Future NRL, NRLW Stars: We profile the 102 players set to feature on Junior Reps Grand Final day
Future stars of the NRL and NRLW are on show this weekend for NSWRL Junior Reps Grand Final day. We profile the 102 players set to feature in Harold Matthews, SG Ball and Tarsha Gale.
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THE culmination of three long months comes to the fore this weekend as Leichhardt Oval takes centre stage for NSWRL Junior Reps grand final day.
Featuring the future stars of the NRL and NRLW, we take an in-depth look at the 102 players set to line up in the Harold Matthews, SG Ball and Tarsha Gale Cup deciders.
HAROLD MATTHEWS
CANTERBURY
1. TALLIS MCEWEN-WELSH
Fullback
Tallis has safe hands, is very elusive and quick on his feet. Odd spot: Just as difficult to contain at night, somehow he once walked off a roof in his sleep, fell and split open his foot.
2. JETHRO RINAKAMA
Wing
Brings a high workrate to both ends of the park and is safe under the high ball. Odd spot: Tough to contain on the dance floor too, where his preferred move is the “worm”.
3. AYMAN MAARBANI
Centre
Has a strong carry out of trouble, and with a high workrate he is difficult to outmanoeuvre in defence. Odd spot: Ayman is a big foodie and loves to cook, and one day would love to become a chef.
4. HORI FUA
Centre
Very hard to put down when in full flight, he is dangerous on Canterbury’s edge. Odd spot: Loves his tunes and is pretty handy on the six-string too.
5. JOPE RAUQE
Wing
Gets a kick out of defusing bombs, and possesses lightning speed on the end of the backline. Odd spot: Another musician, he has a very good voice and can hold his own on the drums.
6. BRONSON REUBEN
Five-eighth
Cool, calm and collected, he has exceptional vision and a pinpoint kicking game. Odd spot: Bronson is from Christchurch and grew up playing for the Kaiapoi Bulldogs, when he was younger he had his ears pinned back.
7. MITCHELL WOODS
Halfback
The side’s chief. A natural born leader with explosive skills and immense strength. Odd spot: When he was born he was called Harry, then he was called Ned before finally settling on the name Mitchell.
8. OLIVA SMITH
Prop
Big and mobile, his powerful carries and high workrate are crucial in Canterbury’s quest for momentum. Odd spot: Loves to play instruments and hanging out with the boys.
9. MASON PHILLIPS
Hooker
A livewire around the ruck, he can spark a Bulldogs raid from on foot or with a silky pass. Odd spot: A Queenslander, Mason attended the renowned Wavell State High School.
10. MOHAMED HADID
Prop
One of the strongest in the team, he is deceptively quick and plays big minutes. Odd spot: From a big family, “Moey” is proud of his nine siblings
11. SOLOMONE TUPOU
Second-row
Brings a stack of skill and speed on the edge, and is no stranger to breaking the line. Odd spot: Loves getting together with his mates, especially around a PlayStation.
12. SOSAIA ALATINI
Second-row
With impressive leg drive, he can march the team up field and in defence he thrives on heavy contact. Odd spot: Originally from Christchurch, he played his junior footy with Hornby Panthers.
13. SHELDON ABBEY
Lock
Sheldon is the glue in Canterbury’s centre that holds the pack together. Odd spot: Blessed with a high IQ, Sheldon enjoys to mix and match and is a self proclaimed gun on NBA 2K.
14. CHRIS MAKHLOUF
Interchange
Brings a power of energy and has more than enough pace to regularly trouble the scorers. Odd spot: A self confessed baller, he enjoys nothing better than unwinding with a game of hoops.
15. DAVID LEOTA
Interchange
Refuses to concede with the ball, powering to give the team an advantage. Odd spot: A very positive and vibrant person, he loves to sing.
16. TYLAH SLATE
Interchange
Brings all-round class off the bench, blending pace and skill with smart choices in defence. Odd spot: Isn’t ashamed to say that he could quite possibly be the best UFC 3 player on the face of the earth.
17. ITULA SEVE
Interchange
Provides plenty of power through the middle and knows how to sniff out a try. Odd spot: His older brother Fanafou plays for the Bulldogs in SG Ball and Jersey Flegg.
NEWCASTLE
1. CONNOR VOTANO
Fullback
A fast and dynamic fullback who has a superb ability to read the play in front of him from the Entrance Tigers. Odd Spot: Loves a game of golf and claims he’s pretty good at it.
