2025 SG Ball Cup season preview: Every club previewed ahead of U17s boys season
A window into the NRL’s future, this year’s under-19s SG Ball competition is once again brimming with talent. Ahead of the 2025 season we preview all 16 teams set to compete this year.
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Last season a host of big names made the transition from SG Ball Cup to the NRL.
Flagged as a major stepping stone to higher honours, this year’s U19s competition promises to once again unveil a new generation of stars.
The next edition of this thrilling competition gets underway on February 1, and we preview all 16 teams in the running for glory.
JUMP TO
Balmain Tigers - Canberra Raiders - Canterbury Bulldogs - Cronulla Sharks - Illawarra Steelers - Manly Sea Eagles - Melbourne Storm - Newcastle Knights - New Zealand Warriors - North Sydney Bears - Parramatta Eels - Penrith Panthers - South Sydney Rabbitohs - St George Dragons - Sydney Roosters - Western Suburbs Magpies
BALMAIN TIGERS
Captain: Jared Haywood
Coach: Shane Sultana
Last season: 16th (0-9)
Why they will be competitive: Despite finishing without a victory in 2024, the Leichhardt based side of the Wests Tigers’ joint venture is heavily invested in the promotion of local talent.
“We have a smaller junior base compared to the Magpies, but the current pathways program works very well,” said newly appointed Balmain coach Shane Sultana, who joins the Tigers following a stint with South Sydney as NSW Cup assistant coach.
“Both teams trial and train separately but there is scope to transition players between the teams if they don’t make their intended squad.
“There is also an U18s development program to cater for players outside the main squads.”
After finishing on the end of some lopsided scores last season, Sultana can already see signs of improvement.
“It is challenging with a smaller junior footprint, but the boys are buying into the culture and enjoying their football education,” he said.
“Once again we have a really tough draw, but the group has performed well in the trials. There’s been no blowout score which is a good indication that we are on the right track.”
Key fixture: Sea Eagles (round three). Following a challenging opening fortnight against the Magpies and reigning premiers, St George, Balmain is set to host Manly in a contest between two sides eager to improve on last season’s return.
Players to watch: Jared Haywood brings a level of maturity and footy knowledge well beyond his years. The hooker and team skipper is an Australian Schoolboys rep who has continued to flourish during the pre-season while training with the NSW Cup and NRL squads.
In the halves, Tyler Birnie steps up from Harold Matts, while Concord-Burwood Wolves junior Marc Tannous is another to benefit from time alongside the NRL squad over the summer.
Out wide Ben Moughan is a powerful centre/winger with an upbringing in New Zealand rugby union.
Zeke Edmed is a familiar name upfront. The son of former Balmain enforcer, Steve, Zeke continues to impress and is quickly coming to terms with the mental aspects of the game.
Squad: TBA
CANBERRA RAIDERS
Captain: TBA
Coach: Rourke O’Sullivan
Last season: 11th (4-5)
Why they will be competitive: After just falling short of the grand final in 2023, the young Raiders failed to reach the top-six last year.
“The SG Ball is a tough competition,” said Raiders coach Rourke O’Sullivan.
“The good teams are the ones that compete on every play and that is something we have focused on during the pre-season. It has been tough, but the boys have done everything asked of them.”
Committed to the development of players to rise through the senior ranks, O’Sullivan believes that a winning culture breeds better players.
“We have a strong squad,” he explained.
“There’s a good mix of talent with players stepping up from Harold Matts, and there’s a big chunk of players from the Monaro side that won last year’s Laurie Daley Cup.”
Key fixtures: Sharks and Steelers (round two and three). In a challenging opening month, Canberra kicks off the season at home against last season’s runner-up, Canterbury, and faces the minor premiership-winning Roosters in round four. This means that the results against the Sharks and Steelers could shape their finals ambitions.
Players to watch: A former Endeavour Sports High student and Sharks junior, Jayze Tuigamala suffered an injury after arriving at the Raiders last year. Eager to make up for lost time, he’s one to watch in the backrow or as a middle forward.
Teammates can’t get enough of hard working prop, Sam Hyne. A cult hero among the Raiders squad, the reliable kid from country Queensland has already had a taste of Flegg footy.
Braydan (BJ) Darmody brings versatility. Backing up for another year of U19s, the respected outside back is equally electric running the ball in the halves.
