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The boys and girls set to shine at the NSW Touch Football Junior State Cup Northern Conference

Some of the state’s best touch players are headed to Dubbo for the Junior State Cup Northern Conference this weekend. We look at 77 boys and girls set to make their mark on the big stage.

AFTER the excitement of a massive NSW Touch Junior State Cup Southern Conference last week, it’s time for northern NSW to get its turn.

A big turnout is expected for the Junior State Cup Northern Conference in Dubbo this weekend with the game’s elite young talent on show.

We look at the 77 young boys and girls set to make their mark on the big stage.

Jahli Budden-Talbott of the Gunnedah Goannas in the NSW Touch Junior State Cup. Picture: Contributed
Jahli Budden-Talbott of the Gunnedah Goannas in the NSW Touch Junior State Cup. Picture: Contributed

JAHLI BUDDEN-TALBOTT (GUNNEDAH U12)

Jahli is a promising young player who is quick to back up her teammates. She is fast and agile. She moved into the link position from wing where her talents were not getting enough airtime.

Fletcher Whan. Picture: Contributed
Fletcher Whan. Picture: Contributed

FLETCHER WHAN (GUNNEDAH U12)

Fletcher has a good eye for hitting the right hole in the middle, with speed. His quick play the ball and darting movements make are worth keeping an eye on.

Claire Dowe of the Gunnedah Goannas. Picture: Contributed
Claire Dowe of the Gunnedah Goannas. Picture: Contributed

CLAIRE DOWE (GUNNEDAH U14)

Claire is one of the team’s main playmakers as a middle. Claire has the ability to set up plays in attack and can read defence well. Claire has the skills of a representative player that can go a long way in her touch future. Claire has a good passing game, speed and a good step off both feet.

Lachlan Chaffey. Picture: Contributed
Lachlan Chaffey. Picture: Contributed

LACHLAN CHAFFEY (GUNNEDAH U14)

Lachlan looks dangerous with the ball with a strong step and a great pass. He will look to get the ball in his hands if a try is required in a clutch moment as a middle.

Jacey Ross of the Gunnedah Goannas. Picture: Contributed
Jacey Ross of the Gunnedah Goannas. Picture: Contributed

JACEY ROSS (GUNNEDAH U16)

Jacey is co-captain of the team because of her positive attitude and work ethic in the middle. She is great at reading the play and being where she needs to be. Jacey leads the team at training and around the park.

Riley Michel (left) and Amelia Polley for Ryde Eastwood at the Junior State Cup touch footy. Picture: Contributed
Riley Michel (left) and Amelia Polley for Ryde Eastwood at the Junior State Cup touch footy. Picture: Contributed

RILEY MICHEL AND AMELIA POLLEY (RYDE EASTWOOD U18)

Both of these girls have been named as team captains of the 18s girls.

Amelia has played with the Scorpions over her JSC journey and will be one of the most dominant middles in Dubbo. Has a wonderful ability to set up plays and crafty with the ball.

Riley will also play middle and has a strong passing game to set up tries with her long balls combined with her speed.

JAXON GALEA (RYDE EASTWOOD U12)

A speedy middle with a strong talking game to his teammates. Will be one to watch in Dubbo.

Boston Kelly (left) and Jaxon Galea. Picture: Contributed
Boston Kelly (left) and Jaxon Galea. Picture: Contributed

BOSTON KELLY (RYDE EASTWOOD U12)

Boston is blessed with speed and a good understanding of the game. Boston will play middle and lead from the front in defence and attack.

EMMA WHITTY (RYDE EASTWOOD U12)

Great skills and physicality in the middle. Emma drives the ball better than most for her age.

Sadie Donkin of the Ryde Eastwood Junior State Cup team. Picture: Contributed
Sadie Donkin of the Ryde Eastwood Junior State Cup team. Picture: Contributed

SADIE DONKIN (RYDE EASTWOOD U12)

Speed to burn and Sadie was also named as captain of her team. Plays with composure and experience for a girl so young.

ETHAN ROBINSON (RYDE EASTWOOD U14)

Ethan has turn of speed that will help the 14 boys dominate in Dubbo. His presence in the middle and his speed is something to watch

GEORGIA SOUTHCOMBE (RYDE EASTWOOD U16)

Strong and aggressive middle for the Hawks 16 girls. A natural leader and one of the best defenders in the club.

