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Magpies, Wests Tigers: 20 junior rep stars to watch in 2024 Ball, Matthews and Tarsha Gale Cups

The Macarthur region is flush with junior rugby league talent and the best have already been named for 2024. Here’s 20 players to watch in the SG Ball, Harold Matthews and Tarsha Gale Cup.

Wests, NSWRL junior rep squads, 2024.
Wests, NSWRL junior rep squads, 2024.

The Macarthur region continues to be a hotspot for unearthing junior rugby league talent, with many stars rising through the pathways at the Magpies and Wests Tigers.

With the 2024 NSWRL junior reps season scheduled to kick-off in February, the summer squads for the SG Ball (U19), Harold Matthews (U17) and Tarsha Gale Cup (women’s U19) have already hit the training paddock.

Loaded with promising talent, most have excelled at local clubs and in elite school competitions.

After going through the squads for 2024, we’ve identified 20 players to keep an eye on once the season gets underway.

Check out all the junior rep teams announced by every club.

The multi-talented Onitoni Large in action for the U16 NSW Waratahs against Queensland during October, 2023. Picture: Julian Andrews
The multi-talented Onitoni Large in action for the U16 NSW Waratahs against Queensland during October, 2023. Picture: Julian Andrews

ONITONI LARGE (HAROLD MATTHEWS)

A natural talent, the gifted playmaker enters his second season of Harold Matts after a standout season in the No.6 jumper.

A student at Scots College, the long striding former u15 Australian Schoolboys rep has talent scouts from league and rugby union watching his every move.

Continues to develop all facets of a well-rounded game, and was a stand out for the Waratahs at the recent Super Rugby U16s series.

HEATH MASON (SG BALL)

The St Greg’s product has a work ethic second to none, and last season the exciting fullback took the Magpies to within a whisker of upsetting eventual SG Ball premiers, Parramatta, in an epic semi final.

His sizzling long range solo effort at Campbelltown that day will be long remembered.

In the months since, the head-geared flyer has been named in the Australian Schoolboys squad after starring for NSWCCC last July in the national championships.

Heath Mason breaks away for NSWCCC at the ASSRL national championships in Redcliffe, July 1, 2023. Picture, John Gass
Heath Mason breaks away for NSWCCC at the ASSRL national championships in Redcliffe, July 1, 2023. Picture, John Gass

JORDAN MILLER (SG BALL)

Another former Aussie schoolboys rep, Miller is a damaging front-rower the Tigers have earmarked for a bright future.

Of Fijian and Maori heritage, the hulking prop continues to impress in the Magpies’ pathways program. In 2022, the No.8 was part of the title winning Harold Matts combination, and next year will be even better following his first season of SG Ball.

Jordan Miller making a run for Patrician Brothers, Fairfield. Picture: Jonathan Ng
Jordan Miller making a run for Patrician Brothers, Fairfield. Picture: Jonathan Ng

AFI FAUESE (TARSHA GALE)

One of a long list of stars from Campbelltown Collegians, Afi is on track to continue her progression as a damaging strike centre.

Also capable of playing closer to the ruck, the former NSWCCC rep has already shown her value in top company, winning this year’s Macarthur Women’s Open Age competition with Collies.

Runs smart lines, and is deadly from close range.

Afi Fauese in action for Campbelltown Collegians in the 2023 Macarthur RL grand final. Picture: John Appleyard
Afi Fauese in action for Campbelltown Collegians in the 2023 Macarthur RL grand final. Picture: John Appleyard

HARLEY REBBECK (SG BALL)

The skilful No.6 is no stranger to the Wests Tigers pathways, and last season held his own for the Macarthur Wests Tigers in the Laurie Daley Cup.

Loves a challenge, and will draw on the confidence gained from his first grade debut for the Mittagong Lions in the Macarthur competition earlier this year.

SOFAIA VAKI (TARSHA GALE)

Sofaia Vaki is arguably one of the most damaging prospects in the club’s pathways.

The younger sister of NRLW prop, Folau, the punishing back-rower is on a fast track to pack down in the same scrum.

A wrecking-ball for Collies, she has already tasted elite open age footy with the Wests Tigers in the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership.

Sofaia Vaki hits it up for Wests Tigers in last season’s Tarsha Gale Cup. Picture: Thomas Lisson
Sofaia Vaki hits it up for Wests Tigers in last season’s Tarsha Gale Cup. Picture: Thomas Lisson

KIT LAULILII (SG BALL)

After making a whirlwind NRL debut for Benji Marshall’s side in the final round against Manly, it will be interesting to see how much SG Ball footy the backrower plays in 2024.

A former Westfield Sports High student, Laulilii wasted no time rising through the ranks. After leading the Magpies to Harold Matts glory in 2022, he started last season in SG Ball before jumping to Jersey Flegg, NSW Cup and then finally the NRL in a hectic finish to the season.

Kit Laulilii in his Magpies kit during the 2022 Harold Matts season. Picture: Richard Dobson
Kit Laulilii in his Magpies kit during the 2022 Harold Matts season. Picture: Richard Dobson

ALI KARNIB (HAROLD MATTHEWS)

A super slick speedster, Karnib started making his mark at Parramatta before playing at the U15 Australian Schoolboys Championships in 2022.

