Stars of the future: 32 gamebreakers set to shine in NSWRL Junior Reps finals series
When the chips are on the line, these are the players who you want with the ball in their hands with the game on the line. We rate the 32 gamebreakers from all NSWRL Junior Reps finals teams.
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When the chips are on the line, these are the players who you want with the ball in their hands with the game on the line.
We rate the 32 gamebreakers from all NSWRL Junior Reps finals teams in the Harold Matthews, Lisa Fiaola, SG Ball and Tarsha Gale Cup competitions.
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HAROLD MATTHEWS
COOPER MORRISON (ILLAWARRA)
The Steelers skipper has formed a key part of the defensive juggernaut that is Illawarra. Leads by example and has been a crucial part of the club boasting the best defensive record in Harold Matts.
LACHLAN METCALFE (SYD ROOSTERS)
There are big opinions on the young halfback who has been superb over the back half of the season to lift the Roosters from seventh into second. A gun talent who boasts one of the best boots in the division.
ASHTON ULAULA-IEREMIA (NEW ZEALAND)
A big-bodied halfback who knows how to use his size, he’s an imposing figure when taking on the line. Has done that to great effect and his partnership with Alapati Tusa Soagia is an exciting one.
COOPER VOTANO (NEWCASTLE)
Has scored a few tries this season and set up a host more as part of the division’s most lethal halves pairing alongside Chase Butler. The younger brother of NRL hopeful Connor, Cooper is on a great trajectory.
DUNCAN GATT-SMITH (CENTRAL COAST)
The spine of the Roosters has enjoyed a great platform to work off throughout this season, and that’s largely due to the workrate and efforts of Gatt-Smith (and front row partner Caleb Fesolai)
ASHTON LARGE (MANLY)
Came in as a new recruit to the club and has made a major impact in lifting the Sea Eagles to their first finals appearance in years. Only Sifa Oldfield has scored more tries than the above-average hooker.
ANTHONY MAILANGI (SOUTH SYDNEY)
The front rower has been a strong addition to the Rabbitohs pathways over the past two seasons as a hard-running and harder hitting middle. Players know when they’ve been hit by Mailangi.
TALEN RISATI (PARRAMATTA)
Already has the benefit of a finals campaign at this level. While the Eels have to walk the tightrope from outside the four, Risati’s combinations with the likes of Christopher Moala and Sam Polley can see them progress.
LISA FIAOLA
LALA VAEA (CANTERBURY)
Finished in a share of third for total tries scored with eight for the season. Has handled the transition from centre to wing with class, cementing herself as a quality finisher with an abundance of speed.
STAR ARTHUR-CLARKE (CENTRAL COAST)
A high-level forward recruited from Queensland, Arthur-Clarke’s versatility to play in the middle or an edge has been huge for the Roosters. Rewarded for an outstanding season with selection for the Queensland Country U17s.
TEMIEKE WITHERS (PARRAMATTA)
Quality halfback from the Hills Bulls who is at her best when she’s taking on the line. Can kick goals and her Oztag background is evident in her evasiveness when zipping her way past defenders.
CHARLOTTE TEPLICANEC (CRONULLA)
The strike weapon at the back for the Sharks. Has been superb in her second year of the U17s competition as an attacking fullback who knows when to chime in at the right time to set up her outside backs.
ALAVINA TU’IFUA (WESTS TIGERS)
A genuine strike weapon at the disposal of coach Scott Clark. Her impact from the interchange bench has been immense, with the front rower powering her way over for five tries so far this season.
TIA-JANE GOLDING (PENRITH)
She’s grown in confidence with every outing and has developed into a genuine talent at five-eighth. Came into league as a star touch football recruit, with her kicking game fast developing to a level as good as she is on her feet.
LILY PORTER (NEWCASTLE)
A Cardiff junior entrusted with a major role in the side after a stellar debut Fiaola season last year with the Knights. Has returned this season as a high-output front rower who has a lethal one-two punch with Emily McArthur.
