Southern Sydney Rugby League: Opens and juniors, 40 grand final guns to watch
The Shire’s big spectacle takes place at Shark Park on Sunday with grand final day. To celebrate, we look at the future stars and best seniors with 40 players to watch in all four deciders.
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Southern Sydney Rugby League’s finest talents will be on show this Sunday with a host of grand finals in the Shire at PointsBet Stadium.
From up-and-coming stars to seasoned veterans looking to hoist the trophy, a diverse spread of talent is looking to bring glory home to their teams.
To celebrate, we look at 40 players to watch from U17s through to the senior grades in this weekend’s grand finals.
CUP (FIRST GRADE)
LIAM MULVIHILL (COMO-JANNALI)
Second row
Liam led Como to the minor premiership, but the experienced skipper won’t be satisfied until the Crocodiles take the next step. A power runner with sublime skills, the backrower will leave no stone unturned.
JAKE BEETSON (COMO-JANNALI)
Second row
A natural footballer, Jake is as tough as they come and revels in getting his hands dirty. Can read the play and has a habit of turning up in the right place when his teammates need it most.
NIKAU WRATHALL (COMO-JANNALI)
Lock
Part of a full strength side that is timing their run to perfection, Nikau is a rangy forward who sharpened his trade last year at Parramatta in the Jersey Flegg (under-21s) competition.
JORDAN BOWLES (COMO-JANNALI)
Hooker
The clever No.9 constantly scans the ruck in search of opportunities. Adept at isolating defenders, Jordan knows how to capitalise and backs it up with watertight defence.
BRENDAN BARNES (COMO-JANNALI)
Halfback
A key organiser in Como’s bid to end its 16-year premiership drought, Brendan combines a solid kicking with reliable defence.
DANIEL VASQUEZ (ST JOSEPH’S)
Prop
A must have on the books, the 80-minute workhorse has mixed with the best in the business during several seasons of NSW Cup that included an NRL appearance with Cronulla.
ETHAN HICKS (ST JOSEPH’S)
Lock
Since making the transition from fullback this season, the ball playing middle has developed into a vital cog in the Joeys machine. Combined with slick footwork, Ethan is tough to handle one-on-one.
TUPOU SOPOAGA (ST JOSEPH’S)
Second row
A former NRL backrower with Cronulla and Penrith, the 32-year-old is a tireless member of the Joeys pack. Has the hands of a half and possesses crazy footwork for a man his size.
JAMIE LAWLER (ST JOSEPH’S)
Fullback
Rated among the best in the Shire, the fullback’s work ethic is unmatched. With over 25 carries a game, the No.1 covers plenty of territory and takes the pressure of the forwards.
BEN HUPTON (ST JOSEPH’S)
Halfback
With a resume that includes captain of the Australian OzTag team, it’s pretty clear what Ben brings to the table. Has all the skills, and knows how to get the best out of those around him.
PLATE (RESERVE GRADE)
NATHAN LLOYD (GYMEA)
Hooker
One of the key performers in Gymea’s charge to the minor premiership, Nathan is built like a whippet and just as elusive. A nightmare for defenders, his 11 tries are the most in the competition.
COREY LUCAS (GYMEA)
Prop
The hard as nails prop only recently returned from a broken arm. A key figure in the Gorillas’ forward rotation mix, Corey leads the way and brings experience from numerous grand final victories.
CAIN HOMANN (GYMEA)
Halfback
The unselfish half doubles as the team’s superboot. Continually traps the opposition in corners with a long kicking game, and leads the comp for points scored.
NATHAN RILEY (GYMEA)
Wing
Arguably among the quickest on the park, Nathan plays a key role in a back-five that has dominated the preliminary rounds. Blistering off the mark, the winger will be out to increase his tally of eight tries.
ETHAN WARD (GYMEA)
Prop
The son of former St George grand final forward Colin, Ethan is expected to churn out massive metres against the club’s fierce rivals. A fiery prop, the big man will play alongside calmer brother and five-eighth, Kerrod.
NATHAN ANDREWS (DE LA SALLE)
Prop
An experienced head upfront, the workhorse prop is capable of playing out the entire game. Doesn’t miss his tackles and knows what is required in big games.
ETHAN WHETU (DE LA SALLE)
Fullback
Has had his fair share of injuries but Ethan enters the decider in fine form where he is expected to make a difference. Possesses lighting speed and poses a threat from anywhere on the park.
DANE GRANT (DE LA SALLE)
Second row
After missing plenty of footy over the years, no one will be keener to lift the trophy than this hard running backrower. Picks his lines and usually breaks the first tackle.
MAX MCHENRY (DE LA SALLE)
Lock
The big fella hasn’t skipped a beat since shifting from five-eighth to the pack at the start of the season. Brings plenty of skill to the middle and consistently opens the door for the outside backs.
