The 50 young Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup talents set to feature in the NRL in the years to come
They’re the young guns set to take the lower grades by storm this year, and the NRL in the future. We look at 50 players aged 21 and under to ignite Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup, with an eye to the NRL.
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THEY’RE the next generation of stars that are primed to make their mark on the biggest stage.
Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup brings together the best young U21s talent as the next stage of the pathway to the NRL.
We look at 50 players you can expect to see in first grade in the years to come.
JAXSON RAHME (SOUTH SYDNEY)
Got some mainstream attention last year when lining up for Lebanon in the World Cup.
A hard-running second rower who made the move from Balmain to South Sydney at the start of last year. If injuries strike, he could slot into the side with ease.
TAVITA HENARE-SCHUSTER (ROOSTERS)
One of the most intriguing pick-ups in the off-season by the Roosters.
Was making big inroads in rugby union in New Zealand with the Hurricanes as a hulking outside back who was hard to put down.
Wouldn’t look out of place on the end of a very good Roosters backline.
LATU FAINU (MANLY)
It’s hard to believe that Fainu is still only 17 years of age.
The young half has already had the benefit of training with the NRL squad after signing a big deal that saw Manly beat out a number of suitors.
Has featured in SG Ball this season so far and will no doubt make the rise to U21s level in a few weeks time.
TERRELL KALO KALO (SOUTH SYDNEY)
Took huge strides last year and was rewarded with NRL trial time a few weeks back.
Of Cambodian heritage, Kalo Kalo graduated from SG Ball to Flegg in 2022 and got the chance to play for the NSW U19s as well.
Plays at fullback, but with that spot locked up and potential depth issues for the Rabbitohs in the outside backs, could easily slot in on the wing.
TANOUS (TONY) SUKKAR (WESTS TIGERS)
Like Feledy, he has been a key part of the Balmain SG Ball set up.
Also got a chance to shine in the NRL trials and looked really good as an impact forward against the Warriors.
A big body who can kick goals as well, and should feature in U21s to round out a big year.
THOMAS FLETCHER (SOUTH SYDNEY)
A big back rower from Coonamble who finished off his schooling at league powerhouse St Gregory’s.
Talented enough to make the Australian Schoolboys and get a taste of first grade in the Charity Shield.
A big talker and SG Ball coach John Sutton has huge wraps on him.
TALLIS DUNCAN (SOUTH SYDNEY)
One of the stars of the pre-season for the Rabbitohs.
Really took centre stage in a youthful team against Manly before backing it up in the Charity Shield.
A former SG Ball player of the year who will feature heavily in NSW Cup, with a very realistic chance of getting hit shot in the NRL if injuries hit or during the Origin period.
TAJ BRAILEY (CRONULLA)
Has elite bloodlines to become an NRL hooker with older brothers Blayke and Jayden plying their trade at the top level for a number of years now, as well as coming through the De La Salle system.
Part of the SG Ball squad and it would be no surprise if he were to get a taste of Flegg at some stage this year.
TREIGH STEWART (ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA)
21-year-old Treigh Stewart was one of the consistent performers for the Dragons in the NSW Cup last season.
Playing predominantly out of fullback, but often shifting to winger when Tyrell Sloane was in the squad last season, the Monaro Colts junior scored nine tries in 12 appearances last season.
Entering his fourth season of the footy with the Dragons, Stewart will continue to look to knock on the door of first grade, recently lining up for the Dragons at fullback in the NRL Preseason Challenge clash against St Helens, where he scored a try in his side’s loss.
JOSH FELEDY (WESTS TIGERS)
There’s a reason why the Tigers worked hard to bring him across from Manly.
A rising five-eighth/centre who has shown plenty of promise in SG Ball for Balmain and is certain to feature in the Jersey Flegg season.
Got the chance to play in the NRL trials as well as a pre-season stint with the first grade squad.
TOBY COACHMAN (ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA)
A Wollongong local with plenty of potential to play NRL for the Dragons in the future.
Brother to the equally promising Ryan Coachman, who also plays in the Jersey Flegg side, Toby played juniors out of Thirroul before moving up through the Illawarra system.
In 2022, Coachman played SG Ball for Illawarra, impressing enough to get some rotational appearance in the Jersey Flegg side.
The second rower also received a call up for the victorious New South Wales U19 side, also making his NSW Cup debut in Round 17.
JACOB WEBSTER (ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA)
A promising prop forward who has been a part of the Illawarra SG Ball side since 2020, before earning some appearances in the Jersey Flegg side in 2022.
