City v Country: all the teams ahead of the NSW rugby league representative weekend

The NRL might be in Brisbane for Magic Round, but there’ll be no shortage of quality rugby league on offer in NSW this weekend, with eight City-Country clashes taking place.

Just because the NRL will be in Brisbane this weekend as part of Magic Round doesn’t mean that there’ll be a shortage of quality rugby league on offer across NSW, with the annual City-Country clashes taking place.

Eight games of what is one of rugby league’s oldest rivalries will be played between Thursday and Sunday, with match-ups ranging from open men’s and women’s, to junior rep, Physical Disability and Wheelchair Rugby League.

Seven of the games will take place at Jubilee Stadium in Sydney, with the Wheelchair match to be played at Queanbeyan PCYC.

JUNIOR REPS: all the action from the NSWRL grand finals

JOHNS/DALEY CUP: the winners from the junior regional finals

COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS: Newcastle Rebels take the crown

And while the City-Country clashes won’t feature any NRL players like in the past, they will put on some of the state’s best amateur and semi-professional footballers on show.

Ahead of the weekend’s action, we’ve run our eyes over the squads and put together a guide for the City-Country clashes.

Open Women’s (Thursday, 7:15pm – Jubilee Stadium)

Country

The Illawarra Steelers have a strong representation in the Open Age Country side after reaching the semi-finals in their inaugural NSW Women’s Premiership campaign.

Kezie Apps of Australia during the Women's Rugby League World Cup 2021. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images for RLWC)

Former Dally M medallist Kezie Apps will lead the line from the front, while current Dragons NRLW players Kaarla Cowan, Keele Browne and Teagan Berry make up a strong showing from the south coast.

The north is well covered as well, with five Central Coast Roosters joining the fray, including former NRLW Premiership winners Jayme Fressard and Jocelyn Kelleher.

Kaarla Cowan in action for the Illawarra Steelers. Photo: Denis Ivaneza

Four Newcastle Knights are also in the squad, including captain Tayla Predebon, who will look to lead the forward pack alongside lock forward Kayla Romaniuk.

While a number of her teammates will be donning City jerseys, Bears five-eighth Kirra Dibb lines up for Country, looking to carry her form from the NSW Women’s Premiership in which she was the outright top point scorer in the competition.

Kirra Dibb of the Roosters during the NRL Nines 2020 tournament. (AAP Image/Richard Wainwright)

Another club divide comes from the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, who will have three line up for Country and four for City – a strong showing for a team that finished in a disappointing seventh place in the NSW Women’s Premiership.

Squad: Kezie Apps (Illawarra Steelers), Teagan Berry (Illawarra Steelers), Keele Browne (Illawarra Steelers), Shawden Burton (Central Coast Roosters), Macie Carlile (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks), Kaarla Cowan (Illawarra Steelers), Kirra Dibb (North Sydney Bears), Jayme Fressard (Central Coast Roosters), Olivia Higgins (Newcastle Knights), Ellie Johnston (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks), Jocelyn Kelleher (Central Coast Roosters), Olivia Kernick (Central Coast Roosters), Tayla Predebon (Newcastle Knights), Kayla Romaniuk (Newcastle Knights), Shannon Rose (Central Coast Roosters), Jasmin Strange (Newcastle Knights), Jada Taylor (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks), Viena Tinao (Illawarra Steelers). Coach: Ruan Sims.

City

Unsurprisingly, five grand finalists from the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs make the City side, including instrumental five-eighth/second rower Tayla Preston.

The table-topping Bears are also well represented, with five players making the cut, headlined by former NSW prop forward and fresh Brisbane Broncos signing Filomina Hanisi.

Filomina Hanisi of the Blues makes a tackle during the Women's State of Origin match, 2020. (Photo by Dan Peled/Getty Images)

She is joined by teammates Kalosipani Hopoate, Cassey Tohi-Hiku and Leianna Tufuga.

As mentioned, there will be plenty of Sharks across both teams, with City featuring try scoring gun Zali Fay on the wing and hooker Quincy Dodd.

Zali Fay of the Maori All Stars scores a try during the 2023 NRLW All Stars match. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

Prop forward Rima Butler is the sole Wentworthville Magpies inclusion, bringing some power and aggression to the front line.

