The 60 boys and men to watch in this weekend’s NSWRL Central/Northern conference grand finals

The NSWRL conference grand finals are upon us with teams from right across Sydney battling it out. We look at the 60 players to watch from U12s to U20s in the Central/Central Northern divisions.

RUGBY LEAGUE: For the first time in years, junior rugby league conferences across Sydney are preparing for their pinnacle games.

The perils of Covid are long behind us, and the brightest talents are set to shine on their respective grand final days.

NewsLocal looks at the 60 young stars set to light up the Central and Central Northern Conference grand finals.

U12 CENTRAL GOLD

TERENCE WINSHIP (Concord Burwood)

“A forward nicknamed T-Rex,” coach Glenn Bruce said.

“Big, solid and off the field he listens. He’s like a sponge and wants to learn. A gentle giant.”

WINSTON LAIKUM (Concord Burwood)

“Our halfback/five-eighth who came to the club last year,” Bruce said.

“Asked if he could play in the halves, gave him a try and he’s a natural ballplayer. Can see things that others don’t at this stage.”

GABRIEL COURDI (Concord Burwood)

“A second rower/lock that is new to football,” Bruce said.

“Has come out of his shell over the last few months. Runs the ball hard and strong, and is a quiet achiever.”

U12 CENTRAL SILVER

COOPER MISSON (Maroubra)

A good organiser at first receiver or dummy half,” coach Mike Misson said.

“Cooper has good speed, spatial awareness on the field, a good kicking game and is a popular, humble member of this squad.”

UATESONI TAUHELUHELU (Maroubra)

A hard running, powerful front rower and defender who is the inspirational captain of this team,” Misson said.

“Soni always leads his team through his hard working, aggressive actions.”

MAX BAZOUNI (Maroubra)

“A very aggressive defender and hard running fullback,” Misson said.

“Loves the physicality and is a great communicator in both attack and defence for the Maroubra U12 team.”

TERRENCE HOU (Leichhardt)

“His first season with the Wanderers and in rugby league,” a club spokesman said.

“Has had a great a season, making an impact in his first season. Will be interesting to see what he can become.”

XAVIER ROJAS (Leichhardt)

“Our smallest player but biggest heart and never stops trying.

“Loves the game and plays like someone three times his size.”

CHARLIE MORRIS (Leichhardt)

“Our best impact player who can lift the side and turn the game with his aggression in defense and attack.”

U13 CENTRAL GOLD

NICK HICKMAN (Maroubra)

“A second rower or lock,” coach James Pickering said.

“An outstanding, hardworking defender and support player.”

SAM PATTERSON (Maroubra)

“A wing or centre who is small in stature but big in heart and actions,” Pickering said.

“Fast and elusive with a strong defensive game.”

HEEMI-TEAHI FONG-YIP (Maroubra)

“A front or second rower,” Pickering said.

“A strong, skilful forward who always leads from the front in defence and attack.”

U13 CENTRAL SILVER

BILLY DONKIN (Holy Cross)

“The Dylan Edwards of the Rhinos, never plays a bad game and attends every training session and leads from the front,” president Scott Gandy said.

“Billy gives his best every game in attack and defence no matter the opposition or the score. Billy is a winner.”

BEN SUKKAR (Holy Cross)

“An aggressive, hard running centre that destroys teams with his lightning quick speed and cheeky smile,” Gandy said.

“Benny has improved every game this season and could bag a couple tries on grand final day.”

ELIJAH EL KOURY (Holy Cross)

“One of our hard working second rowers that nerve shirks his responsibilities at training or game day,” Gandy said.

“Continually tests the edge of the ruck with his strong ball running. Elijah just gives 100 % every game and leads by example.”

U13 CENTRAL BRONZE

BAILEY KRATOCHIVIL (Maroubra)

“A utility player who is strong in defence,” coach Chris Locke said.

“Bailey is also an elusive runner with the ball.”

TY GILLIES (Maroubra)

“Fullback and captain in his second year of footy,” Locke said.

“With a great attitude he has excelled in everything leading the team by example.”

JAMES AZAR (Maroubra)

“Five-eighth and the driver of the team,” Locke said. Has incredible ball skills as well as being a strong defender.

OLIVER DOYLE (Marrickville)

“He trains hard and doesn’t complain,” coach Germain Ofa said.

“Come game day he leads by example up front and tackles everything that runs at him.”