He impressed clearly, as he was selected on the bench for NSW in Game One of the U19 State of Origin series in 2022, where he played 17 minutes off the bench in his side’s victory.
He also debuted in the NSW Cup in Round 23 of last season, debuting off the bench in his side’s loss to the Mounties.
XAVIER VA’A (ROOSTERS)
It seems like a matter of when, not if Va’a gets a shot in first grade.
Picked up by the Roosters last season, the Toowoomba native cuts an imposing figure with his size and engine.
Got a taste of both Flegg and NSW Cup while still eligible for SG Ball, such are the wraps on the Queensland U19s captain.
JETT LIU (ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA)
A hard-running prop forward who trained alongside the St George Illawarra Dragons during the pre-season.
Growing up in Leeton, Liu came through the ranks at the Riverina Bulls in the Laurie Daley Cup and the Canberra Raiders in the Harold Matthews Cup, before moving to the Illawarra in late 2022.
Liu has now returned to the Illawarra Steelers’ SG Ball side after a stint away with the Dragons’ NSW Cup squad.
DYLAN EGAN (ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA)
Another Steelers product who trained alongside the St George Illawarra Dragons during the pre-season.
A Gerringong junior, Egan is a strong edge-backrower who is back among the Illawarra Steelers SG Ball side now, with long-term aspirations set firmly on playing in the NRL.
HARRISON HASSETT (PENRITH)
A hugely talented backrower who was selected in the 2022 Australian Schoolboys team.
The Hills Sports High School junior has committed his future to the Penrith Panthers until 2025, thanks to his stellar 2022 campaign which saw him named player of the year in the Penrith SG Ball Cup side.
An explosive edge with a lot of potential who has already caught a lot of eyes.
JESSE MCLEAN (PENRITH)
Having recently re-signed with the Penrith Panthers until the end of the 2026 season, the 19-year-old has since been promoted to the official NRL squad.
The outside-back had a great 2022, making the Australian Schoolboys squad and scoring two tries in Penrith’s SG Ball Cup grand final victory.
185cm tall and 90kg, McLean is a name we’ll be seeing in the NRL sooner rather than later, where no doubt he’ll have his eye on the vacancy of Stephen Crichton’s centre spot for the 2024 season.
JOASH PAPALII (CANTERBURY)
This young gun shows shades of ‘2012 Ben Barba’ in his lightning footwork, agility and blistering pace, making him a defender’s nightmare.
A fullback who was named the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs’ Player of the Year for the SG Ball Cup side, also earning a call-up to the Australian Schoolboys squad.
LYHKAN KING-TOGIA (ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA)
A skilful young half who is described as one of the most exciting teen talents to come out of Toowoomba.
King-Togia came through the Western Mustangs and Western Clydesdales juniors in Queensland, and is now at the Illawarra Steelers in the SG Ball.
The young gun has already been listed to join next season’s NRL training squad with the Dragons.
SAM TUIVAITI (PARRAMATTA)
A devastatingly powerful front rower with great vision and the ability to find the try line.
Tuivati is playing with the Parramatta Eels SG Ball Cup side, having risen through the Parramatta youth system in the Harold Matthews Cup.
He was also called up for the Australian Schoolboys squad in 2022.
CHARLIE GUYMER (PARRAMATTA)
A Temora junior, the damaging centre has progressed through Parramatta’s pathways since cracking the Harold Matts squad in 2020.
Named as SG Ball captain this season, the Eels aren’t the only ones impressed by the St Gregs product, who was also involved in last year’s Junior Blues development program.
BLAIZE TALAGI (PARRAMATTA)
Blaize by name, blaze by nature. Another silky Eel to attend last year’s Junior Blues two-day camp, Talagi is one of the hottest young playmakers going around.
Thought to possess the all-round package, the livewire genius has already been locked up by Parramatta on a development contract.
SALESI FOKETI (ROOSTERS)
A middle forward on the rise, Foketi has been at the Roosters since arriving from New Zealand as a 15-year-old.
Now in his second season of SG Ball, the powder-keg on legs is just as lethal in attack and defence and is one of several rising Roosters destined for a bright future.
CASSIUS TIA (ROOSTERS)
The chief playmaker of the Tricolours under-19s, the zippy Tia has been a class above in the SG Ball this season.
Earmarked by the Roosters as a future NRL player, he’s just as sharp between the ears and kicks goals to boot.