Squad: Brooke Anderson (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks), Shaylee Bent (N/A), Rima Butler (Wentworthville Magpies), Rueben Cherrington (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Quincy Dodd (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks), Zali Fay (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks), Filomina Hanisi (North Sydney Bears), Kalosipani Hopoate (North Sydney Bears), Mahalia Murphy (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Aliyah Nasio (Central Coast Roosters), Christian Pio (Wests Tigers), Tayla Preston (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Ash Quinlan (N/A), Monalisa Soliola (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Cassie Staples (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks), Angelina Teakaraanga Katoa (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Cassey Tohi-Hiku (North Sydney Bears), Leianne Tufuga (North Sydney Bears). Coach: Kate Mullaly.

Under-16 Boys (Saturday, 11am – Jubilee Stadium)

Country

It’s perhaps no huge surprise to see the Country side featuring a heavy mix of Central Coast Roosters players, fresh from their Andrew Johns Cup victory at the end of March.

There are five Roosters in the squad, including backrower Darcy Smith, who was named man-of-the-match in the Johns Cup final, and fullback/half Jai Callaghan, who capped off an excellent campaign with a brilliant double in the decider.

Jai Callaghan was a star for the Central Coast Roosters in the Andrew Johns Cup. Pic: Sue Graham

They are joined by familiar faces in lock Riley Ilham, hooker Ryan Tukapua and exciting five-eighth Isaac Fotu-Moala.

Elsewhere, the side features excellent backrower Fletcher O’Doherty from beaten grand finalists the Newcastle-Maitland Region Knights, as well as Jonah Alaia, Byron Cahill, Billy Hollands and Cooper Johnston from the Monaro Colts, who made the semi-finals on the back of a strong campaign.

Darcy Smith was named man of the match in the Johns Cup grand final. Pic: Sue Graham

The other beaten semi-finalists, the Macarthur Wests Tigers, are also represented through damaging outside back Paul Johnson, prop PJ French and lock Peter Taai, who also made the step up to the Wests Magpies Harold Matthews Cup side towards the back end of the season.

Macarthur Wests Tigers players Paul Johnson and PJ French have also been rewarded for their strong seasons. Photo: supplied.

Squad: Jonah Alaia (Monaro Colts), Toby Batten (North Coast Bulldogs), Byron Cahill (Monaro Colts), Jai Callaghan (Central Coast Roosters), Isaac Fotu-Moala (Central Coast Roosters), Peter French (Macarthur Wests Tigers), Beau Hartmann (Northern Rivers Titans), Billy Hollands (Monaro Colts), Riley Ilham (Central Coast Roosters), Paul Johnson (Macarthur Wests Tigers), Cooper Johnston (Monaro Colts), Reece Josephson (Northern Tigers), Kapene Karaitiana (Western Rams), Fletcher O’Doherty (Newcastle Maitland Region Knights), Darcy Smith (Central Coast Roosters), Peter Taai (Macarthur Wests Tigers), Jack Talbott (Illawarra South Coast Dragons), Ryan Tukapua (Central Coast Roosters). Coach: Shaun Davison.

City

It is a similar story for City, with the four semi-finalists in the Harold Matthews competition contributing 11 of the 18 players in the squad.

Canterbury Bulldogs junior rep pair Jope Rauqe and Itula Seve helped their team to Harold Matthews Cup glory. Photo: Sean Teuma.

For premiers Canterbury-Bankstown, lightning quick winger Jope Rauqe and forward Itula Seve are in the side, while outside back Kyran Blair, hooker Diesel Hagan and forward Ethan Jarmain will feature from beaten grand finalists Newcastle.

Lachlan Vella has been rewarded for his strong season with selection. Picture: Thomas Lisson

Parramatta outside backs Lachlan Vella and Lorima Rokosuka were rewarded for their strong season with selection alongside teammate Maison Ong, while three from Penrith’s amazing rugby league production line – halfback Jhett Sydir and forwards Charbel Kheirallah and Heinz Lemoto – are also in the team.