JAI WILSON (DE LA SALLE)
Hooker
The son of former Cronulla and NSW Origin star Alan Wilson, Jai is a key weapon in De La’s mix. A ball of energy off the bench, the slippery hooker will be out to repeat his two-try performance in the semi-final.
EMERGING CUP (UNDER-22)
THOMAS STEPHENS (GYMEA)
Fullback
A key figure in the minor premiers line-up, the elusive No.1 is confident under the high ball and has nine tries against his name.
LOCHI MCMARTIN-CATLETT (GYMEA)
Halfback
The Gorillas skipper guides the side around the park and is blessed with a running game that always keeps the defence guessing.
DALLAS BLACKBURN-KINGI (GYMEA)
Centre
Still only 17, the Endeavour Sports High student is rapidly making a name for himself as a reliable outside back. Loves a strong carry and knows how to find the stripe.
ALEX MCFADDEN (GYMEA)
Prop
Brings power and strike to the engine room. Alex goes all day, and as the game unfolds look for his offloads to open the contest.
JOSH SIDOTI (GYMEA)
Lock
As honest as the day is long, Josh is pivotal in Gymea’s charge towards the title. Always looking for work, he’s a real threat against tired defenders.
TOM WISEMAN (DE LA SALLE)
Fullback
The strong-willed fullback cut his teeth at rep level last season with Cronulla in the Harold Matthews Cup (under-17s). A strong runner with a powerful kick return, he’ll be eager to put his team on the front foot.
BEAU WATSON (DE LA SALLE)
Second row
A dangerous hole runner with an uncanny sense of timing, the edge backrower is a constant threat. Adds reliability in defence and brings all-round class.
TAJ HUGHES (DE LA SALLE)
Halfback/Hooker
The perfect package to come off the bench. Taj plays eyes-up footy and doesn’t shirk his load in defence. Already in the pathways, the versatile youngster spent the early part of the year with Canterbury in SG Ball Cup (under-19s).
TOBY BACON (DE LA SALLE)
Centre
Quick on his feet, Toby can sniff out an opportunity in attack and communicates well in defence. Rarely misses his task without the ball, and knows how to defuse a bomb.
PAT DEVANE (DE LA SALLE)
Prop
Nothing flash here, but when it comes to mistake-free finals footy Pat is the man to call. Straight up and down, the no-nonsense prop churns out big metres and has a sneaky passing game.
UNDER-17 BOYS GOLD
THOMAS DELLOW (COMO-JANNALI)
Second row
In a match flush with representative talent, Thomas is the Crocs’ ace in the pack. An Australian Schoolboys rep, the workaholic backrower continually punches holes in the line and always leads from the front.
JACK SCHUMACHER (COMO-JANNALI)
Halfback
The unassuming playmaker is just as comfortable organising the Como backline as much as his next wave. Rock solid in everything he does, the half with the surfboard is already in the sights of Cronulla talent scouts.
CODY BECKETT (COMO-JANNALI)
Second row
The grandson of Cronulla Sharks legend Rowland Beckett, Cody is weapon on the left edge. And alongside hooker and cousin Tobi, the pair lift Como’s energy in defence.
FINN HANSELL (COMO-JANNALI)
Centre
Still a year young, Finn continually holds his own against well credentialed rep stars. Can chop down opponents with grass-cutting tackles, and has a happy knack of shutting down attacking kicks.
OLIVER LESTER (COMO-JANNALI)
Fullback
An absolute rocket at the back, Oliver was one of Cronulla’s best in the Harold Matts this year. A genuine excitement machine, with a hint of space he’ll have Shark Park rocking before midday.
JAYLAN HERRON (AQUINAS)
Wing
The son of former St George flyer Ian “Chook” Herron, the lanky speedster is a chip off the old block. Can also kick goals and will be desperate to hoist the trophy after finishing as runner-up earlier in the week with Endeavour Sports High.
KADE PAYNE (AQUINAS)
Prop
A punishing prop with a tough carry, look for this highly skilled Sharkies rep to stake a claim in centre field.
MITCHELL COUPLAND (AQUINAS)
Hooker
The brains in the Aquinas pack, the crafty captain reads the play and knows when to strike. Brings skill and passion, and can also kick the team out of trouble.
BRONSON HOMSY (AQUINAS)
Centre
Another in the Cronulla pathways, this rising centre has the pace and footwork to challenge the best defence. Don’t be fooled by his soft hands though, Bronson is just as likely to run over his opposite.
JOHNATHAN MANSOUR (AQUINAS)
Halfback
Possesses all the assets of a quality No.7 and has represented Cronulla in Harold Matts. And with a penchant for landing big shots, he’s just as lethal without the ball.
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