COOPER TOY (ROOSTERS)
An out-and-out speed machine, this exciting young centre was crowned the Roosters’ Harold Matts player of the year aged just 15.
Pushing for a full-time deal, don’t be surprised if the tearaway is toying with big-time defenders in the very near future.
COREY ACKERS (ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA)
The Dragons’ hierarchy reckon this up-and-coming lock is destined for a lengthy career in the top grade.
Unsurpassed for strength and determination, Ackers has pace and a clear path in mind, and won’t compromise training to achieve his goal.
OLIVER LAWRY (WESTS TIGERS)
A tall player who is well built and very strong on the ball, Lawry is an imposing halfback who stands at six-foot tall.
Still playing SG Ball, the recruit from New Zealand spent time with the NRL squad during the pre-season.
TALLYN DA SILVA (WESTS TIGERS)
A relieved Wests Tigers have locked-up this aspiring hooker to a development contract, and with high expectations, they believe the multiskilled East Campbelltown junior has the smarts to go all the way.
Just as capable passing left and right, it’s Da Silva’s nous for controlling tempo and judging when to pounce in possession that sets him apart.
JORDAN MILLER (WESTS TIGERS)
A bollocking front-rower, Miller was a standout for the Magpies in last season’s premiership winning Harold Matts side.
Already contracted to the Wests Tigers, the man-mountain currently props up Wests’ SG Ball side and is definitely one fans need to watch on his continued rise through the ranks.
TYRONE MUNRO (SOUTH SYDNEY)
Another who could come into contention for an outside back spot in first grade with Souths.
Blistering pace and the ability to change the game with a singular burst of brilliance, Munro is a genuine excitement machine in the lower grades.
We’ve seen him fire on both at fullback and on the wing, so don’t be surprised to see him come into first grade talks in the future.
MAX BRADBURY (CRONULLA)
The Sharks couldn’t believe their luck after they snapped up this Blues under-19s bookend until the end of 2024.
Still only 19, Bradbury was granted a release from the Knights and can be expected to press for higher honours via Cronulla feeder club, the Newtown Jets.
CHEVY STEWART (CANBERRA)
The Raiders saw enough in this dynamic custodian to poach him from the Sharks on a three-year deal.
A former Harold Matts player of the year and current Junior Blue, he could be the next Stewart to take the NRL by storm in the No. 1 jumper.
FLETCHER SHARPE (NEWCASTLE)
The rangy fullback is one of the most highly regarded local juniors coming through the Knights’ system, having enjoyed a stellar 2022 that saw him named the club’s SG Ball Players’ Player of the Year, before starring in the Jersey Flegg side’s run towards the grand final.
Still young enough to play SG Ball again this, the Cessnock junior has helped the Knights to three wins from their first four games, and will once again feature in the higher grades as the season progresses.
MATTHEW ARTHUR (PARRAMATTA)
The son of Eels NRL coach Brad and brother of utility Jakob is forging his own path in the SG Ball Cup currently.
A talented hooker who has produced a few standout performances in Parramatta’s unbeaten start to the year.
Has the mindset and ability to take his game to the next level.
ETHAN FERGUSON (NEWCASTLE)
A dazzling outside back, the 18-year-old has begun to realise some of his enormous potential after a huge 2022.
The goalkicking centre, who was selected in the Australian Schoolboys side, helped the Knights to second place in SG Ball before playing a key role in the second-placed Jersey Flegg side.
He has also hit the ground running this season in the Knights’ SG Ball side, scoring five tries and kicking 18 goals to notch up 56 points from his first four games.
GORDON CHAN KUM TONG (MANLY)
A 21-year-old hooker who came to light in the NRL trials where he really impressed with his exciting play.
Has been in the Manly pathways from 2017 in the Harold Matthews Cup. Will start the season in NSW Cup but can push way into contention on the back of a very good pre-season.
KRYSTIAN MAPAPALANGI (NEWCASTLE)
The talented back, who can play either centre or five-eighth, got a sniff of first grade last year, debuting against the Raiders in round 23. In a dream start to life in the top grade, he even put on a pass for Eldrick Lee to score with his first touch of the football.
With good footwork and plenty of speed, the 20-year-old was a key member of the Knights’ Jersey Flegg side in its run towards the grand final, and is expected to add to his two NRL caps this year.
TYLOR BUNTING (MANLY)
A Penrith junior who was recruited to Manly, looks to be the future of the club along with Fainu in the halves.