Jhett Sydir was a standout for Penrith in the Harold Matthews Cup. Picture: Thomas Lisson.

Squad: Kyran Blair (Newcastle Knights), Reilly Caswell (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles), Thomas Dellow (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks), Kaden Garner (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks), Diesel Hagan (Newcastle Knights), Ethan Jarmain (Newcastle Knights), Charbel Kheirallah (Penrith Panthers), Onitoni Large (Western Suburbs Magpies), Heinz Lemoto (Penrith Panthers), Oliver Lester (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks), Heamasi Makasini (Western Suburbs Magpies), Maison Ong (Parramatta Eels), Jope Rauqe (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Lorima Rokosuka (Parramatta Eels), Itula Seve (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Jhett Sydir (Penrith Panthers), Lachlan Vella (Parramatta Eels), Leroy Weatherall (Illawarra Steelers). Coach: Robert Mears.

Under-18 Men’s (Saturday, 12:35pm - Jubilee Stadium

Country

Laurie Daley Cup-winning coach Peter Hooper takes the reins of the Country under-18s team, with six of his victorious Illawarra South Coast Dragons joining him in the side.

Jarrah Treweek. Pic: Sue Graham

One such Dragon is damaging second-rower Jarrah Treweek, who makes the side on the back of his hat-trick heroics in his side’s grand final victory over the Monaro Colts.

Making headlines in that same grand final was freak hooker Xavier Cacciotti, who incredibly scored all four of his side’s tries in that losing grand final, bringing his total to 12 tries in five games in the 2023 Laurie Daley Cup.

Xavier Cacciotti of the Monaro Colts. Photo: Trisha's Sports Photos

Cacciotti would no doubt have been right at the top of the list for selection, joined by his Monaro Colts lock forward teammate Jayden Wolfe.

Another grand final try scorer joining the side is Toby Rumble, who has made an excellent start to the Mojo Homes Illawarra Cup season with Collegians.

Dragons Toby Rumble scores a try in the Laurie Daley SLE Cup Grand Final. Pic: Sue Graham

From up north there’s plenty of representation as well, such as big-framed halfback Jye Linnane from the Newcastle-Maitland Region Knights, who crossed for four tries in one match against the North Coast Bulldogs this season.

Skilful centre Kaleb Hope joins the side from the Northern Tigers, recognised for getting stuck into the thick of the action every week and finishing on the podium for most individual points in the 2023 Laurie Daley Cup season.

Squad: Viliami Amone (Illawarra South Coast Dragons), Clay Baldock (Illawarra South Coast Dragons), Xavier Cacciotti (Monaro Colts), Luke Calthorpe (North Coast Bulldogs), Harper Collins (Newcastle Maitland Region Knights), Sosefo Finau (Macarthur Wests Tigers), Samuel Gash (Monaro Colts), Zac Gillett (Central Coast Roosters), Eden Hodges (Illawarra South Coast Dragons), Kaleb Hope (Northern Tigers), Isaac Laughton (Illawarra South Coast Dragons), Jye Linnane (Newcastle Maitland Region Knights), Ryan Polsen (Macarthur Wests Tigers), Toby Rumble (Illawarra South Coast Dragons), Logan Spinks (Northern Tigers), Jarrah Treweek (Illawarra South Coast Dragons), Daniel Waqa (Macarthur Wests Tigers), Jayden Wolfe (Monaro Colts). Coach: Peter Hooper.

City

It’s no surprise to see a number of the victorious Parramatta Eels SG Ball Cup players in the squad.

2022 Australian Schoolboy Sam Tuivati will lead the line from prop with his wrecking-ball mentality.

Parramatta Eels' Blaize Talagi at a trial ahead of the SG Ball Cup. Photo: Bryden Sharp

Both Parramatta centres also made the squad, with the versatile Blaize Talagi joining Richard Penisini, the younger brother of NRL star Will.

There’s a strong representation from the Canberra Raiders who topped the SG Ball Cup ladder in the regular season but came up short in the semi finals.

Canberra captain Owen Hromow will lead through the middle in the lock forward role, with centre Siamani Leuluai and prop forward Elvis Nauer-Wood creating a good spread for the green machine across the park.