2. KYRAN BLAIR
Wing
The finisher for the Knights that has had great success in helping his team over the line. A Belmont North junior. Odd spot: Graduated from the Newcastle Maitland Region side from earlier this year.
3. LOCHIE GRAY
Centre
Talented across the park and a creative player who we’ve also seen at five-eighth for Lakes United at club level. Odd spot: Is also a Swansea junior.
4. DEMIAH AINUU
Centre
A powerful and fleet-footed centre who has come through the pathways systems with the Knights for a number of years. Odd spot: Previously named as a player of the year with the Mudgee Dragons
5. WIL ROSENBAUM
Wing
Has a knack for finding the line when given a chance. Played with the North Coast Bulldogs before joining the Knights this year. Odd spot: Played up in U18s with Port Macquarie as a 16-year-old last year.
6. BLAKE DORAHY
Five-Eighth
Dorahy is a great controlling player who has an excellent kicking game and vision from Cairns Redlynch Razorbacks. Odd Spot: Moved away from home at the age of 16 to chase his dreams.
7. HAAMI LOZA
Super talented and has all the skills to go further. A New Zealander who has made the trip across to play in this comp. Odd spot: A higlights package of him has over 1700 likes on TikTok.
8. JACK HILLIAR
Front Row
Hilliar is a very strong ball carrier and has the ability to play big minutes in the middle if needed. Odd Spot: Like others in the Newcastle system Hilliar loves to cook and considers himself a fantastic chef.
9. DIESEL HAGAN
Hooker
A Newcastle junior at Souths Newcastle Lions, Hagan is a crafty hooker with a sound defensive game. Odd Spot: Came first at the Sydney Show in junior cattle showing.
10. CODY HOPWOOD
Front Row
A strong ball carrier with great leadership skills from Maitland Pickers. Odd Spot: Hopwood loves to cook when not running over other front runners.
11. WILL CANNAVO
Second Row
The classy back-rower packs a punch out on an edge. From Port Macquarie and has been a key asset to Newcastle. Odd spot: Will is the vice-captain of the side.
12. AUSTYN AH TOON-HOTENE
Second Row
Another Kiwi recruit making waves as a strong edge player who comes from Counties Manukau. Odd spot: Made the Auckland Invitational U16s last year.
13. KANE SELF
Lock
A new recruit who has been a pillar in the middle. The Norths Tigers junior hasn’t stopped all season. Odd spot: A former Ipswich Jet who made the Queensland U15s side previously.
14. TAJ MOORE
Lock/Half
A versatile player who can come off the bench and fill a middle spot or in the halves. A Berkeley Vale junior. Odd spot: Was part of the Central Coast Roosters Johns Cup side last year.
15. JETT WOODWARD
Prop/Second Row
A big body who has provided key minutes from the interchange this season. Played his junior footy with Nelson Bay. Odd spot: Studies at premier sporting school Hunter Sports High.
16. ETHAN JARMAIN
Lock/Second Row
A Valentine-Eleebana junior who is elusive for his position. Has started this year but will bring his impact off the bench. Odd spot: Ethan is also a talented touch football player.
17. ZYE MIDWOOD
Prop
Another sizeable forward who can punch out some key minutes in the middle of the field. A Wests Newcastle junior. Odd spot: Has come through the ranks with Newcastle Maitland.
SG BALL
NEWCASTLE
1. FLETCHER SHARPE
Fullback
A fast and agile ball runner who uses his ability to cause havoc on oppositions. Odd Spot: Used to take ballet classes as a kid.
2. KYLE COLBURN
Wing
A flashy player who knows how to find the try line and can turn it on with spectacular dives. Already played opens with the Northern Hawks. Odd spot: Was a contracted player with North Queensland.
3, ETHAN FERGUSON
Centre
A fast and powerful Centre who is a real strike weapon for his team. Odd Spot: Was a hip hop dancer when he was younger.
4. LOGAN AOAKE
Centre
We’ve seen him at fullback but found a home as a hard-running, defensive centre. A Wests Newcastle junior. Odd spot: Was recently chosen to represent NSWCCC in touch football.
5. KYLE MCCARTHY
Wing
A flyer in every sense of the word and holds his wing spot safely. Already played A-grade in Group 7 with Gerringong. Odd spot: Was recruited from Illawarra South Coast
6. JYE LINNANE
Five-Eighth
A ball running five-eighth who has a great ability to read the play. Odd Spot: Linnane loves being in the kitchen cooking with his air fryer.