TEVITA MAHONI (Marrickville)

“A strong, hard ball runner,” Ofa said.

“He makes a lot of metres for us and tackles hard.”

ALEXANDER NINKOVIC (Marrickville)

“He came to us as a quiet boy, but now he’s finding his voice,” Ofa said.

“Always taking on the line and finding gaps. The top tryscorer for the club.”

U14 CENTRAL GOLD

CHRISTIAN AZZI (Strathfield)

“An awesome ballplayer with a great running game to match,” manager David Alraheb said.

JARROD KANAAN (Strathfield)

“A great ball runner with speed to burn. Leads by example,” Alraheb said.

MOURAD DAHDAL (Strathfield)

“Plays the game hard and tough and always puts his hand up for the tough stuff,” Alraheb said.

U14 CENTRAL SILVER

BRODIE MARSHALL (La Perouse)

“His first year of playing league,” coach Aaron Grech said.

“Came along with a mate, and has everything. He’s a fast and strong centre, and already has 22 tries for the season.”

JAYDEN ROOKE (La Perouse)

“The captain and halfback of the side,” Grech said.

“He steers the boys around the park, is a smart footballer and has a good kicking game.”

KOHEN SINES (La Perouse)

“A big, aggressive front rower,” Grech said.

“He runs hard and tackles hard. Has everything that a front rower needs.”

U15 CENTRAL SILVER

JOEL HEILER (Dundas)

“Joel is a strong, grounded young man with a passion for rugby league,” coach Charlie Azar said.

“He is fiercely committed to the game he loves; he consistently attends all training sessions and is dedicated to being a positive member of the team who always strives for success.

“He is a true leader and when he was called upon to step into the role of team captain he did so without hesitation.

“Joel works tirelessly with his team during each game, he instils a culture of respect in his teammates, and he urges them to be the best players they can be.

“On or off the field, Joel represents the NRL’s core beliefs of inclusivity, positivity, and unity. Joel has been with the club since under 6’s and is an exceptional young man.”

RABIE DANDAN (Dundas)

“Rabie is a young man who has performed at an outstanding level this year,” Azar said.

“He is confident and has shown resilience both physically and mentally displaying extraordinary strength on and off the field.

“His physical strength, speed and agility is invaluable. He sets an example for his teammates of the highest level with his consistent ability to create something special in a game and turn it around for his team.

“He is the top try scorer for his team scoring an average of 2-3 tries per game, he strives for perfection and is a natural born athlete.”

ZACHERY KHATTAR (Dudas)

“Zach is a strong and confident young man. He is a powerful runner who is hard to tackle and contain.” Azar said.

“He is not only strenuous in attack but he is also solid and reliable in defence. Zach is confident with offloads and ball-play and has excellent ball handling skills.”

NOAH EL-CHAMI (Dundas)

“Noah has stood out this season for his blistering pace and the impressive running skills such as his ability to side step, swerve or dummy,” Azar said.

“He’s a dangerous runner when in attack and makes great metres. He is a strong defender and is consistently involved in tackles and doesn’t shy away from heavy contact. Noah also displays great ball handling skills.”

JOPE RAQUE (Holy Cross)

“Our gentle but flying Fijian lock and captain of the team,” president Scott Gandy said.

“Has the speed and strength that is hard to stop when in flight.”

COHEN DAVIS (Holy Cross)

“Has great speed and ball skills,” Gandy said.

“Can be put in any position but is currently our safety fullback.”

REECE HAMMOND (Holy Cross)

“Our utility front row,” Gandy said.

“Tackles hard and runs like a Rhino. Hard to stop when he gets motoring.”

U16 CENTRAL NORTHERN GOLD

MARK TANNOUS (Concord Burwood)

“Had a few injuries to some of our seniors,” coach Chris Crotty said.

“Our halfback and captain. He’s been leading the team well and has a bright future ahead.”

JULIUS PULA (Concord Burwood)

“A middle forward coming off the bench,” Crotty said.

“Brings a lot of aggression and has a lot of ability.”

JAMES SAFI (Concord Burwood)

“A dynamic fullback who is scoring plenty of tries,” Crotty said.

“Really safe under the high balls and is one of our better attacking players.”

U16 CENTRAL NORTHERN SILVER

JOSEPH TOUMA (Mascot)

“Joey’s our fullback and an athlete,” coach Tom Perrin said.

