The boys and girls set to shine at the NSW Touch Football Junior State Cup Southern Conference
A huge contingent of the state’s best touch players will descend on Wagga Wagga for the Junior State Cup Southern Conference. We look at 104 boys and girls set to make their mark on the big stage.
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THOUSANDS are set to descend on Wagga Wagga this weekend as the NSW Junior State Cup Southern Conference hits town.
A host of associations will take part in the event, with one eye on the State Final at Tempe next month.
To celebrate the huge event, NewsLocal looks at 104 young players set to shine over the next few days.
MITCH HENVILLE (EASTS U12)
The middle has been with Easts since seven years of age, and he takes pride in making sure everyone gets along an supports each other. We’ll see him set up plenty of tries in Wagga Wagga.
KOBY ELLERY (EASTS U10)
Koby shows leadership and brings a calming influence to the team. At the young age of nine, he already demonstrates ball skills and has the ability to develop further in the game of touch.
KIANA MITCHELL (EASTS U14)
Kiana is bottom age in U14s but her leadership and skills are shining through. She is a joy for officials to coach and loves the game. She thrives on new skills and her coachability is top.
AVA KUEHN (EASTS U18)
Ava is the Easts Junior State Cup club captain. She is focused on her sport and plays in both junior and senior grades. In 2022, she made her Opens Premier League debut at 17. She is in Year 12 and after graduation is hoping to study to become a surgeon.
CHLOE FROST (EASTS U10)
This is Chloe’s first JSC and she is very keen to learn. Mum Stephanie and dad Christian have both excelled in the game. Steph as a NSW player and Christian as a NSW coach and Australian player. Chloe is bottom age and is hoping to learn this year and develop this year and will be back next year.
HEATHER BOURIS (EASTS U16)
Heather is a quiet achiever and has a great understanding of the game. Has grown up playing the game with her brothers. She is encouraging to her teammates and extremely patient.
TYNISE BOWREY (EASTS U18)
Tynise is a quiet achiever. She has great game vision and her play making skills have set up numerous tries. She is focused. Tynise played division one with the senior club and will be pushing for a Premier League spot next season.
HUSSAIN IBRAHAM (EASTS U14)
Hussain has been involved in Easts touch since the U10s. He is a born leader and directs his team around the field. May have something to do with his refereeing skills. Hussain is a regular park referee. If he wasn’t playing, he would definitely be competing for his referee levels.
AMELIA SCERRI (EASTS U12)
Millie is the person in the team that goes out of her way to get to know everyone. She is personable, loud but kind. When not playing touch, she’s out on the waves at Maroubra Beach.
MARLEY WAIWAI (TAREN POINT U10)
The winger is a very talented stepper with good hands and is a great finisher. Can sniff out a try from anywhere.
CHARLOTTE SLATTERY (TAREN POINT U10)
Charlotte is a tenacious and determined player who uses her speed to great impact as a link.
PAX CAINE (TAREN POINT U12)
A middle who can really lead things and control the tempo of the game. Quick on his feet with great hands.
CHELSEA MAY (TAREN POINT U12)
A young leader who strives to get everyone involved. A good talker, defensively strong and is a middle who sets up her teammates.
CHARLIE BATEUP (TAREN POINT U14)
A scheming middle who is always looking for options. Explosive talent who can throw a good ball.
SCARLETT TURNER (TAREN POINT U14)
One of the quiet achievers in the teams but lets her actions do the talking. A team player who can cover link or middle, and can hit a hole.
LOGAN TOOHEY (TAREN POINT U16)
The link is a dynamite talent who boasts explosive ability and is always putting his teammates first.
SARI MCKEE (TAREN POINT U16)
A classy middle who will always pop up during key plays with quality scoops at pace to get her team attacking.
ARCHIE ROSE (TAREN POINT U18)
The club captain of Taren Point is a quiet achiever. Always working hard for his teammates in the middle and is unflappable.
JADE TATTAM (TAREN POINT U18)
A tenacious worker who is always talking and giving her teammates guidance. A very good link.
BROOKE LYNE (LOWER BLUE MOUNTAINS U10)
Brooke has played the game for three years with the club as a middle and link. Is elusive, quick thinker, versatile and speedy player, will look to test the edgers during the games and put wingers into gaps to race away. Brooke will use her previous representative experience and look to put the links and wingers through holes in defence.
