Getting a group of 18 and 19 year old boys to wok together with structure, shape and good performances week in, week out – consistency will be the big thing for this squad.
“We had a lot of strike power and weapons last year, but defence was disappointing at times. That’s the big emphasis for this season.”
Key fixture: Penrith (round four). The SG Ball fixture will round out a big day at Henson Park and the Roosters know that the Panthers will provide a big challenge. A nice test a few games into the season will give a good indication of where they sit in the pecking order.
Players to watch: Fullback Zac Sarfati completed some training with first grade over the pre-season and is a powerful player and a good communicator who can save tries as well as carry the ball well. Blake Steep is an NRL development player who returns from injury and is looking to have a big year. The Port Macquarie talent has been in the program since 14. De La Salle Va’a is also on an NRL development deal and having the chance to learn from the likes of Jared Waerea-Hargreaves a training will do the big front rower wonders.
Squad: Jaxson Allen, Billy Brown, Jackson Delisle, Lachlan Dooner, Jake Elliott, Zach Fittler, Reece Foley, Zac Gillett, Enzo Griffier, Demetrius Kilisimasi, Cameron Mackenzie, Kade Maguire, Julius Mitchell, Mikey Nassar, Jackson Pennell, Ethan Roberts, Toby Rodwell, Zac Sarfati, Blake Steep, Tyreece Tait, Na’oia’ehanisi Tofaeono, Aholoka Toia, Cooper Toy, Peter Ben Uini, De La Salle Va’a, Zack Visconti, Baxter Warner
WESTERN SUBURBS MAGPIES
Captain: Heith Pritchard
Coach: Joey Saukuru
Last season: 5th (6-1-2)
Why they will be competitive: While there is still uncertainty as to the make-up of the squad, Saukuru believes they will again be pushing the best teams in the competition this year.
“This is a group that two years ago won the Harold Matthews undefeated,” he said.
“In saying that we have a few that are doing a pre-season in the NRL, and have development contracts and top 30 spots.
“We’re still yet to sit down with Benji (Marshall) to see who filters back and who stays up at grade or Flegg. It’s a special group.
“A lot played a year young at SG Ball level last year, and I thought it was one of the toughest seasons I’ve seen. Anyone could’ve won it. We lost to Parramatta narrowly and they kicked on to win it.
“That will give them a big boost, as will doing NRL pre-seasons.”
Key fixture: Balmain (round six). A bumper day is set down for Lidcombe between the two clubs, with Jersey Flegg spots potentially on the line for later in the season. Saukuru is looking forward to the healthy competition between the Magpies and Tigers.
Players to watch: Mitchell Taotua is a handy pick-up from Manly who will play out on an edge. Heith Pritchard is a versatile player who can play in the halves or at hooker. If 2023 NRL boom rookie Tallyn Da Silva remains with the top squad, he’s a strong chance to start at nine. Harry Delaney is a middle forward coming off a good season at Laurie Daley Cup level before training with SG Ball. He’s taken it to another level in the pre-season.
Squad: Aaron Keppie, Bowen Roper, Byronn Laupepa, Callum McMenemy, Calvin Levy, Daniel Waqa, Denzel Schaafhausen-Mino, Dylan Smith, Ewan Xuereb, Harry Delaney, Heath Mason, Heith Pritchard, Jack Nicholas, James Folaumoetu’i, Jeremiah Leatigaga, Kimball Liufau, Kohan Lewis, Lucas Rossi, Luke Keppie, Luke Laulilii, Max Taotua, Michael Coady, Mitch Taotua, Navren Willett, Ramses Ah Chong, Roy Quiroz-Mapasua, Ryan Polsen, Saint Fuatimau, Sonny Edwards-Moeke, Tevita Tukuafu, Will Craig
To view the full list of the latest SG Ball Cup squads, click here.
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