ILAH THOMPSON (WALLSEND U10)

Ilah Thompson of Wallsend. Photo: Contributed
Ilah Thompson of Wallsend. Photo: Contributed

Thompson is a link with a great knowledge of the game for such a young age, bringing a lot of speed and skill to the side.

ARCHER DORN (WALLSEND U10)

A link/middle youngster who brings great enthusiasm, speed and a never give up attitude to his side.

JADA CAPRIOTTI (WALLSEND U12)

Jada Capriotti of Wallsend. Photo: Contributed
Jada Capriotti of Wallsend. Photo: Contributed

A link player with a positive attitude who never puts her head down. She uplifts her teammates, taking on any challenge her coach gives her even if it’s outside her comfort zone.

JOSIE AGLAND (WALLSEND U14)

Josie Agland of Wallsend. Photo: Contributed
Josie Agland of Wallsend. Photo: Contributed

Agland is another skilful link player who brings plenty of speed off the mark and uplifts her teammates by giving them plenty of confidence.

STEVIE BOTHAM (WALLSEND U16)

Stevie Botham of Wallsend. Photo: Contributed
Stevie Botham of Wallsend. Photo: Contributed

A link player with plenty of experience, enthusiasm and passion for the game.

TYLER GRAHAM (WALLSEND U16)

Tyler Graham of Wallsend. Photo: Contributed
Tyler Graham of Wallsend. Photo: Contributed

A middle who brings consistency, dedication, leadership, teamwork and true sportsmanship to his game.

ZALI CHIPPENDALE (WALLSEND U18)

Zali Chippendale of Wallsend. Photo: Contributed
Zali Chippendale of Wallsend. Photo: Contributed

Brings a lot of excellent skill and calm leadership to her side. A link who is able to improvise and play with the cards she is dealt, always having a huge impact on the field.

PAIGE CROSSLEY (SINGLETON U10)

Paige Crossley of Singleton. Photo: Contributed
Paige Crossley of Singleton. Photo: Contributed

A link with a great love and commitment for the game that makes her an instrumental part of the team. Plays a strong attacking game with calculated decision making and pinpoint passing that makes her an exciting player to watch.

TYSON WILLIAMS (SINGLETON U14)

The smallest player on the team with the biggest heart. A middle or link who always puts his body on the line and goes like the energiser bunny. A true team player who is awesome to watch on the field.

SYBIE PIKE (SINGLETON U14)

Sybie Pike of Singleton. Photo: Contributed
Sybie Pike of Singleton. Photo: Contributed

A classy middle with great vision for the game and classy ball skills. She has a never give up attitude, is a true team player who is always guiding and encouraging her teammates, making her a joy to watch.

RYDER EMERY (DUBBO U10)

Ryder Emery of Dubbo. Photo: Contributed
Ryder Emery of Dubbo. Photo: Contributed

A quiet achiever with excellent line speed. A link player who is strong in defence and works hard in rucking to make good metres and get fast roll balls.

ZARA MAAS (DUBBO U10)

Zara Maas of Dubbo. Photo: Peter Sik
Zara Maas of Dubbo. Photo: Peter Sik

A pocket rocket who is dedicated to training and in games. A link who leads the team up in defence while working hard in attack to achieve good field position. A great teammate who is very coachable.

CHARLES MCCARTHY (DUBBO U12)

Charles McCarthy of Dubbo. Photo: Contributed
Charles McCarthy of Dubbo. Photo: Contributed

A great player and great teammate who is a vocal leader on and off the field. A link who is always encouraging his teammates, the type of teammate everyone should aspire to be.

SCARLETTE LONDON (DUBBO U12)

Scarlette London of Dubbo. Photo: Peter Sik
Scarlette London of Dubbo. Photo: Peter Sik

A middle who has been playing touch for the last three years. She has led the team on and off the field and has the determination to compete in every play.

CHARLIE PILON (DUBBO U14)

Charlie Pilon of Dubbo. Photo: Contributed
Charlie Pilon of Dubbo. Photo: Contributed

A hard worker on the field without being showy, and the go to player to lift team spirit. A link player who has outstanding passion for the sport and is a valued teammate.

ALEXUS GORDON (DUBBO U14)

Alexus Gordon of Dubbo. Photo: Contributed
Alexus Gordon of Dubbo. Photo: Contributed

A middle who has quickly turned into one of the team’s leaders due to her great communication skills and team play. She plays an integral role in the team as an organiser and ballplayer.