LENNIX MCSPADDON (LOWER BLUE MOUNTAINS U10)
Lenny has been playing since he was four and is quick on his feet, loves a diving try, fast and will throw a cut out ball to the winger. Lenny will look to take the second half apart with his stamina and fitness in the middle.
CHARLI BUTLER (LOWER BLUE MOUNTAINS U12)
This is the arena for middle Charli to dominate after a few years building experience, Charli has a strength of playing fast, quick play the balls leading to the opposition been offside. One to early in the game.
CHARLIE LYNE (LOWER BLUE MOUNTAINS U12)
This is Charlie’s fourth representative campaign. The middle/link is an experienced, fit, reliable, fast, versatile player who will never give up on a play. Trial form has been strong and the coach has a few plays up his sleeve that will be revealed at the weekend.
BELLA TICEHURST (LOWER BLUE MOUNTAINS U12)
Bella has experience after playing at the past six championships, Bella was a 2022 METS players and brings stamina, pace and has a great read of the game. One to watch at the back of the game as well as run all day as a middle or link.
HARRY SUMMERS (LOWER BLUE MOUNTAINS U14)
Link Harry a recently selected in the high school U15s Sydney West team. Is a great ball runner, has the ability to slice through gaps and has a great cut out pass. Harry will be looking to put his teammates through holes early in the game.
WILL JONES (LOWER BLUE MOUNTAINS U16)
An experienced link/wing and is coached by his representative big brother who was mentored by the best. Will’s trial performances have been strong, his pace and defence will be a key highlight of his team games.
MIA WATSON (LOWER BLUE MOUNTAINS U16)
Mia is the female club captain and played with the club for 10 years as a middle and link. She is agile, fit, fast as she will look to explore any defensive lapses. Mia will look to deliver when the whistle blows.
JACKSON BAGATELLA (LOWER BLUE MOUNTAINS U18)
Recently announced as club captain, Jackson has enormous experience as has played at high levels for the past five years. Jackson plays with enormous energy as a link or middle, reads the game very well and is fast. Will be looking to place the wingers away with his long cut out passes.
JOSHUA NOUMEH AND JORDALL HARPASS (PARRAMATTA U14)
A real leading duo of the Parramatta U14s. They both have good speed and excellent knowledge of the game and they will be instrumental and need to play at their best if they are to challenge for the title. Both boys have played since U10s and are outstanding prospects.
EMILIA DORAHY (HILLS U10)
Her determination and never give up attitude is displayed in every game and every training session. She always gives her all and is a true team player. Her speed and her willingness to put her body on the line to either make a touch or score a try definitely makes her a player to watch
MIA SPOONER AND ZOE LYNCH (HILLS U12)
When they are on the field together be ready to see either of these Hornets fly over the line to score. Pacey types who only need a bit of open space to show their skills.
SHAH WAKELY (HILLS U14)
Shah plays an awesome technical game and her ability to thrive under pressure is next level. Officials look forward to seeing her lead the team over the weekend in the middle.
AVA JONES (HILLS U16)
Coming off the back of an outstanding 2022, Ava is ready to lead by example on and off the field. A hardworking middle who’s rucking often sets the tone for the team. Her ability to play a static and running game as well as play what’s in front of her make her unpredictable and a handful for opposition defensive lines. She will always put her body on the line to either save or score a try. With a season of Premier League under her belt, she will be looking to share her experience with others in the team.
TASHA WHITE (HILLS U18)
Tash has continued to develop and improve since becoming part of the Hills women’s open program through Vawdon and Senior State Cups. Her willingness to learn and give everything at training and in games makes her a valuable asset to the team. Officials are looking forward to watching her continue the link’s journey.
WILL ARMSTRONG (HILLS U10)
Among all players in the team, Will is a first-year player and the youngest. Will’s energy and speed provides the team a lot of opportunities in finding the line. He competes on every play and fights for every try. In years to come he will be a true leader of the club
LACHLAN DORAHY (HILLS U12)
He has a history of representation. He is the fastest and most aggressive and will have the biggest influence over the score as a key link.
AKS DAVID (HILLS U14)
This will be Aks’ first Junior State Cup. Aks spent last year within our development program before being part of the successful Youth 2’s Vawdon Cup squad. He has great acceleration at link, phenomenal drive and quality ball distribution. Loves to run extras and will shine in a well-balanced side.
ALEX MCILWRAITH (HILLS U16)
Can both cross the line for a few tries on the wing, as well as stop them at will. A key player in defence.