Didn’t miss a beat for the Magpies last season, scoring seven tries in eight Harold Matts appearances, including a scorching hat-trick on the right wing against the Rabbitohs.

RILEY OITMANN (SG BALL)

Another Magpies flyer, Oitmann started the 2023 Matts season brimming with confidence after attending the prestigious Junior Blues camp.

Showed his class on the left wing for Wests before lighting up the Macarthur comp, scoring 21 tries and 166 points for the Camden Rams U18s.

Riley Oitmann sets the pace in the Harold Matts against Manly in 2023. Picture; Thomas Lisson.
Riley Oitmann sets the pace in the Harold Matts against Manly in 2023. Picture; Thomas Lisson.

TALLYN DA SILVA (SG BALL)

A pathways pioneer at the Tigers, Da Silva piloted the rapid rise to the top that was subsequently followed by Kit Laulilii.

After scoring a swag of tries in SG Ball, the clever No.9 stepped his way to the top, making his NRL debut off the bench in round 16 against the Storm.

A proud East Campbelltown junior, the gifted 18-year-old can expect to spend more time in the higher grades in 2024.

Meteoric rise: Tallyn Da Silva (right) for the Wests Tigers during his NRL debut against Melbourne at Campbelltown last season. Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images
Meteoric rise: Tallyn Da Silva (right) for the Wests Tigers during his NRL debut against Melbourne at Campbelltown last season. Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images

KATIE STEVENS (TARSHA GALE)

Never mind the bells and whistles of top class footy, Stevens just loves getting on the park irrespective of the comp.

A clever playmaker, she can direct traffic from the halves or in the No.13. In 2023, the hard working utility suited up for the Camden Rams in U18s and often backed up in open’s on the Sunday.

Katie Stevens looks for support with the Camden Rams. Pictures: Warren Gannon Photography.
Katie Stevens looks for support with the Camden Rams. Pictures: Warren Gannon Photography.

STEPHANIE GOODWORTH (TARSHA GALE)

Flagged as one to watch by her coaches at Campbelltown Collegians, Goodworth is a promising outside back set to transition from the Tigers’ Lisa Fiaola Cup (U16).

Reliable in defence, the promising fullback has also used her pace to score plenty of tries in the centres.

Stephanie Goodworth celebrates for the Wests Tigers. Picture: Campbelltown Collegians
Stephanie Goodworth celebrates for the Wests Tigers. Picture: Campbelltown Collegians

LACHLAN GALVIN (SG BALL)

With quality halves rarer than hen's teeth, the progress of this 2023 Australian Schoolboy is already turning heads.

Cuts an imposing figure in the No.6, and this season led Westfields Sports High to just about every trophy on offer.

Backs up after pulling the strings in SG Ball last season, and with long term combinations already developed with many in the squad, the Magpies attack is sure to fire.

Lachlan Galvin in full flight for Westfields Sports High. Picture: Adam Yip
Lachlan Galvin in full flight for Westfields Sports High. Picture: Adam Yip

ASHTON LARGE (HAROLD MATTHEWS)

The younger of the Large brothers, like Onitoni, Ashton is also making waves in both codes.

Blessed with sharp acceleration, the opportunist hooker recently guided NSWCIS to back-to-back national titles.

Still only 15, age won’t worry this Scots College student, who is expected to make a big impression across the opening rounds of the new Matts season.

Ashton Large fires out a pass for NSWCIS during the ASSRL U15 grand final. Picture: nashyspix.com
Ashton Large fires out a pass for NSWCIS during the ASSRL U15 grand final. Picture: nashyspix.com

LUKE LAULILII (SG BALL)

The younger brother of Kit, Luke is a dynamic fullback who dominated alongside Lachlan Galvin last season at Westfield Sports.

With size, speed and soft hands, the Australian Schoolboy is expected to make a seamless transition from Matts to SG Ball.

Luke Laulilii breaks clear for NSWCHS in the ASSRL national championships in Redcliffe, July 1, 2023. Picture, John Gass
Luke Laulilii breaks clear for NSWCHS in the ASSRL national championships in Redcliffe, July 1, 2023. Picture, John Gass

IEMAIMA ETUALE (TARSHA GALE)

In just two seasons, Etuale has made the jump from the Lisa Fiaola Cup to packing down against heavyweights for the Wests Tigers in the HNWP.

The New Zealand-born second-rower trains hard and with sharp acceleration, she’s a headache for defenders.

Still only 18, the Collies’ livewire can expect plenty of game time in the Tarsha Gale Cup.

Iemaima Etuale warms up for Campbelltown Collegians. Picture: Campbelltown Collegians
Iemaima Etuale warms up for Campbelltown Collegians. Picture: Campbelltown Collegians

TIANA-LEE THORNE (TARSHA GALE)

The exciting fullback transitioned from Mounties to Wests last season, making an instant impact where she scored the gong as the side’s ‘best back’ in Tarsha Gale.

After several starts in the HNWP last season, Tiana-Lee is once again expected to reach another level in 2024.