CHLOE CHANDLER (DUBBO U16)

Chloe Chandler of Dubbo. Photo: Contributed
Chloe Chandler of Dubbo. Photo: Contributed

A middle with great speed, agility and flying dives that make her a joy to watch. Chandler demonstrates leadership on and off the field, with her positive attitude and determination.

KADENCE MCALISTER (BERKELEY VALE U10)

Kadence McAlister of Berkeley Vale. Photo: Contributed
Kadence McAlister of Berkeley Vale. Photo: Contributed

A vital member to the team, with great agility, communication, speed and vision for her age. McAlister is a winger who also brings great encouragement and teamwork to the side.

MAX RENDA (BERKELEY VALE U10)

Max Renda of Berkeley Vale. Photo: Contributed
Max Renda of Berkeley Vale. Photo: Contributed

Max is a middle who brings passion and leadership to the team. His thrive to be better than the last game lifts the whole team.

HUNTER PRESTON (BERKELEY VALE U12)

Hunter Preston of Berkeley Vale. Photo: Contributed
Hunter Preston of Berkeley Vale. Photo: Contributed

A middle with attributes that can take him a long way in touch footy. Preston has speed, agility and fitness to play long minutes. Importantly he’s great listener and a positive voice for his teammates on the park.

BROOKE BURNS (BERKELEY VALE U14)

Brooke Burns of Berkeley Vale. Photo: Contributed
Brooke Burns of Berkeley Vale. Photo: Contributed

A smart link who has the ability to play what is in front of her in attack allowing her to beat defenders and set up tries. Burns is a strong defender, making sure to mark and also help her team in cover defence, putting her body on the line to save tries.

JACK ANDREWS (BERKELEY VALE U14)

Jack Andrews of Berkeley Vale. Photo: Contributed
Jack Andrews of Berkeley Vale. Photo: Contributed

A middle who is a natural leader, with a great game understanding and is committed to developing his talent further. Andrews works harder than anyone on the field, leads by example and puts his body on the line to support his teammates.

RHYS HILL (MANLY U10)

A great player to watch in terms of his open play, attacking flair and a great communicator in the middle.

CLAIRE MCPHEE (MANLY U10)

She’s a middle and link. A really talented player who has great speed and can both save tries and score them.

KOBE BISHOP (MANLY U12)

Captain of the team and an absolute handful on his feet and is dynamite in the middle.

TRINITY PERRETT (MANLY U12)

A great leader for this team, a real team player. The glue that combines really well that brings players together.

COOPER EVELEIGH (MANLY U14)

He’s a younger age player but is definitely one to watch in terms of his unselfish play and his technical capability.

LAYLA TONGA (MANLY U14)

An absolute talent, speed to burn, a magnificent pass and a real strong game sense at the link position.

CHAYSE GEROSS (MANLY U16)

Has electric footwork, unmatched agility and is so quick on his feet in the middle.

COCO MARSTERS (MANLY U16)

An all-round sportswoman across multiple codes but is a formidable middle in attack and defence and leads from the front.

MAX MARSTERS (MANLY U18)

Coco’s cousin and the junior club captain. Recently attended an Australian U18s youth camp, an all-rounder, great communicator, leader and team guy.

ZARA HALLIDAY (MANLY U18)

Female junior club captain. A real talent who has fantastic speed and agility, a really strong leader who is always putting the team first.

TILLY OLDFIELD (CENTRAL COAST U10)

Central Coast representative Tilly Oldfield. Photo: supplied
Central Coast representative Tilly Oldfield. Photo: supplied

A talented middle playing in her second year for the Dolphins’ U10 girls. She has a heart of gold and is a real team player, while she also has the ability to read the game really well and throws a great dummy to boot.

CENTRAL COAST UNDER 10 BOYS TEAM

The Central Coast Touch Association boys' under 10 representative team. Photo: supplied
The Central Coast Touch Association boys' under 10 representative team. Photo: supplied

It would be impossible to leave out any of the players in this gun team.

After spending years together developing as a young side, and some of the boys playing in their fourth year of rep touch, the team recorded six-straight wins at the Peter Wilson Memorial Championship earlier this month, only to unfortunately fall short in the semi-finals and finish third on the ladder.

HARPER BEATTY (CENTRAL COAST U12)

Central Coast touch football representative Harper Beatty. Photo: supplied
Central Coast touch football representative Harper Beatty. Photo: supplied

You’ll find this little speedster all over the field in both attack and defence. An excellent link, she always gives her best, plays the game in great spirit and is willing to give anything a go.

