Multicultural talents: We look at 80+ players set to star in this weekend’s Harmony Nines
The Harmony Nines brings many cultures and countries together in the spirit of rugby league in Croom this weekend. We look at 80+ players across all divisions set to make their mark.
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The Harmony Nines is one of the crowning jewels of the NSWRL calendar, bringing together men, women, boys and girls from a variety of countries and cultures.
Over 20 different teams will descend on Croom for the weekend, starting with the men and women on Saturday, followed by the junior teams on Sunday.
We take a look at 80+ of the players to watch from around the grounds this weekend.
U16 BOYS
STIRLING FAUMUI (SAMOA)
Halfback/Five-Eighth
Liverpool Catholic Club
A well-balanced player with great footy smarts. Is not shy in the defensive line and can kick the leather off the footy. Has brothers playing in the elite system and is determined to follow their lead to represent his family on that stage.
CEDRIC PETI-TALOFA (SAMOA)
Five-Eighth/Centre
Cambridge Park
Quick and knows how to tackle. Comfortable in multiple positions, is a versatile player with a bright future ahead of him. A real leader and those qualities stand out among the team.
EMILIO BELLIDO (SAMOA)
Centre/Wing
Wentworthville
A great edge defender with an amazing turn of pace over 10-40m. Can find the tryline. Knows a lot about the game and dedicates a lot of time to perfecting his craft.
JEREMIAH LAUPEPA (PHILIPPINES)
Front Row
Greenacre Tigers
His attitude and willingness to learn put him ahead of most, strong and uncompromising, the guy you want on your side.
KAAN KADIR (MEDITERRANEAN)
Front Row
Mt Annan Knights
The Turkish Cypriot is a mobile front rower who loves the impact and the physicality of rugby league, his workload is high with quality touches with the ball and defensive ability is high impact with no fear. Eyeing off a move to first grade in the next couple of seasons in the Macarthur comp.
LIONEL MAKHOUL (MEDITERRANEAN)
Hooker
Renown United
His speed out off the play the ball is unbelievable and knowledge of when to run at a young age has surprised his coaches. The ability to pass from the ground gives his halves great service and extra time to make the right decision. His defence in the middle with plenty of stamina helps his middle forwards tighten the middle for his team
MOHAMED MALAS (SYRIA)
Hooker
St Christopher’s
Crafty player who can fill a few roles if needed. Tried out for the Canterbury Bulldogs Harold Matthews side and adds a bit of class to the side.
ADAM MALAS (SYRIA)
Hooker
St Christopher’s
Playing up a year as a 15-year-old and playing in a club grand final earlier this season. Can adapt strongly to the format of Nines.
NOA RAURA (FIJI)
Front Row
Mascot Jets
Noa is big in size, very mobile, good turn of speed with silky skills to match. His unpredictability will catch opposition teams off guard in Nines football.
ARCHIE RATUMAIYALE (FIJI)
Half
Leichhardt Wanderers
Possesses a great skill set, is a very instinctive player and has a great set of skills when given the chance to play eyes up football.
KINGSTON CRUZ-LAKE (MAORI)
Halfback/Five-Eighth
Wentworthville Magpies
A natural ballplayer with a great kicking game. In the Parramatta system so will be looking to take his game to the next level in the coming seasons.
BAYLI ALVEY (MAORI)
Halfback
St Clair Comets
He is an up and coming rising star who is a very smart and skilful halfback who tends to be able to read the play before it happens. Bayli has a bright future ahead of him and is proud to represent his Maori culture and heritage.
DIESEL KOPARA (MAORI)
Front Row
Collegians
Diesel is a powerhouse out on the field who manages to get the team steam rolling forward. Diesel is a valued member of the team and will definitely go far with his chosen sports. He proudly represents his Waikato and Ngati Kahungungu whanau.
ISAIAH WYNBERGEN TITOKO (MAORI)
Centre
St Marys Saints
A blockbusting centre who is catching the eye in the Penrith system after making the Emerging Panther squad this season.