Owen Hromow. Picture: Richard Dobson

The strongest club showing for the City teams comes from the Western Suburbs Magpies with five players plucked from the SG Ball Cup side, including another club captain in Kit Laulilii and gun fullback Heath Mason.

Squad: Tallyn Da Silva (Western Suburbs Magpies), Jaxen Edgar (Penrith Panthers), Latu Fainu (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles), Michael Gabrael (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Lachlan Galvin (Western Suburbs Magpies), Owen Hromow (Canberra Raiders), Kit Laulilii (Western Suburbs Magpies), Siamani Leuluai (Canberra Raiders), Heath Mason (Western Suburbs Magpies), Casey McLean (Penrith Panthers), Jordan Miller (Western Suburbs Magpies), Elvis Nauer-Wood (Canberra Raiders), Richard Penisini (Parramatta Eels), Ethan Roberts (Sydney Roosters), Zac Sarfati (Sydney Roosters), Setefano Sele (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Blaize Talagi (Parramatta Eels), Sam Tuivaiti (Parramatta Eels). Coach: Peter Marrapodi.

Open men’s (Saturday 2:20pm – Jubilee Stadium)

Country

Nine of the victorious Rebels side are in the Country squad.

After Newcastle absolutely dominated the Country Championships earlier this year, which included a 49-16 demolition of Riverina in the final, it is absolutely no surprise to see the Rebels dominate selections, with nine players picked in the Country squad.

Jayden Butterfield is one of the Maitland Pickers’ quintet in the squad. Pic: Sue Graham

Of the nine, five of those – Gary Anderson, James Bradley, Jayden Butterfield, Chad O’Donnell and Lincoln Smith – come from the all-conquering Maitland Pickers side that not only took out the local Newcastle competition last season, but also laid claim to being the best semi-professional team in the state after taking out the Presidents Cup.

The team will look to capitalise on the Rebels’ success by featuring an all-Newcastle spine consisting of fullback Cameron Anderson, hooker Luke Huth and halves O’Donnell and Sam Clune.

Lebanon international Jalal Bazzaz is one of six Illawarra South Coast Dragons players in the squad. (AAP Image/Craig Golding)

In addition to the Newcastle contingent, there are also six from last year’s Country champs, the Illawarra South Coast Dragons players, including Wests Devils trio Jalal Bazzaz, Luke Chalker and Levi Pascoe, Riverina pair James Morgan and Latrell Siegwalt, and Evans Head Bombers forward Kyle Kennedy.

Excellent Riverina fullback Latrell Siegwalt has also made the squad. Photo: Tahlia Crane Photography.

Squad: Cameron Anderson (Newcastle Rebels), Gary Anderson (Newcastle Rebels), Jalal Bazzaz (Illawarra South Coast Dragons), James Bradley (Newcastle Rebels), Jayden Butterfield (Newcastle Rebels), Luke Chalker (Illawarra South Coast Dragons), Samuel Clune (Newcastle Rebels), Joshua Dowel (Illawarra South Coast Dragons), Luke Huth (Newcastle Rebels), Kyle Kennedy (Northern Rivers Titans), Steven Marsters (Illawarra South Coast Dragons), James Morgan (Riverina Bulls), Chad O’Donnell (Newcastle Rebels), Levi Pascoe (Illawarra South Coast Dragons), Latrell Siegwalt (Riverina Bulls), Lincoln Smith (Newcastle Rebels), Benjamin Stone (Newcastle Rebels), Tom Warner (Illawarra South Coast Dragons). Coach: Damien Quinn.

City

The City side has a particularly Western Sydney look to it, with the stronger teams in the Ron Massey Cup rewarded with a strong presence in the rep squad.

Tony Satini is in the City side. (Photo by Jeremy Ng/Newscorp)

St Marys, this season’s current competition leaders, have five names in the squad, led by outside back pairing Tony Satini and Jake Tago, back row partners Steven Tavita and Joe Vaegaau, and five-eighth Todd Sapienza.

Last year’s premiers Hills Bulls are also well represented with halfback Kamren Cryer, fullback Kieran Hayman, prop Benjamin Seufale and outside back Alfred Smalley named to take part.