JADE WHITE (CANBERRA)
Started the season on the interchange but has worked her way into a starting second-row spot. Her determination and motor are two of her best assets. Not hard to spot her in the pink headgear making thumping tackles on an edge.
SG BALL
LACHLAN COINAKIS (PARRAMATTA)
Signed on to remain with the Eels through to the end of 2027, Coinakis has been fantastic in his second season of SG Ball. The Australian Schoolboys rep has relished linking with Lincoln Fletcher.
MITCHELL BROPHY (CANBERRA)
Speaking of top-tier hookers, Brophy has come into his own this season. Knows when to time to attack around the ruck, he has set up his front rower for a number of barge-over tries from close range.
CHARLES HEIDKE (ILLAWARRA)
One of the unsung heroes in a team stacked with talent. The centre is near unstoppable on an edge when he is at his best, and Heidke will be looking to add to his regular season tally of six tries.
TAJ ALVAREZ (SOUTH SYDNEY)
Could lay claim to being one of the quickest players in the division. Boasts 11 tries for the season in the league’s best attacking team, Alvarez has starred outside Matthew Humphries as a running five-eighth.
TOBY RODWELL (SYD ROOSTERS)
Don’t be surprised if Rodwell is given his shot in the NRL at some stage this year. Organising halfback with a 10/10 kicking game, there’s a reason why people are calling for more investment in the Roosters young guns as opposed to players like Chad Townsend.
THOMAS DELLOW (CRONULLA)
The man in the middle for the Sharks who tackles anything that moves. Brings the muscle to an imposing forward pack, Dellow is the club’s reigning Junior Reps Player of the Year and an Australian Schoolboy.
MITCHELL WOODS (CANTERBURY)
One of the biggest surprises when teams were announced. Last year’s SG Ball Player of the Year returns for his first game of the season in a knockout semi final. Has the skill to pick up where he left off in 2024.
AMAZIAH MURGHA (MELBOURNE)
Quite simply he is the most exciting player across any division. Has scored nine tries this season and some have to be seen to be believed. A natural fullback who backs his instincts and isn’t scared to chance his arm.
TARSHA GALE
TRINITY TAUANEAI (ILLAWARRA)
Still a year young, Tauaneai has stepped into the captaincy role with ease as the inspirational leader and lock forward with the Steelers. Has added plenty to a premiership side, giving them a real chance of going back-to-back.
RASTALIA SMITH (CANTERBURY)
Can fill a number of positions in the backline, but has been named to start at halfback in week one of the finals. Part of last year’s undefeated Fiaola side, Smith isn’t scared to take on the line.
EVIE MCGRATH (WESTS TIGERS)
One of the classiest players in the competition. The halfback already has three NRLW games to her name and is certain to add to that tally. A terrific all-round player who can get through her work in defence.
MATILDA VELLA (PENRITH)
The captain of the Panthers and a local junior, Vella has made the step up to Gale with ease. A force in the second-row, her leadership is her biggest asset in helping lift the club from two wins last season to the top four.
AVA JONES (PARRAMATTA)
Comes from a touch background where she has stood out at State Cups, Jones has been a fantastic addition in at dummy half. Quick around the ruck and has excelled in a team with plenty of stars.
CHARLIE NORTON (NEWCASTLE)
Dual-code star who was also a gun at soccer in her younger years. A tough middle forward who has taken her game to a new level as skipper. Brings a country toughness to this forward pack.
ALIYAH NASIO (SYD ROOSTERS)
One of the few players in the division with NRLW experience, Nasio is a high-level talent who is still only 18 years old. Mobile front rower who has brought her first grade skills back to the U19s level.
FELILA FAKALELU (CRONULLA)
Returned in round nine and is straight back into the starting 13. A devastating runner of the ball who has barged her way over for a few tries this year. Forms a great tandem with Genevieve Mafi.
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