U16 GIRLS
KAYLA SORIANO (PHILIPPINES)
Lock
Milperra Colts
Kayla is dedicated to training and always willing to apply herself. She also shares her knowledge of the game with their fellow teammates. She embodies the Philippines pride and can’t wait to wear the Philippines jersey for the first time.
ANISSA MCCUE (PHILIPPINES)
Five-Eighth
Albion Park Eagles
Anissa is a committed and hardworking individual but also a valuable leader within the team. She shows initiative by asking questions and always giving her best both on and off the field. She carries the spirit of the Philippines and cannot wait to wear the Philippines jersey for the first time to honour her late father.
ANITA-JANE SAITO (TONGA)
Front Row
Emu Plains
The captain who leads by example on the field, showing direction to the middles in the pack. Very fast and has clever attack skills as a middle and will be one to look out for during the comp as a solid middle.
KALOLAINE BROWN (TONGA)
Fullback
Blue Haven Raiders
Has great communication and gives direction as the team fullback. Very attentive and displays very good eyes up footy looking for solid opportunities to take on during attack play.
SITI MAPA (TONGA)
Centre/Wing
Strong, fit and fast outside back, and if given the right opportunity in attack she will be hard to take down. Her defence game is very solid too and she makes the right judgement calls.
U18 BOYS
RATU JONES VESIKULA (FIJI)
Fullback/Wing
Botany Rams
Has impressive skill and is very elusive with the speed to match. The Nines format will suit his style of play as he looks to get expansive with the ball.
VILIAME RAVUVU (FIJI)
Half
Parramatta Two Blues
Viliame has two older brothers who have played NRL and for the Fiji Bati. The game of Nines football is nothing new to him. A great natural talent who is willing to move the football from anywhere on the paddock.
ZAKAIA LEWIS (MAORI)
Second Row
Young Cherrypickers
Zakaia is a tough rugged back rower who travels from Young for training and the games. He is small in stature but he has a huge heart. He doesn’t miss a tackle and his attack is strong as well he enjoys the hard gritty part of the game that many players shy away from. He is also a very humble quiet kid.
RYDER MICHIE (MAORI)
Hooker/Wing
Central Coast
Ryder has the best attitude toward training and towards the program. He isn’t afraid to take those hard yardage carries to get his team on the front foot and his defence has also been amazing in a difficult position to defend. Above all else he has the utmost respect and is always there to help around with set up and clean-up. A great person to have around.
U18S GIRLS
ANGEL SCHAAFHAUSEN-MINO (SAMOA)
Second Row/Lock
Eagle Vale Magpies
She’s only 16 years old but is stepping up to play two years above. Angel is a good ball runner, solid in defence and is an awesome support player.
CLAUDIA BROWN (SAMOA)
Lock/Hooker
North Sydney Bears
This player knows how to find lazy defenders on the field, has good ball skills and is a great talker among the team, always directing the forwards where to go.
DANIELLE DUNLOP (SAMOA)
Outside Back
Cabramatta
Danielle has a strong return of the ball and makes plenty of metres and gives them great momentum after kick receptions. She’s always looking to get involved and won’t take a backward step in contact and collision.
MALIA FAIOSO (SAMOA)
Second Row/Middle
Cabramatta
Malia has great knowledge of the game, is dominant with the ball in hand and her ability to ball play as another option gives them plenty of attack. Her aggression in defence makes her one to watch this weekend.
LOURDEZ LUAMANU-LEIATAUA (SAMOA)
Middle/Edge
Mounties
Lourdez has the ability in making easy metres up the middle, she’s really hard to stop and she’s also very strong in the collision. Can always give them plenty of opportunities around the edge with her second phase play. Also a strong offloader of the ball.
JOY LEVY (FIJI)
Centre
Bondi United
From the premiership winning Tarsha Gale Cup team with the Roosters Indigenous Academy, Joy offers great skill and is robust with the football, not forgetting she has great defensive reads.
MERE RASAKU (FIJI)
Hooker
Cabramatta
Gives great service from dummy half, has great ruck identification, plus is very speedy. Played with South Sydney and will be a major threat in this competition.