Captain of the SG Ball squad who also got a crack at Flegg level last year.
The halfback was in the NSW U19s train on squad, plus is in the eye of those above in the Junior Blues.
ORYN KEELEY (NEWCASTLE)
Another one of the Knights’ promising young guns who, alongside Mapapalangi, made his debut in the top grade against the Raiders towards the end of last season, Keeley had one of the more meteoric rises in 2022.
Starting off the season in SG Ball, the backrower from Mannering Park on the very southern tip of Lake Macquarie played in an incredible four grades last year, progressing to Jersey Flegg, then reserve grade, before getting the call-up to the NRL in round 23.
He was also picked in the NSW under 19 State of Origin side, collecting the Player of the Series award.
And now, with a whole pre-season with the first grade squad under his belt, Keeley will be hoping to continue his rise in 2023.
PAUL ALAMOTI (CANTERBURY)
Still eligible for SG Ball Cup, there’s little doubt that the boom centre will get a taste of first grade this season.
A big-bodied outside back who shone in NSW Cup last year and looks set to evolve his game to another level in 2023.
Can create something out of nothing, and with spots up for grabs in the Bulldogs backline, expect to hear plenty more about this young man.
SULIASI PRESCOTT (MELBOURNE)
In a Melbourne SG Ball team that has struggled to put it together, Prescott has given them some shades of hope.
A talented hooker who is crafty around the ruck, nobody is expecting him to displace Harry Grant anytime soon.
But with an NRL development pre-season under his belt, when the Origin period rolls along, a good Flegg campaign could put him in the frame for the call-up.
LUKE HANSON (PENRITH)
The captain of the SG Ball side who will no doubt step up to Flegg at some point throughout the season.
A level-headed player who is in the right system to go on and reach his full potential.
Not the biggest half but has shown he will put his body on the line defensively and can win a game off his own back. A highly talented playmaker.
RONALD VOLKMAN (WARRIORS)
Already had a small taste of first grade but one player who will be looking to barge his way back into the top grade.
Joined the Warriors last year from the Roosters and is a talented half.
Will start the season in reserve grade while getting the chance to learn from the experience of Shaun Johnson and Ta Maire Martin.
VALINGI KEPU (WARRIORS)
A 20-year-old prop who already has a wealth of reserve grade experience with the Redcliffe Dolphins over the past two seasons.
With the Warriors back in the NSW Cup, the front rower gets the benefit of a season at home after being upgraded into the top 30.
A 110kg wrecking ball.
ROBERT TOIA (ROOSTERS)
A star in the centres throughout the Roosters SG Ball campaign last year, and was a big reason they went within inches of an undefeated premiership.
Performed strongly in rugby union with Nudgee College before linking with the Roosters, and has already earned Queensland underage jerseys early in his league campaign.
JACK COLE (PENRITH)
His re-signing was highly touted by the Panthers in the off-season, and they are stoked to have him on the books until 2026.
A half who went through all the grades last year, getting a taste of Flegg, NSW Cup and even earning a spot in first grade when Penrith rested players.
Will learn from spending time with the NRL squad and can earn his spot in the top flight during Origin.
MICHAEL GABRAEL (CANTERBURY)
Really standing tall throughout the SG Ball season with the Bulldogs, Gabrael is a very solid centre who is just as strong as he is in defence as he is with the ball.
Put pen to paper with Canterbury for three years after previously playing with Wentworthville and studying at Holy Cross Ryde.
A handy signing by the club from Parramatta.
BEN FARR (WARRIORS)
Another from Wynnum Manly who will have a new home in 2023.
The classy Hastings Deering Colts fullback makes a positional change to the halves and will likely partner Volkman throughout the season.
If he plays his best hand there is every chance he can put his hat in the ring for a first grade spot in the years to come.
SIONE FAINU (WESTS TIGERS)
A big prop forward who gets a real chance to showcase his abilities this year.
Will play a big role for Wests in the NSW Cup as a strike weapon on the bench, getting the chance to learn from some key middle forwards at the club.
A former NSW underwage representative with the talent to go all the way.
BLAKE MOORE (PENRITH)
Joins the club after growing up in Toowoomba.
A nice pick up for the club after he claimed the Mal Meninga Cup player of the year honour in 2021, with Wynnum Manly.
Gets the starting nod at halfback for Jersey Flegg with the defending premiers, and is in the right system to grow his game to new heights.
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