7. TAJ BLACKMAN
Halfback
Ticks all the halfback boxes with his passing and kicking games, as well as organising. A proud Lakes United junior. Odd spot: Chosen to represent NSW Country last year.
8. RORY WHITBY
Prop
Someone the Knights can get on the back off. A workhorse in every sense of the word after coming through the ranks with the Maitland Pickers. Odd spot: One of the hardest hitters in the side.
9. MALACHI SMITH
Hooker
Smith has a high work rate and loves defending in the middle with his forwards. Odd Spot: When not catching passes Smith loves to catch waves.
10. CALEB GARVIE
Front row
Garvine is a strong ball carrier with a massive work rate for his team. Odd Spot: When not on the field he loves strumming his guitar.
11. ELIJAH SALESA LEAUMOANA
Second Row
A strong, athletic edge forward who was brought over from New Zealand. Came through the ranks with De La Salle. Odd spot: Played for the Future Warriors in the NRL’s return to NZ last year.
12. JERMAINE MCEWEN
Second Row
Simply put he is a hard man to contain out wide when given space to move. Plays with Wests Newcastle. Odd spot: Has been a proud representative of Indigenous club the Blacktown Red Belly Warriors
13. MYLES MARTIN
Lock
An NRL development player whose leadership and defensive work has defined his game. Odd Spot: A country boy who in his free time loves pigging.
14. COOPER BIGENI
Second Row
Stalwart with the Knights who gives size and strength, plus made his Denton Cup debut with the Cessnock Goannas last year. Odd spot: A talented Oztag player as well.
15. TAMAKAIMOANA (TAMA) WHAREAORERE
Second Row/Prop
A highly-touted young talent from the Te Puke Tigers. A hard-running player who joined from the Redcliffe Dolpins last year. Odd spot: Was a New Zealand U16s representative.
16. JAYDEN HARRIS
Fullback
Gives cover in the outside backs and the Hikurangi and Brothers Penrith junior is a lightning talent when given an opportunity. Odd spot: Like Tama, was a part of the New Zealand U16s.
17. BEAU SLADE
Prop
The impact man off the bench for the Knights who will have a licence to cause havoc. A Lakes United and Hunter SHS talent. Odd spot: In his second year of SG Ball with the Knights.
PARRAMATTA
1. APA TWIDLE
Fullback
A genuine gamebreaker at the back who played his junior football in New Zealand. Odd spot: Has represented the NZ Residents U16s and played with Marsden in the Queensland Schoolboys Cup.
2. DEVONTE VAIVELA
Wing
Brings plenty of size and strength out wide does the Souths Magpies junior. Odd spot: Named in the Queensland U18s Emerging Origin squad.
3. RICHARD PENISINI
Centre
Another big body who has routinely caused chaos throughout the year for the opposition. Odd spot: Has shown talent in both basketball and rugby union as well at Kings School.
4. BLAIZE TALAGI
Centre
A versatile player who can fill centre or five-eighth, and comes from Wentworthville. Odd spot: Signed a development deal with the Eels, a Junior Blue and Australian Schoolboy representative.
5. MOHAMED ALAMEDDINE
Wing
A pacy customer who is a reliable finisher on a wing, and has played junior footy with Greenacre and Wentworthville. Odd spot: Studied at renowned school Westfield SHS.
6. JOSHUA LYNN
Five-eighth
There’s a reason the Eels hunted him from north of the border. The Nerang junior is a great organiser with a stellar kicking game. Odd spot: A Queensland City U17s rep who comes from Palm Beach Currumbin SHS
7. ETHAN SANDERS
Halfback
The Hills District Bulls junior isn’t scared to take the line on, is a smart playmaker and always takes the best option. Odd spot: Has already received a call-up to Jersey Flegg last year.
8. LANCE FUALEMA
Prop
Another Queensland recruit from the Easts Tigers, a big front rower who doesn’t take a backwards step in the middle. Odd spot: Linked with the Guidlford Owls since moving south.
9. MATTHEW ARTHUR
Hooker
A smart dummy half who has a good kicking game and is crafty around the ruck. Has also performed well for Rouse Hill and Patrician Brothers. Odd spot: The son of Eels coach Brad and brother of player Jakob.