Squad: TBA
CANTERBURY BULLDOGS
Captain: Alex Conti
Coach: Steve Turner
Last season: Grand finalists (6-1-2)
Why they will be competitive: The Bulldogs hit their straps late last season, winning seven games in a row to advance to the grand final before ultimately falling short.
General manager of pathways Adam Hartigan said while they would obviously love to return for another crack at the title, there’s a more important focus at play.
“We want to be competitive, but we look at this age group as a full season,” he said.
“They’ll do SG Ball and then we’ll accelerate as many as we can into either Jersey Flegg or Ron Massey Cup depending on their individual path.
“Which is how do we get them ready, what do they need. As important as SG Ball is for us, it’s the player’s full year that we need to plan out to make sure we can give them as much development focus as possible.
“It will be good to see those young boys who are new to the club, how they go in the next six-nine months.
“Everyone wants to win. We’ve seen in the past two years that some of these kids are really talented. It’s about us testing them regularly and giving them growth opportunities so we can develop as many NRL players as possible.”
Key fixture: St George Dragons (Home, Round 5). A rematch of last year’s grand final will only have a few players backing up from that fixture, but nevertheless this is one that will be circled on Canterbury’s calendar as they look to get some form of revenge.
Players to watch: Captain Alex Conti has done a pre-season with Jersey Flegg under coach Josh Jackson and has earned praise for his efforts. He’s set to start out the year in SG Ball, but may progress early with plenty of halves depth. Marcellus Iakopo is a new recruit from Penrith. A big centre, he adds plenty of size on the edge. Kaawyn Patterson joins the club on a three-year deal from the NZ Warriors where he was co-captain of their inaugural Harold Matthews premiership team. A workhorse lock who will have a big impact.
Squad: Aisake Manna, Albert Balchin, Alex Conti, Ayman Maarbani, Azariah Toki Bronson Emery Bronson Reuben, Carson Solomona Jr T’Malii, Charles Williams, Chelden Hayward, Chayse Geros, Clancy Hohn, Cooper Meldrum, Damon Humphrys, David Leota, Elijah Tu’ifua, Fine Fale, Genesis Porotesano Ah Kam Sherlock, George Satakala, Hassan Rabaa, Jai Callaghan, Jayden Mallia, Jethro Rinakima, Jope Rauqe, Kaawyn Patterson, Keyarn Pene, Lleyton Moore, Lyncoln Cliffe, Mace Andrews, Maila Setu, Malaki Caleb Ah-Loo, Marcellus Robert Leone Iakopo, Matthew Barakat, Maxwell Afualo, Mitchell Rowles, Mohamed Hadid, Olesa Tai, Oliva Smith, Patrick Carey, Paul Henry Johnson., Rielly Laverty, Sam Carr, Samuela Ratavola, Sheldon Abbey, Solomone Tupou, Sosaia Alatini, Taj Matthews, Toby Batten, Tristan Burns, Tyrus Salanoa, Zane Cordi, Zane Groves, Zane Walker
CRONULLA SHARKS
Captain: TBA
Coach: Brad Kelly
Last season: 9th (4-1-4)
Why they will be competitive: Following an inconsistent 2024, Cronulla development and pathways manager Glenn Brailey says the Sharks have made a host of changes in an effort to qualify for this years finals.
“There’s lots of new faces this season, so it has been a challenge striking up combinations,” said Brailey.
“That said, there’s plenty of positives and our trial form is solid. The Sharks SG Ball program has been a regular breeding ground for players striving to make the next level - there’s plenty of examples of players pushing through to the NRL.
“The club prides itself on creating opportunities for local talent. It means we need to keep the program relevant, and we are always working on ways to make it better.”
Key fixture: Penrith and Canberra (round one and two). After a mixed opening last season, the Sharks have an excellent opportunity to fly out of the gates when the comp kicks off in early February.
Like Cronulla, both the Panthers and Raiders are on the rebound after missing last year’s the finals cut, meaning all three sides will be out to impress.
Players to watch: Despite offers from rugby union, rising playmaker Callum Grantham has committed to the Sharks. The Newington student was a class above in Harold Matts and his strong running game is once again expected to be a feature in his rise to U19s.
The arrival of Alex Isdale from the Wests Magpies offers variety in the halves. A scheming No.7, Isdale captained the Magpies to last year’s Harold Matts grand final.