TIANA-LEE THORNE (MAORI)
Fullback/Wing
Campbelltown Collegians
Outstanding vision on field in where she needs to be. Extremely fast out on an edge or at the back. Great attitude on and off the field. All round elite footy player and is on the rep scene.
MANAIA MAXWELL-PUOHOTAUA (MAORI)
Centre/Second Row
Engadine/Kingsgrove
An excellent ball runner and fast out on the edges. Full of energy and a machine in defence. Very hard to stop and joins the Dragons Tarsha Gale squad next season.
TAYLEAH PASILI (MAORI)
Halfback/Second Row/Lock
Unpredictable player as she can pretty much play anywhere. Fantastic ball skills and communication with really strong defence. She’s a great all rounder and is definitely an elite player with a bright future.
OPEN WOMEN
TAYTANA AH-CHEUNG (SAMOA)
Fullback
Marrickville Queens
Taytana is a ball-playing fullback. Her ability to find space and attack it at 100% gives them a lethal attacking game especially with a kicking game on her. Reads the game well and guides the team through the back in defence.
LEILANI WILSON (SAMOA)
Back Row
Mounties
Leilani is the engine of the team running havoc through the middle. A powerhouse forward who eats up metres in attack and a work horse through the middle in defence. Connects and guides the forward pack on both sides of the ball.
JODECI NICHOLSON (SAMOA)
Five-eighth/Halfback
Wentworthville Magpies
Jodeci’s awareness around the field in both attack and defence is outstanding. Phenomenal ball skills and footwork with the ability to adjust plays to the opposition’s defence to get them over the line. Text book tackle technique is the key to why she dominates in defence.
JACINTA KIRAZ (MEDITERRANEAN)
Outside Back
Wentworthville Magpies
A young talent that has grown up with football. Kiraz is inspired by her cousin Jacob. She is explosive, crafty and aggressive on attack with the ball in her hands which optimises her ability to be a threat on the scoreboard. A born leader on and off the field and will be the driving force for the women over the weekend.
AMIRA HAMID (MEDITERRANEAN)
Half
Penshurst
Leads the side as a ballplayer, and is of Lebanese heritage with both parents being born in Lebanon before migrating to Australia. Hamid has exceptional field awareness, a strong kicking game and great communication on the field. She will be looking to aid her team to success in the tournament.
MONIQUE NAJJAR (MEDITERRANEAN)
Hooker
South Sydney
Just 20 years old and was Canterbury’s best player in the 2022 Tarsha Gale Cup. Najjar is versatile with her ability to set up plays as the hooker for her side and showcase her undeniable speed out on the edges as a centre. Najjar adds depth to the side.
LUISA YARANAMUA (FIJI)
Halfback/Five-Eighth
St Christopers/North Sydney Bears
A former NSW State of Origin representative who boasts great skills and a better kicking game. The format will play into her hands.
NANISE VAKACAVU (FIJI)
Second Row/Centre
Asquith Magpies
Very quick and skilful. A tall rangy centre that with early ball with be a major threat anywhere on the paddock
ILISAPECI BARI (FIJI)
Front Row/Second Row
Milperra Colts/Canterbury Bulldogs
Tough robust forward that isn’t afraid to take on any defensive line. Adding her offloading skills she could cause major headaches for the opposition.
KAHU CASSIDY (MAORI)
Utility
South Sydney
Keep an eye out for some strong contact from this one. Kahu plays anywhere in the middle and is known for her solid ‘pick-and-drive’ style tackle. She played in the 2023 winning Māori All Stars side and is willing to play wherever is needed for her team.
TUAMANAKO (BUCKY) WALTERS (PASIFIKA)
Prop/Hooker
Riverwood Legion
Walters is a fantastic asset to the middle third of the field. She plays her club footy for Riverwood Legion and is known around the local competition for her bone rattling defence.
MADDISON-LEE KELLY (PASIFIKA)
Halfback
Penshurst RSL
A previous Tarsha Gale representative for St George. She’s an eyes up ballplayer with electric footwork and a boot to match.