Tiana-Lee Thorne playing in the Tarsha Gale Cup in 2023. Picture: Thomas Lisson
Tiana-Lee Thorne playing in the Tarsha Gale Cup in 2023. Picture: Thomas Lisson

LUKE KEPPIE (SG BALL)

A reliable and consistent No.7, Keppie will be better for last season’s run in SG Ball, and alongside Galvin will form one of the premier halves combinations in the competition.

A Macarthur local, Keppie also played U18s for Picton in 2023, and capped off a great season with a try and six goals on first grade debut.

Wests’ Luke Keppie finds support during the 2023 SG Ball season. Picture: Thomas Lisson
Wests’ Luke Keppie finds support during the 2023 SG Ball season. Picture: Thomas Lisson

NATE GALLAGHER (SG BALL)

Tall and rangy, Gallagher has alternated between wing and centre in the past two seasons of Matts.

In the 2022 decider the winger crossed for a double, while last season he troubled defenders from right centre.

On the local scene, he crossed 11 times for Narellan U18s, and perhaps in a sign of things to come, finished the season in the Jets’ backrow.

ALEX ISDALE (HAROLD MATTHEWS)

A busy playmaker with credentials enhanced at both Westfield Sports and Patrician Brothers Fairfield, Isdale is once again expected to partner Onitoni Large in the halves.

A regular schoolboys rep, the slippery half began his junior rep journey at Parramatta and in recent seasons has appeared for East Campbelltown in the local competition.

Wests’ Alex Isdale takes on the Manly defence last season in the Harold Matthews Cup. Picture: Thomas Lisson.
Wests’ Alex Isdale takes on the Manly defence last season in the Harold Matthews Cup. Picture: Thomas Lisson.

FULL SQUADS

SG BALL:

Aaron Keppie, Archie Duncombe, Bowen Roper, Brady McMillan, Brycen Anae-Roberts, Byron Laupepa, Callum McMenemy, Calvin Levy, Daniel Waqa, Zenzel Schaaf-Mino, Dion Williams, Dylan Smith, Ewan Xuereb, Gene Wighton, Harley Rebbeck, Harry Delaney, Heath Mason, Heith Pritchard, James Folaumatou’i, Jeremiah Leatigaga, Joey Eccleston, Jordan Miller, Joshua Weightman, Kimball Liufau, Kit Laulilii, Kohan Lewis, Lachlan Galvin, Lucas Rossi, Luke Keppie, Luke Laulilii, Luke Prebble, Max Taotua, Michael Coady, Mitch Taotua, Nate Gallagher, Navren Willett, Ramses Ah Chong, Reilly Smith, Riley Oitmann, Roy Quiroz-Mapasua, Ryan Polsen, Saint Fuatimau, Sebastian Sykes, Shelby Somoracz, Sonny Edwards, Taj’h Colquhoun, Tallyn Da Silva, Tevita Tukuafu, Thomas Pati, Will Craig

HAROLD MATTHEWS:

Alex Isdale, Ali Karnib, Andrew Sio, Ashton Large, Brock Achurch, Brooklyn Milford, Cade Anderson, Christian Taupau-Moors, Curtis Lakeman, Dallas Taoia, Forgiveness Tila, Glassie Glassie, Heamasi Meakasini, Henare Reti, Iliyaz Viliamu, Isaac Orji, Isaiah Russell, Isaiah Sheck, Jake Gaffney, Jake Jones, James Bengura, Jayden Innes, Jeziah Papa, Jeziah Taitau, Jonas Peni, Jhevon Lele, Jordan Vandermade, Kye Penfold, Leviticus Tovia, Lorima Cosgrave, Maddax Fui, Malcolm Mailo, Mase Hillcoat, Mawin Soaai, Max Jackson, Onitoni Large, Peter Taai, Pheonix Godinet, PJ French, Simisi Peleketi, Siotame Havea Jr, Sonny Raravula, Stirling Faumui, Teancum Epati, Thomas Galvin, Tom Goodfield, Tomasi Tavui, Tyler Volcov, Tyson Walker, William Jenkins

TARSHA GALE:

Abbie Hamilton, Afi Fauese, Charntelle Haenga, Chelsea Blankenstein, Cheyenne Baker, Claudia Brown, Dianne Palu, Elarney Pele-Taula, Grace O’Reilly, Greta Alama, Hannah Kengike, Iemaima Etuale, Italia Nuku-Mariner, Jorja Simpson, Katie Stevens, Kealani Afu, Kristen Grima, Kristen Haskins, Lara Bush, Mackenzie Hadley, Madison Wilson, Matoisha Kalepo, Ma’u Halatoa, Mercedes Fenton, Mikaela Finch, Molly Mamo, Myracle Matara, Oriana Tulemau, Serah Poloaalii, Shanice Talataina, Shelbi Rangi-Szabo, Sofaia Vaki, Stephanie Goodworth, Tayleah Pasili, Teleciha Ese, Tiana-Lee Thorne

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/sport/magpies-wests-tigers-20-junior-rep-stars-to-watch-in-2024-ball-matthews-and-tarsha-gale-cups/news-story/fa47907adf43fc87ac48b8fc6f45f5ca