Luke Lewis Cup: Top six junior clubs from Penrith/Cronulla, 30+ rising stars

In a major win for local footy, junior fixtures have been added to the card in the annual battle for the Luke Lewis Cup. Meet 30+ rising stars representing six clubs from Cronulla and Penrith.

The Minchinbury Jets U13s team is one of six junior sides competing in the Luke Lewis Cup fixtures at Windsor on Saturday, June 7 . Supplied: Minchinbury Jets

In a major win for local footy, junior fixtures have been added to the card in the annual battle for the Luke Lewis Cup.

Featuring the ladder-leading teams from Cronulla Juniors and Panthers Juniors, the top teams from under-13s to under-15s will face off in three undercard events prior to the senior representative clash.

With six clubs represented, we take a look at a cross-section of talent on show.

U13S: MINCHINBURY JETS V KURNELL STINGRAYS

HUNTER TIETIE (MINCHINBURY)

Five-eighth

An excellent defender, Hunter doubles as the vision in the Jets’ attack. If the fullback isn’t at home, don’t be surprised if he backs himself with a kick-chase.

GENESIS TAMALA (MINCHINBURY)

Fullback

Clear the runway if Genesis spots an opening. Regarded as the fastest in the district, it’s good night if the fullback finds the backfield.

JEREMIAH SETEFANO (MINCHINBURY)

Prop

Despite recently returning from a wrist injury, the big prop still gets through a mountain of work and can go from the opening whistle until the last.

LIO-ANISI MERILA (MINCHINBURY)

Prop

Bigger than Jeremiah, the aggressive front rower is hard to put down and hits it up with the ferocity of Spencer Leniu.

VILIAMI SIALE (MINCHINBURY)

Lock

In a side stacked with size, there’s none taller than Viliami. Almost unstoppable in top gear, he’s already crossed the stripe on 10 occasions.

MEMPHIS LIKILIKI (MINCHINBURY)

Halfback

Impressed by his captain’s organisational skills, coach Tonga Haumono also rates the playmaker’s energy and commitment to pulling off a big shot to inspire the team.

Sonny Barlow breaks clear for Kurnell Stingrays. Picture: Claire Mulder

SONNY BARLOW (KURNELL)

Second row

Super quick for a backrower, Sonny can play ball at the line and use his wiry frame to evade tackles. Has 10 tries to his name this season.

KAYDEN IOANE (KURNELL)

Five-eighth/lock

Brings flash with the ball, but it’s in defence where Kayden shines most. Relentless with a textbook technique, he’s known for cutting opponents in half.

Dodging traffic, Kayden Ioane for Kurnell Stingrays. Picture: Claire Mulder

TRAVIS CARTER (KURNELL)

Fullback

An all-round talent, Travis plays eye-up in attack, is handy with the boot, and is ultra-reliable under the high ball.

Travis Carter for Kurnell Stingrays. Picture: Claire Mulder

TANIRAU HUGHES (KURNELL)

Front row

A big and bustling old school prop, Tanirau goes all day and uses size and footwork to bend the line.

Tanirau Hughes puts on a fend for Kurnell Stingrays. Picture: Claire Mulder

KNOX GORDON (KURNELL)

Lock/second row

The glue in Kurnell’s middle, Knox brings the side together with excellent communication. Smart and strong, he carries the side forward in attack.

Knox Gordon for Kurnell Stingrays. Picture: Claire Mulder

U14S: WINDSOR WOLVES V DE LA SALLE CARINGBAH

SHARN EPIHA (WINDSOR)

Centre

A St Dominic’s student, Sharn’s aggression, speed and superior work ethic have earned him a spot in the Penrith pathways program.

LACHLAN WILLIAMSON (WINDSOR)

Halfback

One to watch in attack, Lachlan not only demands the ball he puts it to good use with a powerful running game.

AYDEN HOPKINS (WINDSOR)

Hooker

The Wolves’ guardian around the ruck, Ayden will scoot into space at the first opportunity. Loves to attack, but has a game built around solid defence.