TIANA TAWHAI (PASIFIKA)
Five-Eighth
Riverwood Legion
Plays her club footy for Riverwood Legion and has built her reputation as a tough half who has a wonderful short and long kicking game.
ILISIA HAUMONO (TONGA)
Second Row/Lock
Redfern All Blacks
Coming off a successful Tarsha Gale Cup campaign with the Roosters. Is known for her hard work in the middle and her big shots in defence.
AALIYAH HAUMONO (TONGA)
Halfback
Redfern All Blacks
A versatile player who can also fill in at fullback, kown for her speed, ballplaying ability and directing the team around the park.
OPEN MEN
DANIEL VASQUEZ (CHILE)
Lock
St Joseph’s
A tireless worker in the forwards who has a game of NRL experience to his name with Cronulla. A long-time Chilean representative who adds leadership to the pack.
CHRISTIAN LOPEZ (CHILE)
Halfback
Milperra Colts
Was given special dispensation to play for Chile as a 17-year-old in the South American Championships in Colombia. Has established himself as a classy half with a big future.
BRANDON TOBAR (CHILE)
Prop
One of the last games he played was the World Cup Qualifiers in 2018. Has recovered from an ACL injury and has long been part of the Latin Heat setup. A leader among the side.
WILLIAMS AFUALO (SAMOA)
Second Row
Minchinbury Jets
Willing to do anything for the team, a strong trainer who is always there and is passionate about representing his Samoan heritage.
TYREES FEAUNATI (SAMOA)
Second Row
Mounties
A great team player who is young and exciting. Causes a lot of havoc out on an edge and wears the Samoan colours with pride.
DANIEL BYRNE (LATIN HEAT)
Second Row/Centre
Blue Mountains
An Argentinian who plays well at both league and union, will captain the team this weekend and is a strong defender with a good offload on him.
LEVI SOMMERS (LATIN HEAT)
Utility Back
Corrimal Cougars
From Peru and is a fast outside back who can play various positions in the backline. Is safe under the high ball, a strong returner of the ball and the son of Heat legend Jye Sommers.
GABRIEL MCBRIDE (LATIN HEAT)
Marrickville Kings
Centre/Wing/Second Row
Another from Peru who is a rugby convert. A strong runner of the ball with his lines on an edge a strength of his game. Only in his second year of league but gets his Heat debut.
JAYDEN FOYE (MACEDONIA)
Front Row
Cronulla Sharks
Has plenty of speed for a big man in the middle, is blessed with skills and can whack hard in defence too.
JUSTIN MILETIC (MACEDONIA)
Back Rower
Leichhardt Wanderers
Plays out on an edge and brings plenty of skill and toughness to the side. Also has the advantage of youth at just 17 years of age.
JAMIE MILETIC (MACEDONIA)
Centre/Lock
Leichhardt Wanderers
Boasts a great deal of talent, a tough player and asks questions of his opposition out on an edge. Also just 19 years old.
JIMMY KOSTREVSKI (MACEDONIA)
Forward
Comes into the side at 41 years old for his swan song and to guide the next generation. Carved up for a long time and looking to go out on a high.
NATHAN MICHALOWSKI (POLAND)
Hooker/Half
Mt Kembla Lowries
The captain of the side who will be using this to try and break back into the squad for next weekend’s clash with North Macedonia. Has played five matches for the side and has done a lot to help grow the game in his home nation.
PHOENIX DEATH (UKRAINE)
Lock
Mona Vale Raiders
Phoenix has been a standout at training, showing plenty of skill and athleticism. The son of former NRL player Jason, although his heritage comes from his mother’s side. He comes from a large rugby league family with Ukrainian origins from Kryvyi Rih, including cousin Nathan Cleary.
VICTOR TERESZKO (UKRAINE)
Middle/Second Row/Centre
Hills Bulls/ North Sydney Bears
Victor is a former Melbourne Jersey Flegg player who has been an impressive performer in NSW state competitions over the past two seasons. His family origins are from Lviv.