With Thomas Dellow locking down the middle, the Sharks’ should prove a tough nut to crack. An absolute workhorse, the former Matts lock was a standout for Endeavour Sports High in last season’s Peter Mulholland Cup grand final.
Well respected in junior reps, Alex Challenor returns for another SG Ball campaign. The damaging backrower has represented City U18s.
Squad: Nikora Williams, Alex Challenor, Thomas Dellow, Jack Schumacher, Kaden Garner, Callum Grantham, Natane Haunga, Oliver Lester, Jack Ennis, Blake Watman, Viliame Koroitamana, Aaron Keppie, Zackaria Lealaiauloto, Dallas Blackburn-Kingi, Tipene Thompson, Daniel Louka, Hudsyn Frost, Jake White, Elijah Paea, Tom Wiseman, Prestyn Laine-Sietu, Bailey Leach, Christian Vaimili, Daniel Feki, Blake Wardrobe, Alex Isdale, Karlos Hati-Ross, Vakapuna Mataele, Jeremy Hall, Koby Lillis, Jaylan Herron, Yuri Hromow, Hemi Blackburn-Kingi, Will Stewart, Harry Wililo, Jj Ma’u-Pohiva, Steven Moala
ILLAWARRA STEELERS
Captain: TBA
Coach: Shaun Timmins
Last season: 6th, eliminated week one of finals (6-4)
Why they will be competitive: Boasting one of the best rugby league nurseries in the country, the Steelers are blessed with an exciting roster of homegrown talent. After sneaking into the finals last year with a squad that contained a string of bottom-age players, coach and former NRL star Shaun Timmins is confident his team will improve on its results in 2025.
“The fortunate thing is that I’ve got a lot of players who played last year a year young and are backing up again,” he said.
“We had a pretty good year last year so to have them back on board is really good. They know what to expect, how we train and how we want to play.”
He added: “Hopefully with another year under their belts we’ll really see them blossom into leaders of the team.”
In fact, a large portion of the squad has been training with higher grades throughout the pre-season – something the coach said should lift the intensity once they filter back into SG Ball.
“It’s all about their development and the best thing for them is to train at higher levels and then come back to us with a lot of confidence.”
In terms of the team, with plenty of X-factor and speed out wide, the Steelers look like a side that will be dangerous with the ball in hand.
“We’ve got some real good outside backs, some real crafty halves who’ve been doing some NRL training, so we’ve got some points in us,” said Timmins.
“I want to improve on our defence from last year. I think we’ve got a little more size in our forward pack, so if we can improve defensively I’m pretty confident that we can score points.”
Key fixture: St George (Home – Round 6). “The Dragons derby is always a big one. Obviously there’s the one-club thing and those boys are all fighting for the one position moving forward, so that’s big,” said Timmins.
Players to watch: After missing most of last season with injury, centre Charlie Heidke has made quite an impression throughout the pre-season and is tipped to have a big year.
“He only played about half a season last year but he’s been in our system and in our academy for a few years,” said Timmins. “He’s looked really strong and powerful and has trained really well throughout the pre-season.”
Meanwhile a player who has rubbed shoulders with the joint-venture’s NRL squad is halfback Kade Reed. A highly regarded playmaker with a great kicking game, he is tipped for big things if he can stay injury free.
“He’s worked hard on his body, he’s a real good footballer and I think we’ll see him play SG Ball and then Flegg and then hopefully go on to higher honours,” said Timmins.
Squad: Tyrone Amone, Kye Andrews, Axel Antony, Hudson Bailey, Beau Baldock, Cooper Barrett, Joshua Boicheski, Lucas Borg, Brodie Breakspear, Ryder Brown, Hayden Buchanan, Dreau Clark, Finn Egan, Thomas Eirth, Joseph Elton, Aaymon Fitzgibbon, Charlie Heidke, Ben Jackson, Kapene Karaitiana, Ezekiel Kennedy, Tom Kirk, James Kunkler, Drew Langdon, Letham Manago, Levi McGuinness, Daniel Meafou, Max Morgan, Thomas Nelson, Jye Nightingale, Noah Parker, Mason Philips, Riley Plekan, Kade Reed, Likamani Richter, Jett Rorie, Connor Saddler, Saifiti Junior Saifiti, Jackson Smith, Jack Talbott, Zechariah Taufa, Zane Timmins, Malokai Tomo, Leeroy Weatherall, Hayden Whatman
MANLY SEA EAGLES
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MELBOURNE STORM
Captain: TBA
Coach: Matt Duffie
Last season: 13th (2-1-6)
Why they will be competitive: Last year saw improvement for the Storm as they climbed off the bottom of the ladder.
