Newcastle Rugby League: 20+ players to watch across four divisions on grand final day
The showcase day of the Newcastle Rugby League season is here with four grades in action on the biggest stage. We look at the 20+ gamebreakers across all four divisions set to star on the big day.
Local Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Newcastle Rugby League is preparing for a bumper grand final day this weekend.
Both Maitland and Lakes United are well represented with teams in three of the four divisions, with Central Newcastle and Western Suburbs also to feature.
We take a look at the players who are set to fire on the biggest day:
JUMP TO
Under 19s - Womens - Reserves - First Grade
UNDER 19s
DEMIAH ANIUU
Lakes United Seagulls
Centre
An outside back who is a terrific defensive player. It’s his attacking skills have really shone through in the back end of season to help the Seagulls get to the big game.
JACK HAYLEN
Lakes United Seagulls
Forward
He comes off the bench and injects the team with plenty of ruck speed and confidence. Is capable of changing the game in the back end of the first half.
JOEL SALTER
Lakes United Seagulls
Fullback
Played with the Newcastle Maitland Region Knights at the start of the season and has really carried that rep form into the Newcastle RL season.
RALPH BINGE
Western Suburbs Rosellas
Wing
Has been in junior rep systems with the NMR Knights and the St George Dragons. Has been named in St George’s SG Ball train-on squad for 2025 and can impress with a good showing here.
CONNOR LATHAM
Western Suburbs Rosellas
Hooker
The captain of the Rosellas who made the move from the Old Bar Pirates last season. A versatile player who can really get out, run and put his team on the front foot.
NOAH SEFO
Western Suburbs Rosellas
Second Row
Coming off the back of an SG Ball campaign with Newcastle and that experience puts him in good stead for a strong performance here. A strong runner of the ball on an edge.
WOMENS
ANIKA BUTLER
Maitland Pickers
Centre
Anika is a fast and reliable player who consistently strengthens the team’s defence with her skills. Her infectious energy and role as the ultimate hype girl make her a key motivator, always bringing laughter and positivity to the group.
TIA COOK
Maitland Pickers
Lock
Brings valuable experience at the HNWP level to the side with a stint for South Sydney last season and is also a previous NSW Country representative. A try-scoring threat who can also feature on an edge.
ROBYN DRAPER
Maitland Pickers
Five-eighth
Another who has stepped up to HNWP with the Knights, Draper has the ability to make things happen as a running half for the Pickers. Forms a good partnership with Brooker Carter in the halves.
MATILDA JONES
Lakes United Seagulls
Halfback
A natural leader who is always in control of her emotions. Is highly respected within her team. Possesses above average organisational skills along with a deceptive running and passing game. A strong defender and big game player.
DIANNE GHENT
Lakes United Seagulls
Lock
One of the most improved players in the competition. Has worked tirelessly on her ball playing options and game management. Plays big minutes in the middle and sets the tempo and intensity for her teammates.
KIRBY MASLIN
Lakes United Seagulls
Utility
Hails from Forbes and joins the Seagulls after a stint with the Penrith Panthers in the Tarsha Gale Cup. Can provide an impact in a number of positions from the interchange.
RESERVE GRADE
JACKSON SHADE
Maitland Pickers
Second Row
A tough and uncompromising backrower Jackson has been one of the star consistent performers for the Maitland Pickers Reserve Grade. He can challenge you with a great hole running option on the edge and will role the sleeves up coming out of their own end. A solid defender, not only will Jackson be one to watch on Sunday but he’s also a player of the future at the Maitland Pickers.
ETHAN PARRY
Maitland Pickers
Second Row
Partnering Shade in the second row is Parry, who boasts two games of NRL with Parramatta back in 2019, scoring a try in both games. A tall, rangy edge player who can cause havoc out wide.
JACKSON ECKFORD
Maitland Pickers
Fullback
Brings a background in touch football to the Pickers and that has been on show throughout the year with his evasiveness at the back. His 14 tries for the season puts him at second in the division.
WIL BOTHAM
Lakes United Seagulls
Wing
The leading scorer throughout reserve grade this season. Botham is a fantastic finisher on the flank who is more than capable of putting up a haul on the biggest stage.
ETHAN MCKENNA
Lakes United Seagulls
Five-eighth
Possesses a great kicking game both in general play and for goal. With two evenly matched teams that could well prove the difference over the concluding stages.
DANE BROUWER
Lakes United Seagulls
Prop
A big front rower who does his job by taking the strong carries to lay a platform for the backs. Is capable of getting across the line as well.
FIRST GRADE
CAMERON ANDERSON
Central Newcastle Butcher Boys
Fullback
A dynamic ball runner and the heart of the Butcher Boys who is a regular in rep sides. Anderson is an attacking threat all over the park and will ask many questions on the day of the Maitland defence.
LACHLAN O’BRIEN
Central Newcastle Butcher Boys
Lock
A tough, no-nonsense lock-forward who leads with his actions and will have a high work rate on the day. Is the co-captain of Central Newcastle and has been earmarked by officials as the future of the club.
ISAIAH OLSEN
Central Newcastle Butcher Boys
Halfback
The young halfback of the Butcher Boys who is in career best form. He will attack the line on the left all day and his elite kicking game will at the forefront of his mind as he looks to kick Maitland into submission.
CONNOR O’BEIRNE
Maitland Pickers
Five-eighth
A tall half that possesses a strong running game but also a select passing game to match. A strong kicker of the ball he’ll look to ensure he has his team are dominating field position with quality end of set finishes. Connor has been influential in the teams wins across recent weeks and will no doubt feature again.
CHAD O’DONNELL
Maitland Pickers
Halfback
A former NSW Pioneers representative and the leader of the juggernaut that is the Pickers. Is able to work his magic in so many ways that makes him a crucial part of the side and is one that can win a game off his own back.
MATTHEW SOPER-LAWLER
Maitland Pickers
Centre
Featured for the Newcastle Knights in the NRL 9s on the back of reserve grade stints with Newcastle and Souths Logan. Among the leading scorers in the competition with 12 and a constant threat in the centres.
Koori Knockout: Big guns endure tough draw as fixtures revealed
The men’s fixtures for the 2024 Koori Knockout have been released with some huge match-ups to take place on the opening day. See the full fixtures for all Koori Knockout grades.
Rising cricket stars: 2024-25 Green Shield squads
For many it’s the first big step in a long cricketing journey, while for others it’s another chance to shine in the prestigious Green Shield competition. Latest U16 squads for 2024-25.