“A track athlete in the summer and brings it to the football field.”

PETER KOKKINOS (Mascot)

“An out and out wrecking ball,” Perrin said.

“Will run all day and tackle his heart out in the front row.”

BILLY KOVACEVIC (Mascot)

“He’s just a football player,” Perrin said.

“Can play him anywhere and he’ll do the job. I think he’ll be the best player on the field.”

U17 CENTRAL NORTHERN GOLD

DE LA SALLE VA’A (Clovelly)

“Is the leader of our forwards, doesn’t need to speak often but when he does the team follows,” coach Liam Connolly said.

“Likewise his actions on the field make him a great player with strong runs and good motor.”

De La Salle Va'a. Picture: Nev Madsen

KADE MCGUIRE (Clovelly)

“Is the most consistent player in our team and has great natural speed,” Connolly said.

“Kade often will put his hand up to step into any position in the backline and always does so seamlessly.”

Cooper Toy. Picture: Dylan Arvela

COOPER TOY (Clovelly)

“Cooper is a great young player and can often change the game for us,” Connolly said.

“An amazing young player, but also very humble and hardworking.”

U17 CENTRAL NORTHERN SILVER

TREY PERENARA (La Perouse)

“A fullback who does all of the tough work out of our own end,” coach William Last said.

“Takes the hard carries and often breaks one or two tackles when he runs the ball.”

SAXON LESTER (La Perouse)

“When he gets the ball he’s dangerous,” Last said.

“Plays in the centres and can break a game open when he wants to.”

JAMES GARLICK (La Perouse)

“Like a good front rower, he never stops.” Last said.

“He plays a full game. Is very fit and has a good tank on him.”

HARRISON ROOKE (La Perouse)

“Harry is like our second halfback,” Last said.

“He’s a ball-playing lock. I’d compare him to Victor Radley. Is tough in the middle and can put a shot on.”

U18 CENTRAL NORTHERN SILVER

JUNIOR SELE (Botany)

“Hame Sele’s brother and contracted at the Rabbitohs in SG Ball,” coach Justin Smith said.

“He came from St George and is an absolute workhorse. Is always there to do the hard yards. Doesn’t like the spotlight, but has a phenomenal work ethic.

“Gives us quick play the ball, is strong and powerful, and there’s nothing selfish about him.”

BAILEY SMITH (Botany)

“A young halfback or hooker,” Smith said.

“Played in Harold Matts last year and contracted in SG Ball. Has great ball skills and a good passing game. Always been a halfback but started Matts at hooker.

“His biggest asset is his passing game makes those around him better. In contention for the top tryscorer.”

RYAN CASEY (Botany)

“A back rower and our mad Irishman,” Smith said.

“Played with the Wolfhounds and has been the club since four. Now contracted with the Rabbitohs.

“Has a good work ethic and plays a lot tougher and harder than his size would suggest. Outspoken with great leadership qualities.”

ADEN CLARKE (Asquith)

“Has been outstanding this year and matured so much throughout the year,” coach Dean Ussher said.

“Grown as a halfback and takes control. Puts pressure on his shoulders, but does it while having fun.”

LUKE POLLARD (Asquith)

“A front rower who has white line fever,” Ussher said.

“As soon as he get on the ground he goes hard. A real leader in the forwards who runs and tackles hard.”

MALAKYE ENASIO (Asquith)

“Our lock who is a weapon of a player. He’s just bred to be a footballer,” Ussher said.

“Had a great season and sets the standards within the playing group. For us to win he has to stand up.”

KYAL CRUICKSHANK (Asquith)

“Any time you can captain a side to a grand final is a tremendous achievement,” Ussher said.

“He should be extremely proud of that.”

U20 CENTRAL NORTHERN

LACHLAN DE GIOIA (Leichhardt)

“Lachlan is a goal kicking fullback who has a great ability to skip to the outside of opponents to create space for his teammates,” a club spokesman said.

“He also has the ability to make breaks with his speed and footwork.”

CALE EDMED (Leichhardt)

“Cale is a hard working and strong ball runner who is a leader through his actions on the field.

“Scored the game winning try to get to the grand final.”

ROWAN MCINTOSH (Leichhardt)

“Rowan is an aggressive defender that likes to get up in the face and put pressure on his opponents.

“He has a great offload to go with his strong ball running ability.”