Now the key will be continuing that growth as they look to make the finals for the first time in their history.
Former New Zealand international Duffie takes over as head coach and has belief the group can further its progress in a new season.
“We’ve had a decent block of training pre-Christmas where we focused on fundamentals, getting to know each other and general hard training,” he said.
“We’ve looked at installing some standards and building a foundation. I’m okay with where we’re at and we’ve got through what we needed to.
“There hasn’t been a whole heap of wins (in this grade), so the goal is to be extremely competitive and playing Melbourne Storm footy.
“It’s a hard competition to know where everyone is at. We really want our boys to understand our brand of footy and who we’re about.
“It’s going to be an enjoyable season and we’re looking forward to them having a run. It’s the most competitive U19s comp in the world, so that’s pretty exciting.
“We want to be defensively sound and show a lot of effort with our defence, especially on the tryline. We’re a reasonably connected group, so that’s our main focus.”
Key fixture: New Zealand (Away, Round 5). This will mark their first trip across the Tasman in this grade since 2020 and comes right at the halfway point of the season. Serves as a good test for the Storm at an important part of the year.
Players to watch: Phoenix Woods steps up to this level after impressing as a front rower in Harold Matts last year. Officials are excited about what he can produce. Despite being understated, Duffie believes he is every bit the Storm player. Jordan Hamlin joins the club from Tamworth and he’s a quiet achiever in the side. He goes about his work and as the season rolls on he will come on in leaps and bounds.
Squad: Kobi Floro, Charbel Kheirallah, Alipate Vaka, Alize Clarke, Amare Milford, Amaziah Murgha, Ben Stringer, Burnham Salesa, Chae Sinclair, David Tuariki, Deacon King, Ed Lyons, Elijah Po Ching, Ezekiel Taupau, Ezekiel Tausilli, Frank Howarth, Ivana Tuafuti, Izaac Batey, Jaden Ninda, Jai Bowden, Jake Lane, Jethro Scanlan, Jordan Hamlin, Joseph Vela, Kyu Fiaiu, Lockyer Azile-Foloiola, Lucas Hinchey, Matt Kereti, Micah Warena, Phoenix Woods, Riley Brannock, Ronnic Starkey, Victory Isaako, Waka Hammond, Zarius Matavao, Zeph Faumuina
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS
Captain: TBA
Coach: Matt Nicoll
Last season: Prelim finalists (7-2)
Why they will be competitive: There’s no shortage of elite young talent in the Newcastle catchment, evidenced by the fact they’ve finished in the top-three over the last three seasons.
“It’s been good. We’ve had some new guys come in for their first pre-season and some others train up with NRL and NSW Cup,” he said.
“They’re buzzing with that. It’s a bit of a shock to the system though with some of the loads they have to get through.
“You always start with the base you build during the pre-season and we’ve worked really hard. I feel this year has been the hardest for our pathways with running loads. We’re going to be a really fit side.
“We have a few that are coming back but we’re still unsold as a whole. We have a lot of good kids. The plan is to move them around the grades and get them a bit more exposure.
“Last year we played consistently with about 9-11 year-young players and a few will return.
“We’d like to be in the top four. It’s a short comp so you need a lot of things to go right. But first and foremost we’d like to make the finals.
“We’re confident with our juniors that we’ll be thereabouts.”
Key fixture: Sydney Roosters (Home, Round 5). After a home opener, the Knights spend three weeks on the road. They’ll be delighted to return to the Hunter come round five, but it will be an almighty test against last year’s minor premiers. A great test at the midway point of the year.
Players to watch: With the benefit of a pre-season training with the NRL and NSW Cup squads, the likes of Jack Hilliar, Sosai Latu and Haami Loza will be raring to go when they come back to the U19s level. Officials had a good look at them and were impressed with how they were able to hold their own among the elite players, and they’re expecting them to have a big influence when they return post-Christmas.
Squad: Yet to be finalised
NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS
Captain: TBA
Coach: Shannon Rushworth
Last season: 12th (3-1-5)
Why they will be competitive: The success of last year’s Harold Matts team has propelled a big number of the U17s into this year’s squad.