KALEB TOMURI (CENTRAL COAST U12)

Central Coast touch football representative Kaleb Tomuri. Photo: supplied
Central Coast touch football representative Kaleb Tomuri. Photo: supplied

The link has blistering speed with the rare ability to move sideways just as fast as he does going forward. Combined with his pace, Kaleb’s never-say-die attitude makes opposition long-range tries almost impossible.

AVA CAMPBELL (CENTRAL COAST U14)

Central Coast touch football representative Ava Campbell. Photo: supplied
Central Coast touch football representative Ava Campbell. Photo: supplied

A talented link/middle, Ava has plenty of speed which allows her to be very dangerous when scooping.

NATE HERRING (CENTRAL COAST U14)

Central Coast touch football representative Nate Herring. Photo: supplied
Central Coast touch football representative Nate Herring. Photo: supplied

A very good all-round attacking player, as a middle Nate has a good long ball to go with his speed and dive.

LUCY WATSON (CENTRAL COAST U16)

Central Coast touch football representative Lucy Watson, ahead of the 2023 Northern Conference State Cup. Photo: supplied
Central Coast touch football representative Lucy Watson, ahead of the 2023 Northern Conference State Cup. Photo: supplied

Lucy brings a high work rate and a will to succeed to the team. The middle is one of the Central Coast U16 team’s main attacking players, boasting the ability to set up plenty of plays for her teammates.

KOBI RODRIGUES (CENTRAL COAST U16)

Central Coast touch football representative Kobi Rodrigues. Photo: KROD PHOTOGRAPHY
Central Coast touch football representative Kobi Rodrigues. Photo: KROD PHOTOGRAPHY

As captain of the U16 boys’ team, Kobi brings leadership, love of the game and his skills learnt and developed while playing with the Central Coast Dolphins.

MORGAN MANNION (CENTRAL COAST U18)

Central Coast touch football representative Morgan Mannion, ahead of the 2023 Northern Conference State Cup. Photo: William Fortier
Central Coast touch football representative Morgan Mannion, ahead of the 2023 Northern Conference State Cup. Photo: William Fortier

The key link is an incredibly enthusiastic player who shows great leadership and a real calmness around the group. Aside from all of that, she also has speed to burn and is set to cause opponents plenty of headaches.

CHARLIE WALKADEN (CENTRAL COAST U18)

Central Coast touch football representative Charlie Walkaden. Photo: supplied
Central Coast touch football representative Charlie Walkaden. Photo: supplied

One of the fittest players in the 18s division, Walkaden is a very strong defensive link and a key member of the Dolphins’ side.

KADE POWER (MAITLAND U10)

Maitland touch football representative Kade Power. Photo: supplied
Maitland touch football representative Kade Power. Photo: supplied

A talented middle, Kade has the ability to draw out the defence, set up for a quickie and dive under the retreating defence at the line.

SCARLETT CROUCH (MAITLAND U10)

Maitland touch football representative Scarlett Crouch, ahead of the 2023 Northern Conference State Cup. Photo: supplied
Maitland touch football representative Scarlett Crouch, ahead of the 2023 Northern Conference State Cup. Photo: supplied

Scarlett’s determination and dedication to touch football shows in her training, her game and in her team. Her natural ability to play touch is outstanding for her age - keep an eye out for her scooping ability.

NOAH SALMON (MAITLAND U12)

Maitland touch football representative Noah Salmon. Photo: supplied
Maitland touch football representative Noah Salmon. Photo: supplied

A middle with great vision and game awareness, Noah also has a very good long ball up his sleeve that he sometimes unleashes when the time is right.

ALANA BARNES (MAITLAND U12)

Maitland touch football representative Alana Barnes. Photo: supplied
Maitland touch football representative Alana Barnes. Photo: supplied

A talented athlete who is continuing to grow in confidence, Alana leads by example in defence, and as the team captain provides direction and positive support to all her teammates. Watch this space, there are good things to come in the future.

DARCY CAMPTON (MAITLAND U14)

Maitland touch football representative Darcy Campton. Photo: supplied.
Maitland touch football representative Darcy Campton. Photo: supplied.

As someone who has been playing since under 10s, Darcy brings great leadership and knowledge to his game and shares this with his teammates. Playing as a middle, he is an exciting player with a great skillset and a never-say-die attitude.

BLAIR CARR (MAITLAND U14)

Maitland touch football representative Blair Carr, ahead of the 2023 Northern Conference State Cup. Photo: supplied
Maitland touch football representative Blair Carr, ahead of the 2023 Northern Conference State Cup. Photo: supplied

A player whose game has grown this year, with her ability to look up and read the defence making her one to watch. Blair leads the team by her own actions, which not only makes her a valuable touch player but also a wonderful teammate.

