Sydney Scorpions sweep U14s division to claim dual titles at NYC touch on Sunshine Coast
A strong contingent of New South Wales teams made its way to the Sunshine Coast, and they returned with three titles, including the Sydney Scorpions who swept an age division.
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THE National Youth Championships are in the books for another year, and New South Wales teams came away with an impressive haul.
Of the eight divisions contested on the Sunshine Coast, three titles returned south of the border, with the Sydney Scorpions claiming two.
The Scorpions had a mortgage on the U14s division, winning both the boys and girls titles at the weekend.
Meeting the South Queensland Sharks in both fixtures, the boys were able to maintain their composure best through the momentum swings to claim a 7-5 victory.
The girls on the other hand found themselves on the back foot for much of the contest, however they were able to hold solid, taking the lead in the final minutes and holding on to score 5-4.
Scorpions regional director Anthony Dudeck said it was a proud moment for the club, and is one they’re looking to build on.
“To win two out of six, we’re pretty happy with that,” he said.
“There’s a lot of rugby league players that have started in touch. As a region we need to make it as attractive as possible for players to compete in the NSWTA Junior Regionals and NYC. This will allow us to have our strongest teams compete at the NYC going forward.”
With a pair of contrasting games, Dudeck praised the way the two sides were able to hold their nerve in the grand finals.
“It’s amazing the level of skill, agility and speed in the U14s now,” he said.
“The boys was a high quality game. Scorpions probably looked the better team for the majority of the game, however with two 20 minute halves, momentum can change a number of times. Full credit to Craig Lowe and his coaching staff as they did well to hold onto the momentum for major parts of the game.
“The girls was the opposite with the Sharks on top for about 75 per cent of the game. However the Scorpions team were able to hang in and get it back to 4-all, before scoring the winning try with a couple of minutes to go. Well done to head coaches Gloria Berryman and Kalani Duff-Berryman, as this team has won 17 games undefeated during the 2022 NSWTA Junior Regional and NYC events.”
Dudeck hopes the success will keep players within the system as they increase in age.
“We need to make it as attractive as possible for the athletes to participate again in future events, including NYC 2023” he said.
“There’s now more than ever the lure of other sports and increased opportunities and programs in league and union.”
The other NSW victory came in the U12 boys, with the Hunter Western Hornets downing the Southern Rebels 6-4.
55 BOYS AND GIRLS TO WATCH
THE brightest young talent will descend on the Sunshine Coast next week as the National Youth Championships returns in its full glory.
The impacts of Covid prevented New South Wales teams from making the journey north last year, and they’re now chomping at the bit and ready to make up for lost time.
Players will represent the Sydney Rebels, Sydney Scorpions, Hunter Western Hornets and Northern Eagles Region, as well as the school talent of the CCC, CHS and CIS.
NewsLocal looks at the 55 players to watch from New South Wales in this year’s National Youth Championships.
UNDER 12 BOYS
EWAN KEEP (Sydney Scorpions)
Middle
A tough defender who doesn’t let too many past him, and possesses a nice short side scoop in attack.
KOBE BISHOP (Scorpions)
Middle
Has dynamic footwork and agility that will prove hard for opposition teams to handle over the course of the week.
BEAU COOPER (Scorpions)
Middle
Can throw a very good long ball and has a good game IQ. Crafty player.
IZAAC BARBER (Hunter Western Hornets)
Middle
Watch Izaac getting out of dummy half on the back of the ruck, using his sharp left foot step and great left to right passing game which makes Izaac nearly unstoppable. This is assisted by great speed and strength which makes Izaac a great defensive player that creates errors from the opposition in the midfield.
NATE HORSEY (Hornets)
Middle
Watch Nate creating headaches for defenders on the 7m line. His all round game makes him hard to contain as he has an exceptional pass both ways, can step both feet and has a great dive at the line.
ZEKE HAY (Hornets)
Middle
Zeke will be busy using his exceptional fitness to lay a platform for the team in attack and defence. His a great team player. Zeke will spend plenty of time in the in goal area from dummy half by using his exceptional speed and acceleration to blow past defenders.