With their numbers and a few returning faces from last year’s SG Ball team, it has the Warriors quietly confident of a good showing.
Rushworth takes over the running of the side this year and the coach has been impressed with the level they’ve been at as they prepare for round one.
“The boys have been working extremely hard and they’ve been buying in,” he said.
“We have a pretty big squad so we’ve done a few opposed sessions and internal games simulated at a proper pace.
“There are 14 boys backing up from Harold Matts that will jump up and a few that played SG Ball and Flegg.
“They’re gelling really well. They’ve come together quickly and are building a strong bond. They’re competitive in a good way.
“We have a few ex-players that have been coming in and helping them develop on a personal level as well.
“Assistant coach Albert Vete and Monty Betham are a couple of old boys that are floating in and helping these boys prepare for the season and their development as well.”
Key fixture: Manly (Away, Round 1). With a number of young players in the side and a road trip, the Warriors will be desperate to get their season off to a flyer before their first home game in round three. Manly will provide a great opening test.
Players to watch: Warriors officials are cautious to single anyone out in the lead-up to the new season, focusing on a team effort across the board to get them to their goals this season. One of their mid-season recruits from last season in Jack Thompson looks a likely type to prgoress through the grades. The half played a leading role in guiding the Warriors to a Harold Matthews Cup title last year.
Squad: Yet to be finalised
NORTH SYDNEY BEARS
Captain: Brandon Navarro
Coach: John Michael
Last season: 15th (1-8)
Why they will be competitive: It’s been a while since North Sydney has made the finals of the SG Ball Cup and this squad will ask the question of why they can’t be the ones to end that drought.
With solid recruitment and an experienced coach at the helm, the Bears are set to shock a few teams in the new season.
“With North Sydney we had an open day with around 90 trying out,” Michael said.
“We’ve been working with a nucleus and from that perspective we’re definitely ahead of target. How the boys have gelled together has been outstanding.
“What they showed on the trip to Melbourne and a good trial against Manly justifies how they’ve come together as a group.
“I’m the type of coach that puts it back on the leadership. We’ve had a few taken control, brought in and have taken it on board. The leadership team have good character and that’s what we’ve tried to build our team around.
“The Bears haven’t made the finals for a long time. We sell it to prospective players as an opportunity here. We’re aware of the perception and we want to change that.
“We’ll take one of the smallest forward packs into the season. That means we have to work as a team and I’ve told them to embrace that.”
Key fixture: South Sydney Rabbitohs (Away, Round 6). To this point in the season Norths will have enjoyed four games at home, so with a host of away games to finish the season they need to be taking care of Souths if they are any hope of finals.
Players to watch: Tainyn Clarken has come down from the Gold Coast seeking an opportunity at this level and the fullback has been training well. He’s settled into his new surrounds well and is set for a big year. Brandon Navarro is a natural leader within the group and the halfback will be out to elevate his game. A Fairfield Pats student who can take this group places. Aiden Crowley steps up from Harold Matthews and is a giant in the centres. Standing at over six-foot tall, he’s a silent assassin who has been tracking above expectations.
Squad: Aiden Crowley, Amari-Jay Tangi, Ben Davenport, Ben Fitzjohn, Benjamin Lever, Blake Pasfield, Brady Moynihan, Brandon Navarro, Buster Hindmarsh, Callum Rossiter, Charlie Elaro, Charlie Strong, Charlie Woolf, Colby Martin, Cooper Woolley, Daniel Cavric, Ethan Fulton, Ethan Hamilton, George Mapuilesua, Harrison Hutton, Harvee Miller, Hunter Winn, Jai Franco, Jayden Busfield, Jeddlin Beninca, Jerome Goddard, Jesse Charman, Josiah Palu, Julius Pula, Kai Organ, Luke Collins, Mazhar Sabourne, Nate Wilson, Tainyn Clarken, Tye Neason, Tyson Kunkel, Zac Merriman
PARRAMATTA EELS
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PENRITH PANTHERS
Captain: TBA
Coach: Robbie Mears
Last season: 7th (4-1-4)
Why they will be competitive: After failing to make the finals last season, Penrith won’t be short of motivation heading into their opening round clash with Cronulla. A number of key players return, and according to Panthers pathways coach Jono Rolfe there’s a greater spread of talent across the squad.