TOBY MCDONALD (MAITLAND U16)

Maitland touch football representative Toby McDonald. Photo: supplied
Maitland touch football representative Toby McDonald. Photo: supplied

Don’t get up too close watching this kid play or you will hurt your neck trying to keep up with his footwork and bullet passing game. Remember the name. Toby is certainly one to keep an eye on in the future.

ELLIE STACEY (MAITLAND U16)

Maitland touch football representative Ellie Stacey. Photo: supplied
Maitland touch football representative Ellie Stacey. Photo: supplied

Ellie is a super-fast, skilful, up-and-coming touch player. As captain, she leads by example both on and off the field for the 16s girls.

ISAAC LILLYMAN (MAITLAND U18)

Isaac Lillyman is a real leader for Maitland. Photo: supplied
Isaac Lillyman is a real leader for Maitland. Photo: supplied

The middle is the 18s boys captain and leader. He always gives it his everything, and his passion and commitment is unsurpassed. He bleeds red and black.

TAHNI BECKETT (MAITLAND U18)

Maitland touch football representative Tahni Beckett. Photo: supplied
Maitland touch football representative Tahni Beckett. Photo: supplied

A very strong attacking middle who can throw incredible dummies at speed. Tahni rarely gets beaten in defence and has a knack of covering holes that the opposition have created. She may be small in stature, but has a big presence on the field with her ‘never give up’ attitude.

REUBEN WRIGHT (PENINSULA U10)

Great team player, providing lots of energy on the field as a link. Don’t blink otherwise you’ll miss him.

Faith Hosking of the Peninsula Junior State Cup team. Picture: Contributed
Faith Hosking of the Peninsula Junior State Cup team. Picture: Contributed

FAITH HOSKING (PENINSULA U10)

Faith is an awesome team player who’s consistently demonstrating increasing skill and ability with each training session. Faith is a friend to her peers on and off the field and understands the game.

Kai Zahra of the Peninsula Junior State Cup team. Picture: Contributed
Kai Zahra of the Peninsula Junior State Cup team. Picture: Contributed

KAI ZAHRA (PENINSULA U12)

Kai has grown as player in last couple of years and now understands touch a lot better. His efforts with additional training to improve skills and fitness have showed in recent tournaments. Kai’s willingness to help the younger and less experienced players make him an asset to the team.

PHOEBE PARDEY (PENINSULA U12)

Phoebe leads the team by encouraging her teammates in a positive way while always giving her best. She is always committed, never missing any sessions and always taking on board what the coaches say.

Samuel Michie. Picture: Contributed
Samuel Michie. Picture: Contributed

SAMUEL MICHIE (PENINSULA U14)

Samuel’s compatibility to be able to play with any player is exceptional. He brings flair and creativity to every touch football game he plays. His morals and values stand out as he is a very polite and determined young man with an amazing future ahead of him.

Lara Butler. Picture: Contributed
Lara Butler. Picture: Contributed

LARA BUTLER (PENINSULA U16)

She is an outstanding young touch player, who is only 14, playing in the under 16’s. Lara suffered hearing difficulties in her younger life and now requires a Cochlear hearing implant to hear, but this has not stopped her playing touch and rugby league from a young age and being among the best players in the team. She is well liked by her teammates and has been made captain of the team, while being very modest and playing hard, but fair.

JACK DRANSFIELD (PENINSULA U18)

Jack leads by example. He is a great communicator on and off the field, always keen to offer advice and encourage his teammates.

LILA STANSFIELD (BALLINA U12) and EVA DONOVAN (BALLINA U12)

Run the middle, they run the patterns well, consistenly looking for holes and to set up their players outside of them. Organise the team around what they need to do. Not often on the field together but they keep the team moving.

CAHILL FOSTER (BALLINA U14)

One of the younger kids in the team but his vision and effort to get it right is always close to the mark.

JESSE COOPER (BALLINA U14)

Plays what is in front of him which makes him very dangerous when he has any space in front of him.

AVA CREATHER (BALLINA U16)

One of the girls that is cotunially working and running the process that need to be done for the team in the middle.

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/sport/the-boys-and-girls-set-to-shine-at-the-nsw-touch-football-junior-state-cup-northern-conference/news-story/da90d885cfb7ccb22d8b9b6304c789a3