Kamren Cryer is one of four Hills Bulls players in the squad.

With a squad that has plenty of NSW Cup and even NRL experience, Brock Shepperd’s men will pose a stern test to their Country rivals.

Squad: Niko Apelu (Wentworthville Magpies), Kamren Cryer (Hills Bulls), Kieran Hayman (Hills Bulls), Christian Ma’anaima (Ryde-Eastwood Hawks), Joshua Minhinnick (Wentworthville Magpies), Jonah Ngaronoa (Glebe Dirty Reds), Todd Sapienza (St Marys Saints), Tony Satini (St Marys Saints), William Saunders (Ryde-Eastwood Hawks), Benjamin Seufale (Hills Bulls), Alfred Smalley (Hills Bulls), Jake Tago (St Marys Saints), Steven Tavita (St Marys Saints), Denzal Tonise (Penrith Brothers), Joseph Tramontana (Penrith Brothers), Joe Vaegaau (St Marys Saints), Curtis Wilson (Ryde-Eastwood Hawks). Coach: Brock Shepperd.

Wheelchair Rugby League (Saturday 4pm – Queanbeyan PCYC)

The Wheelchair Rugby League game will take place at Queanbeyan PCYC. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

Country

Understandably, the three NSW Cup teams – St George Illawarra, Parramatta and Wests Tigers – provide the players for Country’s squad, in an event that is fast becoming a crowd favourite among rugby league fans.

The strong Country side includes three Wheelaroos – Rick Engles, Brad Grove and Diab Karim – who represented Australia at last year’s Rugby League World Cup in England, with Parramatta player Karim currently well out in front as the NSW Cup’s leading point scorer after four rounds.

Brad Grove (left) will represent Country while Stephan Rochecouste (right) will line up for City.

Squad: Jason Attard (Wests Tigers), Zachary Carl (Wests Tigers), Rick Engles (St George Illawarra Dragons), Brad Grove (Wests Tigers), Brett Henman (Parramatta Eels), Diab Karim (Parramatta Eels), Edward Morgan (Parramatta Eels), Chris O’Brien (Parramatta Eels), Toby Popple (Wests Tigers). Coaches: Neil Stanley and Yarra Ryan.

City

The City team will be looking to emulate their efforts from last year, when they beat Country 30-26 in a thrilling contest.

The hero from that game, William Derederenalagi, who scored two tries and was named man of the match, is back again for the City side, who also boast Australian representative and Parramatta Eels star Liam Luff.

Stephan Rochecouste is in the City side. Picture: Tim Hunter.

While the NSW Cup sides make up the bulk of the squad, Jacob Friedrich from NSW Plate competition side Manly has broken into the team on account of his strong early-season form.

Squad: Joseph Abboud (Parramatta Eels), Wessam Bakkour (St George Illawarra Dragons), William Derederenalagi (St George Illawarra Dragons), Jacob Friedrich (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles), Daniel Grech (Wests Tigers), Edge Iole (St George Illawarra Dragons), Liam Luff (Parramatta Eels), Jesse Mowczan (Wests Tigers), Baden Mowczan (Wests Tigers), Stephan Rochecouste (Wests Tigers). Coach: Brett Clark.

Physical Disability Rugby League (Sunday 10am – Jubilee Stadium)

Country

The Country side will be out to defend its title after taking down their City rivals 10-4 in an exciting game last year at Leichhardt Oval.

The likes of Daniel Brodie, Alex Smith and Jake Vukobratovich will back up from last year’s victory to bolster the side, while Australian representatives Edward Sharpe and Rylan Gaudron are also in the team.

Craig Anderson will coach the Country side. photographed today 17th February 2018. Image AAP/Matthew Vasilescu

Squad: Daniel Brodie, William Bussell, Lindsay Elliott, Daniel Frost, Rylan Gaudron, Sebastian Guzman, Mark Keaton, Waisea (Fred) Moceidreke, Nicholas Riches, Tim Robinson*, Edward Sharpe, Alexander Smith, Ben Taprell, Cooper Travers, Jake Vukobratovich. Coach: Craig Anderson.

City

Just as the Country side will be out to defend their title, City have put together a squad they hope will be able to reclaim it.