10. SAM TUIVAITI
Prop
Brings a wrecking ball mentality and is often able to carry defenders with his runs. A captain of Wentworthville who leads with actions. Odd spot: Named as an Australian Schoolboy in 2022.
11. DOMENICO DE STRADIS
Second Row
A dangerous edge player who has also shown an ability to play in the middle when required. A Hills District Bulls junior. Odd spot: Has previously done well in rugby union with Oakhill.
12. CHARLIE GUYMER
Second Row
The captain of the side who gets through a mountain of work for his side. A country boy from the rugby league nursery of Temora. Odd spot: A City U18s and Junior Blues representative.
13. SAXON PRYKE
Lock
A Rouse Hill junior who looks a real star of the future. Uncompromisingly tough, but a good ballplayer as well. Odd spot: Took out the club’s best and fairest during last year’s SG Ball season.
14. SEBASTIAN PIUKALA
Lock/Second Row
Another Wentworthville young gun in the side who gives valuable fresh minutes in the middle or on an edge. Odd spot: Has a video with over 28,000 views on TikTok.
15. WILLIAM LEWIS
Second Row
A tall edge forward who was recruited from Queensland. Always looking to find an offload where he can. Odd spot: Captained the Cenral Queensland Capras in the Mal Meninga Cup.
16. PATRICK SPENCE
Fullback
Provides cover in the backs for the Eels, but can bring some excitement if thrown on late in the game, can the Hills junior. Odd spot: Was a rep Aussie rules player in his younger years.
18. SAMUEL SQUIRE
Lock/Prop
The new recruit has earned his spot in the grand final through his hard carries and good workrate. Played in a stacked Glenmore Park side. Odd spot: Came across from the North Sydney Bears this season.
TARSHA GALE
CANTERBURY
1. ABBY AROS
Fullback
A good talker, she is the chief organiser of the Bulldogs’ defence. Odd spot: Blessed with safe hands, she compensates for having one pinky finger the same size as a three-year-old’s.
2. EBONY RAFTSTRAND-SMITH
Wing
Strong on her feet, she knows her way to the stripe and is a reliable finisher. Odd spot: English is Ebony’s second language, her first language is te reo Māori.
3. LITIA FUSI
Centre
A rock in defence, she is a punishing and relentless tackler. Odd spot: Has an unfortunate knack of often injuring herself while walking on rocks at the beach.
4. SERENITY MAHONI
Centre
Stylish with ball in hand, she loves to score a try. Odd spot: From footy boots to heels, Serenity is in the mix to be crowned Miss Tonga Australia 2023.
5. CHARLOTTE EATHER
Wing
One of the Bulldogs’ top try scorers, she loves getting her name on the scoresheet. Odd spot: Loves nothing more than gazing into the ocean, but is hampered by an inability to swim.
6. AMBRYN MURPHY-HAUA
Five-eighth
The side’s eyes and voice in attack and defence. Odd spot: Retreats at the first sight of rats and mice, but if she scores a try, fans could witness a double backflip.
7. CHELSEA MAKIRA
Halfback
Loves helping direct Canterbury’s attack with her booming voice. Odd spot: She can’t get enough of cleaning on game day, says she would prefer to rid pre-game nerves with a swim, but can’t.
15. ILISAPECI BARI
Prop
An absolute metre-eater who puts Canterbury on the front foot. Odd spot: Away from play, the punishing prop loves to chill while strumming her ukulele and guitar.
9. TARLI DENNIS
Hooker
The director of traffic from dummy-half, she offers her teammates quality service. Odd spot: Loyal and friendly, she proudly advised that she has had the same special stuffed toy for 15 years.
10. LATISHA SMYTHE
Prop
One of Canterbury’s dependable bookends, she is a line busting force up front. Odd spot: At the age of 19 her mum still always does her hair.
11. NOARIA KAPUA
Second-row
Kickstarts Canterbury’s second phase with damaging runs and crafty offloads. Odd spot: Equally resourceful off the field, the Taupo recruit loves fishing, hunting, diving and riding horses.
12. TATIANA FINAU
Second-row
One of Canterbury’s star Kiwi recruits, she runs strong lines and kicks goals. Odd spot: Helped the Akarana Falcons win the title in Auckland last year.