MARSHALL BARLOW (Southern Rebels)
Link
Part of the Cronulla team won the southern Junior State Cup and the regionals with the Rebels. Comes into the tournament with a bit of confidence. Player of the final in the junior regional grand final. Has good footwork, a hot step and great understanding of the game.
LEVI FIEN (Rebels)
Middle
Co-captain of the team with Marshall and the dominant middle in the side. Selected the last two years in the NSW merit team. A very creative and clever player.
BILLY FIFE (Rebels)
Middle
Has a lot of big game experience, having won Junior State Cups and regionals. Has been around for a bit and one the Rebels will be looking towards in crunch moments.
UNDER 12 GIRLS
WILLOW THOMSON (Rebels)
Middle
A hard worker who leads the team forward in her strong presence on the field and in particular in defence.
JESSIE STEVENTON (Rebels)
Link
Fit, fast and evasive. Puts it all out there on the field and will never let her teammates down.
SCARLET TURNER (Rebels)
Link
Fit, fast and strong in attack and defence. Expect some good tries from her over the tournament.
MOLLY FITZHENRY (Hornets)
Middle
Molly is a very talented and agile player who’s natural ability shines. Strong running, speed and determination shows every time she takes the field. A leader of the team who leads by example every time whether it be training or a game, she gives 100% and it shows on the field.
SOPHIE PERINI (Hornets)
Middle
Sophie is a talented player who keeps her composure and has a great vision of the game, attacking being one of her biggest strengths. A leader of the team with respect, passion and love for the game and her teammates which shows both on and off the field.
MALIA MOSES-KINCAID (Hornets)
Link
Maila is a quiet achiever. She completes her runs with accuracy, makes quick decisions to create the platform that allows the best attacking position for her team. A talented player who continually strives to do her best.
LAYLA TONGA(Scorpions)
Middle
One of the Scorpions’ main ball players and sets up tries. A leader who does so from the front.
KENDALL KILBY (Scorpions)
Middle
She’s got really great footwork, good vision, throws a good ball and movement as well. The youngest in the team.
BETHANY WILSON (Scorpions)
Middle
Good at reading space, can beat a player one-on-one and has a good passing game and a good scoop as well.
UNDER 14 BOYS
KDEN CARTER (Eagles)
Middle
A player that can create something out of nothing. A pretty talented kid and has a good step on him. Can throw a good ball and is pretty quick
ZAC YULE (Eagles)
Middle
Zac has got a good left to right and right to left pass. Is smart when it coms to playing eyes up footy.
QUINN EVANS (Eagles)
Middle
Has got pretty good footwork and is very strong in defence. Another that can play eyes up and plays off the cuff.
DARCY FELTHAM (Scorpions)
Link
The captain and leader of the side. Led the team through a positive campaign at the regionals and is looking to back that up.
TALEN RISATI (Scorpions)
Link
A very elusive runner with the ball in hand and can rip a very good long ball.
TAJ PATERSON (Scorpions)
Middle
Known as Paka and part of the leadership group. Has the X-factor and has a strong game sense.
CARTER MAREKO (Hornets)
Middle
A perfect balance of discipline, determination and finesse that compliments his calmness and leadership qualities within the team.
CHASE BUTLER (Hornets)
Middle
Destructive in attack and tough as nails in defence. One minute he is in your face and the next he is scoring at your feet.
TULSYN MCCULLOCH (Hornets)
Link
Try not to hurt your neck as you watch one of Tulsyn’s bullet passes fly across the field. Plays with a smooth yet aggressive nature.
UNDER 14 GIRLS
BRIANNA RAWLINS (Hornets)
Middle
Brianna has great game awareness with good speed off the mark and pass both ways. In defence she works hard not to let her teammates down.
AMELIA CARR (Hornets)
Link
Amelia has exceptional speed and loves to sweep and dive to score tries. Amelia knows when to hit or stay out defensively.
MEGAN MCPHAIL (Hornets)
Middle
Meg can read a game and know what moves to run to break a defence down and loves setting up others for tries. In defence Meg gets up strong.