“Last season was difficult,” he said. “We lost several tight games and things didn’t go our way with injuries. On the bright side, we had 18-year-old Casey McLean progress through to the NRL and then make his international debut for New Zealand.”
Now in his seventh season in Penrith’s highly regarded development program, Rolfe is eager for the action to kick off.
“This season former NRL hooker Robbie Mears takes over as coach from Scott Thompson, who is now NSW Cup assistant coach,” he said.
“It’s a strong squad, there’s excellent skills across the park and compared to last season the depth is greater. Obviously making the finals is a key goal, but the major objective is to make sure we align the players to the systems in place that will assist their transition to the higher grades.”
Key fixture: Knights (round three). With all four of their opening matches on home turf, there’s lots to like about Penrith’s start to the season. Of those four contests, the round three clash with Newcastle is the only match against a finalist from last year and could well shape the remainder of their campaign.
Players to watch: A regular in the pathways program, Kye Raven returns for another season of SG Ball. A lock with all the skills, the Brothers junior brings an infectious work ethic and never-say-die attitude. Heinz Lemoto, the younger brother of Jersey Flegg (U21) bound Hokafonu, continues to make his own name. A punishing backrower, the former Harold Matts player of the year has also represented Australia U18s in rugby union.
From St Dominic’s College, Danny Johnstone is another local junior to keep an eye on. Returning from an ACL injury, the backrower is eager to make up for lost time. He’s expected to pack down alongside Tyson Sangalang – the highly touted Australian Schoolboys rep recruited from cross-town rivals Parramatta.
Squad: Yet to be finalised
SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS
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ST GEORGE DRAGONS
Captain: TBA
Coach: Darren Nicholls
Last season: Premiers (7-2)
Why they will be competitive: Coming into the new season as defending premiers, there will naturally be expectations on the St George squad.
The reality is just three players from last year’s grand final team will line up this time around with a host of new faces set to get their chance to shine.
Coach Nicholls believes that experience of those who have won a competition can filter down to the rest of the squad and inspire them for the year ahead.
“The lads have worked really hard. We’ve had a few injuries along the way but they’ve trained really well,” he said.
“We got a good lesson against the Steelers and had to make some adjustments around our defence and technically, but everyone is looking forward to the season.
“It’s hard coming off the back of a premiership. But there’s a big belief in the squad that we can be in and around the finals and challenging the good sides.
“The goal is to get into the finals and once you’re there anything can happen.
“There’s a real competitive attitude at training and we’ve had some really good opposed sessions. I’m really excited to see our guys play and we’re looking forward to trying to get as many up to Flegg and NSW Cup as we can.
Key fixture: Sydney Roosters (Away, Round 3). The Roosters were the minor premiers last year and the Dragons took out the title. Two foundation clubs going to battle at Henson Park – what more could you want as a footy fan. Will be a great challenge early in the year for St George.
Players to watch: Cooper Hale is a big centre who has made his way across from Penrith. Trained with Jersey Flegg and is a real leader with his actions. His tough carries and defence will be crucial for the Dragons. Lewis Sargent-Wilson is an Endeavour product who has also enjoyed a pre-season at the U21s level which has helped his leadership and to find his voice. Charlie Boyle comes across from Manly and he’s trained the house down. A talented half with a good kicking game and isn’t scared of the physical stuff. Viliame Hikila is a forward who came off the bench last year and is pushing hard for more minutes.
Squad: Alex Futialo, Blade Marquart, Charlie Boyle, Cooper Merton, David Hurley, Falcon Hunt, Fatu Nelu, Isaac Mikhail, Isaiah Titoko, Jayden Kouka, Jerome Gargoles, Kingston Poitaha, Lewis Sargent-Wilson, Malakai Charles, Mason Payne, Max Blanch, Mitch Langley, Noah Collins, Omari Papalii, Ralph Binge, Ratu Cayuqueo, Riley Baker, Risiate Smythe, Rydell Tyrell, Samuel Mardini, Tukia Taufa, Tye Bursill, Viliami Hikila, Volonte Baruani, Xavier Kirk, Xavier Ndaira, Zac Nachar, Zailen Campbell-Cook
SYDNEY ROOSTERS
Captain: TBA
Coach: Boyd Cordner
Last season: Prelim finalists (9-0)
Why they will be competitive: The Roosters have been among the top teams in SG Ball in recent years, including winning the minor premiership in three of the past four seasons.