13. HANA LAUFALE
Lock
Powerful around the ruck she is a deft ballplayer. Odd spot: One for the coach to keep an eye on during halftime, Hana can literally sleep anywhere and on any surface.
16. AMELIA PASIKALA
Interchange
Known for sparking the attack with a strong fend. Odd spot: She is from Wairoa Hawkes Bay in New Zealand and comes from a rugby union background, also loves diving for seafood.
17. ISABELLE WHITECHURCH
Interchange
Can fire-up the Bulldogs with her strong carries and relentless charges. Odd spot: Raced motorbikes for 10 years and competed in the NSW Motocross State Championships in 2019.
19. KYLANI KOLOAMATANGI
Interchange
Another dynamic ball runner with a good offload. Odd spot: In her spare time she loves to bunker down behind a keyboard where she claims to be among the best at Fortnite.
21. JASMINE LANE
Interchange
Enjoys tackling and keeping attackers at bay. Odd spot: A noted juggler, Jasmine enjoys entertaining teammates in the rooms after a Bulldogs victory.
ROOSTERS
1. KRYSTAL BULMER
Fullback
A crafty fullback with excellent communication skills from the central coast. Odd Spot: Central Coast girl.
2. PAIGE LOWE
Winger
Full of pace Lowe is a fast winger and takes pride in encouraging her teammates. Odd Spot: Just to play for the Roosters she travels three hours from Bathurst to train and play.
3. JOY LEVY
Centre
Part of the Roosters Academy prior to the competition Levy loves running a hard line off her edge causing defence all sorts of trouble. Odd Spot: When not playing Levy loves mixing
tracks as a DJ.
4. LAILANI MONTGOMERY
Centre
Montgomery takes pride in her hard work ethic and does everything in her power to win every tackle and run she takes. Odd Spot: Grew up on the Central Coast.
5. MIA BARBER
Winger
A winger with excellent decision making, Barber loves a good carry and helping her team get on the front foot. Odd Spot: Comes from the Central Coast.
6. BROOKE TALATAINA
Five-Eighth
Talataina is an excellent running five-eighth with excellent game organisation skills which she picked up being a part of the Rooster Academy. Odd Spot: Roosters Academy member prior to Tarsha Gale.
7. SKYLA ADAMS
Halfback
This crafty halfback is very skilful but takes most pride in her ability to set her team up for success. Odd Spot: Travelling all the way from Queensland to play in the Tarsha Gale competition.
8. MOANALEI BROWN
Prop
Brown is a hard working front rower with a killer offload who is all about the selfless acts and doing the hard yards to set a platform for her team. Odd Spot: Part of Roosters Academy.
9. IMOGEN HEI
Hooker
A smart hooker who loves doing her job with her support play defining her game. Odd Spot: Off the field Hei loves going to the gym and vlogging her day for people to see.
10. ELIZA LOPAMAUA
Prop
Lopamaua loves running the ball and doing all the gritty jobs of a modern day front rower. Odd Spot: She played in the first ever schoolgirls team against Fiji.
11. ALLY BULLMAN
Back Row
The captain, Bullman has developed a reputation for her defence and leadership playing in her second year of Tarsha Gale. Odd Spot: Her nickname is ‘The Bull’ which is a perfect
blend of her surname and playing style.
12. ILISIA HAUMONO
Back Row
Hard running back rower Haumono loves encouraging her teammates and is always looking for a strong carry. Odd Spot: Of Tongan and Irish descent.
13. TAVARNA PAPALII
Lock
An organising lock who loves to be the link between halves and forwards. Odd Spot: Has come from Queensland to chase her dreams.
14. MIYA RAPANA-FAIFUA
Hooker
Faifua is an allusive hooker who loves supporting her team. Odd Spot: Was born in New Zealand and joined the Rooster through their Queensland Academy.
15. JAYDAH TOFAE
Prop
An energy booster off the bench Toafe loves being a support player in attack and is always giving 100 per cent. Odd Spot: Toafe is honoured to have both Aboriginal and Samoan heritage.
16. SOPHIE SMITH
Prop
Sophie Smith is an interchange player with superb tackle technique that can swing a game. Odd Spot: She is a proud Indigenous woman from the tribe Dunghutti in the Kempsey region.
17. SHARLIZE CAMPBELL
Centre/Back Row
Can be used anywhere, Campbell is a handy utility who is loud and has the ability to encourage her teammates. Odd Spot: She has a baby cow named Honey.
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