They’ve gone with consistency, selecting no fewer than eight players who took part in the fixture last year, including the likes of Kayla Coppe, Hayden Coulton, Rylee Lowe and Fletcher Netting.

International Jonathan Smith (left) will line up for City. Image AAP/Matthew Vasilescu

The squad also features three internationals in form of winger Jonathan Smith, centre Bryce Crane and Rylee Lowe.

Squad: Anthony Agius, Kayla Coppe, Hayden Coulton, Bryce Crane, Denzel Edwards, Joseph Egan, Kevin Huynh, Edward Lennon, Rylee Lowe, Jaylen Martin, Robert Mumford*, Fletcher Netting, Joel Pragnell, Abdul Sheranzey, Jonathan Smith. Coach: David Smith.

*denotes able-bodied

Under-17 Girls (Sunday 11.15am – Jubilee Stadium)

Country

A strong Lisa Fiaola Cup Regional campaign from the Central Coast Roosters saw them rewarded with six players chosen for the under-17s girls squad, with the Illawarra Steelers having four players in the team.

Among the Steelers are Kasey Reh and Indie Bostock, who are both currently development players with the St George Illawarra Dragons NRLW team. Bostock‘s older brother Jack made his NRL debut with the Dolphins earlier this year.

Indie Bostock of the Illawarra Steelers. Photo: Denis Ivaneza

Western Rams fullback Elizabeth MacGregor scored eight tries in three games for the competition, and is joined by teammates Paige Bohringer and Alana O’Loughlin in the Country side.

Evah McEwan was strong out in the centres for the Newcastle-Maitland Region Knights, and is one of two players set to feature from the side.

Squad: Teuila Ahkey (Monaro Colts), Paige Bohringer (Western Rams), Indie Bostock (Illawarra Steelers), Ellie Brander (Central Coast Roosters), Koffi Brookfield (Illawarra Steelers), Kaliyah Browning (Northern Rivers Titans), Mahlie Cashin (Central Coast Roosters), Lailah Clarke (Newcastle Maitland Region Knights), Tya Ekepati (Central Coast Roosters), Phoenix-Raine Hippi (Northern Rivers Titans), Elizabeth MacGregor (Western Rams), Evah McEwen (Newcastle Maitland Region Knights), Alana O’Loughlin (Western Rams), Molly Pittman (Central Coast Roosters), Kasey Reh (Illawarra Steelers), Brandy Simpson (Central Coast Roosters), Caley Tallon-Henniker (Illawarra Steelers), Sienna Thomas (Central Coast Roosters). Coach: Jayme Fressard.

City

The younger sister of Penrith and Samoan star Brian To’o, Bethany, is set to bring plenty of firepower to the City side.

She scored six tries for the Panthers in the Lisa Fiaola Cup, including four in one game against South Sydney.

Canterbury and Parramatta dominate selection with a combined 15 players in the side.

Amirah El-Abdallah of the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs Lisa Fiaola Cup side. Photo: Contributed

Amirah El-Abdallah and Audrey Nadaya-Harb formed a lethal partnership as a five-eighth and centre for the Bulldogs and will again pose plenty of questions for the Country defenders.

An incredible nine Eels will feature in City colours, a reward for their dominant season that saw them win all four games by comfortable margins.

Squad: Ryvrr-Lee Alo (Parramatta Eels), Amirah El-Abdallah (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Waiaria Ellis (Parramatta Eels), Mariah Fasavalu-Fa’amausili (Parramatta Eels), Lile Fifita (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Mikayla Langer (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks), Logan Lemusu (Parramatta Eels), Tia Matthews (Parramatta Eels), Rory Muller (Penrith Panthers), Audrey Nadaya-Harb (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Aaliyah Nikua (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Danielle Seckold (Parramatta Eels), Pauline Suli-Ruka (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Manilita Takapautolo (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Odesza Toia (Parramatta Eels), Alaianne Toia (Parramatta Eels), Bethany To’o (Penrith Panthers), Fontayne Tufuga (Parramatta Eels). Coach: Charlotte Henry

Under-19 Girls (Sunday 12:50pm – Jubilee Stadium)

Country

The bulk of the Country squad comes from three regions, with 13 named from the rugby league strongholds of Newcastle, Canberra and the Illawarra, while three of the remaining six come from the Roosters’ unbeaten Tarsha Gale side.