KELSEY BERRYMAN (Scorpions)
Link
Can play eyes up football. Has explosive pace off the mark and is good at reading the play.
COCO MARSTERS (Scorpions)
Middle
An agile player who is strong in the defensive line. She is up in her opponent’s face at all times.
TALEA TONGA (Scorpions)
Middle
Takes the team forward and makes sure the Scorpions get down the field with control and at pace.
UNDER 16 BOYS
HUNTER SMITH (Eagles)
Middle
One of the team captains with good fast feet, a good pass on his game as well, and works hard in defence.
MACKLIN GREEN (Eagles)
Middle
Macklin is another of the captains who is a good communicator and has a competitive edge.
JALIN DOWNEY (Eagles)
Middle/Link
A versatile player with a very good pass on him and once again is a pretty competitive boy.
LOGAN TOLAR (Scorpions)
Link
Has lightning speed, reads the game well and is an excitement machine.
OLI BAUN (Scorpions)
Link
Deceptively quick, has a very good log ball and is always in the game.
ISAAC FOTU’MOALA (Scorpions)
Link
A very smart player, has a great ball on both sides and is an attack minded player.
TRAVIS JACKSON (Hornets)
Link
Travis never stops running, his attitude is always fantastic and he was rewarded with selection in the Australian U18s squad despite only just turning 16.
JAYLAN BISHOP (Hornets)
Link
Electric speed, fantastic hands and vision. Is a big threat for all opposition teams
UNDER 16 GIRLS
CHARLIZE JONES (Eagles)
Link
In the NSW High Schools U15s side this year and is going to be a player of the future. A very smart player with great ball skills and in the Newcastle rugby league girls program.
TARLI BLACK (Eagles)
Middle
The captain of the side that has a lot of skill. Is tall, very quick and agile, and has the traits you need as a touch player.
LILY KELSEY (Eagles)
Middle
Will be very solid. Is the rock you build a side on and will get the side around the field throughout the week.
ALYSSA MEDVED (Scorpions)
Middle
Alyssa is the captain of the team and a hard working middle. She will run all day and do all the tough stuff. Deceptively fast, good out of dummy half and has the ability to set up try scoring opportunities.
LOGON LEMUSU (Scorpions)
Middle
Logan is very good on her feet and has a good step. Very good attacking player and is always dangerous with the ball – particularly from close range.
TIA MATTHEWS (Scorpions)
Link
The quiet achiever. Does all the hard work and never lets her team down. Equally as good in both attack and defence with speed to burn.
UNDER 18 BOYS
JOHN PAUL CATALANO (NSWCCC)
Link
Exciting player who has tremendous speed and skill for the game of touch football, coming off a successful State of Origin U20s campaign.
RILEY POLLARD (NSWCCC)
Link
Riley displays a great ability to read the game and find himself in the right position especially on the defence end, a player who will definitely go on to play representative football.
SEBASTIAN PLAISTER (NSWCCC)
Middle
Dynamic player from the central coast region, offers great offensive skills with his footwork and agility as well as being a great defender so one to look out for.
UNDER 18 GIRLS
MIA RODGERS (NSWCCC)
Middle
Very good ball skills and a great game sense. Fast, powerful and already playing women’s open representative touch.
RUBY THOMASYU (NSWCCC)
Middle/link
Has a great ability to get through a gap close to the line and throws a great ball. Very calm and composed.
MADELYN STEVENS (Hornets)
Middle
Known as the ‘Smiling Assassin’. Madelyn may have a big smile on her face but don’t be fooled by her happy go lucky demeanour she is deceptively quick out of half. She is also known to throw in a sneaky slide dive or two.
GRACE BAXTER (Hornets)
Middle/Link
Keep an eye on our number four, Grace ‘The Granny’ Baxter. Grace has quick feet and great agility and will be tough to defend on the score line. Grace can throw long and slide dive to keep the defence guessing.
KATE GOODHAND (Hornets)
Middle
Kate aka ‘The Sheriff’ is very competitive on the field. Kate is an attacking machine in the midfield and on the score line. Watch out for Kate as she keeps the defence guessing with her attacking prowess.
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