KRISTIAN SCARLETT (WINDSOR)

Lock

Talk about commitment. Despite living in Lithgow, Kristian continues to put in the hard yards that has seen him already come under the eye of Penrith talent scouts.

ISAAC BECKETT (WINDSOR)

Fullback

Another from Lithgow, Isaac is a model of consistency down back and has been a regular in the Windsor system for a number seasons. Thrives in traffic and knows when to pop up at the right time.

De La Salle Caringbah celebrate their 2024 grand final victory - former Sharks premiership winner and coach, Paul Gallen, far right. Picture: Adam Wrightson

HUDSON SMALL (DE LA SALLE)

Middle forward

Small by name but big in heart, Hudson thrives in the heat of battle and makes it his responsibility to lift his teammates.

PAX CAINE (DE LA SALLE)

Fullback/five-eighth

The son of former Wests Tigers fullback Joel Caine, Pax has kick-started his own journey with an array of skills to unlock the best defences.

Pax Caine for De La Salle Caringbah. Picture: Adam Wrightson

HARLEY GARDNER (DE LA SALLE)

Fullback / centre

Sharing the same bloodlines as former ‘80s Sharks centre Chris Gardner, Harley is making his own name as a damaging ball runner.

ZUMA WEAVER (DE LA SALLE)

Halfback

As the side’s chief organiser Zuma calls the shots for the Shire outfit and when needed, will back his instincts with the ball.

JAX SORENSON (DE LA SALLE)

Middle forward

Jax can tackle all day if needed, but it’s the other side of his game that usually ends in points. Runs tough lines and has already scored 10 four-pointers this season.

U15S: COLYTON COLTS V ST JOSEPH’S

NOAH ARNEIL (COLYTON)

Halfback

One of the Colts’ most reliable tacklers, it’s in attack where the half’s razzle-dazzle is expected to have fans up and about at Windsor.

Noah Arneil. Supplied: Colyton Colts

Kingston Foggo-Dunwoodie. Supplied: Colyton Colts

KINGSTON FOGGO-DUNWOODIE (COLYTON)

Back row

Hard to contain on an edge, the Colyton skipper’s explosion of speed and power has carried him across the stripe on six occasions so far this year.

TATE WEST (COLYTON)

Lock

Every side needs a worker and they don’t come any tougher than this rugged lock. Takes on the big boys all day and loves a difficult carry.

Tate West. Supplied: Colyton Colts

LEVII GIBSON BAXTER (COLYTON)

Centre

If the Colyton halves get Levii one-on-one with his opposite, they’ll back the centre’s premium pace to win out.

ISAAC ROBERTSON (COLYTON)

Five-eighth

The brains at five-eighth, Isaac knows how to manage a contest and is known for his lethal show-and-go.

Levii Gibson Baxter. Supplied: Colyton Colts

Isaac Robertson. Supplied: Colyton Colts

ZANE SMITH (ST JOSEPH’S)

Fullback

Leads the Shire comp with seven tries and with blistering speed it’s easy to understand why. A fierce competitor, watch him dance on the end of his team’s sweep plays.

LENNY BUCHER (ST JOSEPH’S)

Second Row

Arguably the most gifted athlete in the Joeys line-up, Lenny brings size, versatility and a swag full of skills that he’ll be eager to unload at Windsor.

St Joseph’s team shot. Supplied: St Joseph's RL

AUSTIN HIGHETT (ST JOSEPH’S)

Hooker

Known for landing big shots, Austin brings an X-factor to the No. 9 jumper. He delivers premium service from dummy-half, combined with an uncanny craftiness.

VINNIE PIRELLO (ST JOSEPH’S)

Lock

Those in the know reckon Vinnie is the fastest middle in the Shire. Thrives on the one percenters, and his ability to spot lazy defenders ensures he’s an absolute menace to contain.

SANDER ARMALI (ST JOSEPH’S)

Middle

Tough, uncompromising, brutal defense — what else could a coach ask for? How about a powerful running game and the silky hands of a halfback? That’s Sander Armali.