Knights captain Leah Ollerton heads a contingent of six players from the Tarsha Gale semi finalists. Joining the hooker in the pack is Keisha Johnston and the versatile Kyana Patten, while halves Lucy Green and Evie Jones will partner centre Charlotte Barwick.

Sienna Yeo of the Illawarra Steelers. Picture Thomas Lisson

Former Australian Schoolgirls rep and speedy fullback Georgia Willey is one of four Raiders that also includes lock Kayla Fleming, five-eighth Abbie Grant and Beyonce Marela. From Illawarra, dependable No. 7 Sienna Yeo compliments a mix of Steelers headed by prop Hope Millard and elusive centre Mia-Rose Walsh.

The Roosters’ victorious try-scoring duo of winger Lailani Montgomery and fullback Krystal Bulmer have been rewarded for their strong seasons, and will share the moment with teammate Sharlize Campbell.

Squad: Charlotte Barwick (Newcastle Knights), Krystal Bulmer (Sydney Roosters), Sharlize Campbell (Sydney Roosters), Marley Cardwell (Penrith Panthers), Makaah Darcy (Parramatta Eels), Charlotte Eather (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Mercydes Faaeteete Metcalf (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks), Kayla Fleming (Canberra Raiders), Abbie Grant (Canberra Raiders), Lucy Green (Newcastle Knights), Keisha Johnston (Newcastle Knights), Evie Jones (Newcastle Knights), Beyonce Marela (Canberra Raiders), Hope Millard (Illawarra Steelers), Lailani Montgomery (Sydney Roosters), Leah Ollerton (Newcastle Knights), Kyana Patten (Newcastle Knights), Mia-Rose Walsh (Illawarra Steelers), Georgia Willey (Canberra Raiders), Sienna Yeo (Illawarra Steelers). Coach: Courtney Crawford.

City

With half the squad chosen from Tarsha Gale Cup grand finalists Sydney Roosters and Canterbury-Bankstown, City will field a formidable line-up.

Player of the year and powerful front-rower Alexis Tauaneai fronts seven Canterbury members, including fellow boom Kiwi recruits and grand final try scorers Tatiana Finau and Noaria Kapua. They are joined by Amelia Pasikala and Latisha Smythe who compliment centre Litia Fusi and crafty half Chelsea Makira.

Ally Bullman in action for NSW in last year's Schoolgirls Origin clash against Queensland. Credit: NRL Images.

From the Roosters, premiership-winning captain Ally Bullman and centre Joy Levy have been included alongside five-eighth Brooke Talataina, who secured the title with her grand final-winning try.

Parramatta halfback Tallara Bamblett and fullback Debbie Doueihi will feel at home alongside Eels No. 9 Ashlee Pottinger and Lindsay Tui.

Meanwhile the North Sydney Bears’ strong finish to the season has seen playmaker Sienna Williams named with Harvey Norman Premiership players Chloe Jackson and Grace-Lee Weekes.

Heading up selection from three other teams that missed the finals is hulking Manly prop Tafao Asaua, who joins Penrith fullback Yasmine Baker and Wests Tigers captain Jae Patu.

Squad: Tafao Asaua (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles), Yasmine Baker (Penrith Panthers), Tallara Bamblett (Parramatta Eels), Ally Bullman (Sydney Roosters), Debbie Doueihi (Parramatta Eels), Tatiana Finau (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Litia Fusi (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Chloe Jackson (North Sydney Bears), Noaria Kapua (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Joy Levy (Sydney Roosters), Chelsea Makira (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Amelia Pasikala (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Jae Patu (Wests Tigers), Ashlee Pottinger (Parramatta Eels), Latisha Smythe (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Brooke Talataina (Sydney Roosters), Alexis Tauaneai (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Lindsay Tui (Parramatta Eels), Grace-Lee Weekes (North Sydney Bears), Sienna Williams (North Sydney Bears). Coach: Letitia Taylor.