This side will feature the best of their Sydney and Central Coast based talent coming together as one.
Club legend Boyd Cordner will take over as head coach, and despite a pre-season that has been challenging to get the group together in the one spot, head of recruitment Daniel Anderson believes they will be in the mix once again.
“We’ve performed strongly over the past few years and we feel we’ve got a team to be competitive once again,” he said.
“Last year we had two boys (Blake Steep and De La Salle Va’a) that went on to play first grade and we’re hopeful that (at least) one player can step up and replicate that by the end of the year.
“Jake Elliott is another that played a stack of reserve grade and performed well for the NSW U19s. We see this as a real stepping stone.
“It’s a very slow burn this team.
“We have a lot of players that do a little bit of training with the NRL squad and geographically we’re about 100km apart.
“Some do group training and some individual training. Last weekend we trialled with all of our players available. I think we’re going to be competitive.”
Key fixture: Canterbury Bulldogs (Home, Round 8). The Bulldogs knocked them out of the finals last season and both teams promise to be strong once again. By round eight the ladder will well and truly have taken shape
Players to watch: Toby Rodwell steps into the NRL’s top 30 on a four-year deal with the club. He was a major part of their unbeaten regular season last year and will again be a standout if he sees time at this level. Rex Bassingthwaighte took the Harold Matthews competition by storm last year with his blistering pace. The Roosters secured his signature ahead of rugby union. With another big forward pack set to line up, Jaxson Allen will be crucial at hooker to getting them on the front foot.
Squad: Yet to be finalised
WESTERN SUBURBS MAGPIES
Captain: TBA
Coach: Nathan Lakeman
Last season: 8th (4-1-4)
Why they will be competitive: Usually a force in this age group, the Magpies are desperate to make a finals return and according to coach Nathan Lakeman there’s plenty for fans to be excited about.
“Like other teams, the boys have trained hard in the pre-season,” said Lakeman. “We have a good mix of aged players and young players with many coming out of last year’s Harold Matts grand final team.
“The boys understand the nature of this competition, the expectations and standard required. After a disappointing 2024 they are looking to bounce back in 2025.”
Key fixture: Warriors (round six). The Magpies face two of last season’s top four sides in the first four rounds, but with a host players stepping up from the side beaten in last year’s Harold Matts decider, you can bet they will be eager to peg one back when the Warriors arrive at Campbelltown in round six.
Players to watch: Jack Nicholas is a formidable force out wide. Big and strong, the outside back is a danger at either end of the field and last season proved a smash hit for Patrician Brothers Blacktown in the Peter Mulholland Cup.
Blessed with leaders, Archie Duncombe has had a taste of Jersey Flegg and last year the backrower represented Country. Workaholic middle Denzel Schaafhausen-Mino is a former skipper of Westfields Sports High and rejoins the squad and after an off-season with the Flegg squad.
In the halves, Sonny Edwards-Moeke returns for another campaign and mixes flair off both feet with an ability to steer the team around the park.
Phoenix Godinet is another schoolboy sensation who has already caught the eye of talent scouts around the country. A tearaway on the edge, Lakeman believes he’ll relish the rise to U19s and expects the backrower to make “a bold showing in 2025”.
Squad (summer squad): Tye Bursill, Cooper Carr, Maika Church, Lorima Cosgrave, Kade Curtis, Kurtis Dupond, Sonny Edwards-Moeke, Teancam Epati, Stirling Faumui, Tino Fomai, PJ French, Saint Fuatimau, Glassie Glassie, Mase Hillcoat, Keandre Johnson-Vale, Caine Johnstone, Wame Kevin, Byron Laupepa, Jack Lindsell, Kimball Liufau, Matthew Lucas, Sam Lynch, Malcolm Mailo, Ruben Mayers, Brady McMillan, Brooklyn Milford, Vili Moata-ane, Lucius Muliaga, Riley Oitmann, Dane Ransom, Henare Reti, Lewis Saad, Denzel Schaafhausen-Mino, Alema Seualuga, Dylan Smith, Tomasi Tavui, Kobe James Tooala, Leviticus Tovia, Luani Tuifua, Cooper Tuilakeba, Levi Valesini-Eastham, Tyson Walker, Gene Wighton
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