JAYDEN YOUNG (UKRAINE)
Middle/Second Row/Centre
Cessnock Goannas
Jayden has been a standout in the Newcastle competition for many years, and was awarded the Newcastle Rugby League’s rep player of 2022. His family origins are from Cherkasy Oblast. He is the brother of Canberra Raiders player Hudson Young.
JAMES UTAI CAIRNS (THAILAND)
Utility
Kogarah Cougars
Scored a double for his country against Japan earlier this year. A tall and rangy player who is solid defensively and has a good offload on him. Was a teammate of Anthony Mundine this year.
MOO DOH (THAILAND)
Utility
Cabramatta
Co-captain of the Thailand Naga, has played for NSW in Rugby Sevens. He is highly skilled, fast, agile and determined. Provides a lot of spark in attack and leadership on and off the field.
MELVIN CAMARA (PHILIPPINES)
Hooker/Lock
Concord Wolves
Works hard and makes efficient tackles. New to the seniors who came up the ranks from the Junior Tamaraws, now representing the senior development team.
GERALD REYES (PHILIPPINES)
Hooker
Cabramatta Two Blues
Always brings a team first mentality, gives 100 per cent effort on every play and is explosive off the mark.
ELIAS KIRAZ (MEDITERRANEAN)
Hooker
St Johns Eagles
His leadership qualities will be on full display when leading the side. He sets the tone and lays the platform for his forward pack with shifty ball work around the ruck and a precise kicking game. His decision making will be a driving factor throughout the tournament and his professionalism from hooker equates to points. Of Lebanese heritage.
JASON AREIJI (MEDITERRANEAN)
Outside Back
St Johns Eagles
A scoring chance from any distance on the field and can create opportunities for himself due to his size, strength and speed. The 20-year-old a versatile and finds it easy to read the game and easily reiterates what he’s seeing to his teammates. His attacking threat out wide will be instrumental for the Mediterranean boys when looking for points.
ARI KORDY (MEDITERRANEAN)
Second Row
St Johns Eagles
Of Jordanian heritage and is a high energy back rower who lifts the boys when heads go down. Ari has all the tangibles it takes to be a great edge forward with great line running abilities and the defensive skills he possesses. One thing you can expect from him over the weekend is to always turn up for his teammates.
KHALED ALFAS (SYRIA)
Middle
Leichhardt Wanderers
A winner on and off the field, with the former Southern Districts union player and current Wanderer also running the successful Bearded Barista business.
HOUSSAM SAADAT (SYRIA)
Second Row
Berala Bears
Can get his way across the tryline and will give the Syrian side some valuable experience as they look to continue their growth as a league nation.
CEIZA JAMES (MAORI)
Halfback
Hills Bulls
Came across from New Zealand and had a crack with the Cronulla Sharks. Helped the Hills Bulls to a Sydney Shield title earlier this season.
ZAKAURI CLARKE (MAORI)
Second Row
Narellan Jets
Got a taste of first grade action with Narellan in the Macarthur competition. A strong player with Wests in Harold Matthews and gives the side a youthful boost.
TAINE PETERSEN (PASIFIKA)
St Marys Saints
Winger
The son of a former first grade player, the try scoring winger plays his club footy for St Marys and is best known for his superb speed on a flank.
HOHEPA PETERA (PASIFIKA)
Centre/Prop
Riverwood Legion
Petera is a complete wrecking ball and is a worst nightmare for defenders. One-on-one he has the ability to change the game on both sides of the footy field.
RUAMANOMARUA (ALI) STOKES (PASIFIKA)
Moorebank Rams
Prop
Ali Stokes is the quiet achiever in the side and last year’s Player’s Player. A a strong defender in the middle and barnstorming ball carrier,
LEAGUE TAG
SARAH LA BUA (MAORI)
Middle
Penrith
She poses a strong attack game but an even better defensive game. She will put her body on the line to save a try . Sarah is currently an Australian Oztag representative.
JASS ANNE TEAMO LOWE and RADWAN BILL TE-REHU MASRI (MAORI)
Penrith
The dynamic couple have both played representative Oztag on the national and world stage, including playing in the recent World Cup in Ireland for the NZ Exiles. Both are extremely talented attackers.
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