JONAH PHAM AND JACOB FAHIM (HILLS U18)
Both players possess blistering speed and footwork to match. They can break open a game in the blink of an eye. Officials have long held big hopes for these two links as they have been at Hills since U10s and both came through a fantastic U20s performance at the Senior State Cup.
NATHAN SHERRIFF (CANTERBURY U10)
Has the speed and agility to be constantly asking questions of the defence. Plays
eyes up footy and is always creating opportunities for his team.
KAREPE FAULKNER (CANTERBURY U12)
Strong middle defender and always seems to have time on his side with the ball in
his hands. Has an excellent passing game both ways and has terrific attacking vision
for such a young player.
TAKAHI (TAISON) KING (CANTERBURY U14)
Gives everything to his team in attack and defence and never stops running. Look for
his ability to play an up-tempo game off the back of a good drive. An emerging talent.
BOSTON BERRY (CANTERBURY U16)
A tough competitor both in attack and defence, never gives an inch and is always up
for the contest. A major threat with the ball in his hands close to the line.
REX PROSSER (CANTERBURY U18)
Has the ability to switch his game between working middle and dominant ball-playing
attacker based on what the team needs. Possesses a deadly long passing game
when the opportunity presents.
GRETA BRIERS (CANTERBURY U10)
Tough competitor for such a young age who brings heaps of energy in both attack
and defence. She really sets the tone for her teammates to follow.
FRANKIE HURLEY (CANTERBURY U12)
A skilful player who always works hard for her team in attack and defence. Good
things seem to happen when she is on the field. Look for her to be calling the shots
in attacking situations.
INDII BOWER (CANTERBURY U14)
Has all the ingredients for a touch player with a big future. Speed to burn, with the
ability to dive at the line or promote the ball through a great passing game. One to
watch.
KEILANI MANU (CANTERBURY U16)
A great ballplayer with good vision for the game. Strong presence in defence with
great body position.
TALLULA KIRK (CANTERBURY U18)
The glue of the team. Possesses an all-round touch game that seems to make
players around her better.
TOM BULL (WAGGA U10)
An electric middle/link player who is quick off the mark and beats defenders for fun. His ability to read the play and his skills on the ball for such a young player is quite remarkable and hard to miss.
REMI STEELE (WAGGA U10)
The middle/link young gun combines lightning speed with sharp footwork. She is a try scoring threat anywhere on the field.
HUDSON EVANS (WAGGA U12)
A dynamic middle with great attacking skills and leadership qualities on and off the field. His bubbly personality makes him a great team member and is greatly admired by his peers.
ZARA CONNOLLY (WAGGA U12)
Already a NSW U12 representative, Connolly is a standout player in an already dominant Wagga Vipers U12 Girls team. She understands the game and has the drive required to make it to the top. The sky’s the limit for this one.
LEVI BAGGIO (WAGGA U14)
A co-captain of the U14 boys, Baggio is a link/middle that is well respected and has exceptional leadership on and off the field. His ability to direct the plays and shut down the defence is a great aspect of his game.
KEWA KAHUROA (WAGGA U14)
A dynamic middle/link player who leads by example on the field. She has high expectations of her teammates and her work rate on the field is intense.
RILEY HOWARD (WAGGA U16)
An ultimate team player who provides direction and encouragement to ensure the team works as one. The winger is always focused on covering in defence and making sure the attack is structured. He has positive talk always and loves a sneaky try out wide.
HOLLY WILLIAMS (WAGGA U16)
A link player who has played some very high representative levels recently and is a current School State Champion at U15’s level. She was also named in the Australian Merit team. Her leadership, experience and vision, coupled with her speed and agility, makes her a massive threat to the opposition and a great teammate.
EJ SEMPLE (WAGGA U18)
The Wagga Vipers club captain has just returned from the Aussie U18’s squad training held in Brisbane. Semple and his family live and breathe touch footy. He leads by example on and off the field and is a true example of passion for a sport, with fast feet and a great passing game.
SHAYLA WATSON (WAGGA U18)
Shayla is a determined player who has trained the house down. She combines strong running with excellent footy smarts when attacking the line.
FLORENCE TULI (CANBERRA U10)
Playing her first season of touch football, Tuli has shown a lot of potential. She is hardworking, coachable and fiercely competitive.
WILLOW BARRY (CANBERRA U12)
The team captain leads her team from the front, running hard on every play and giving her teammates confidence. A middle player, Barry is described as ‘the team pocket rocket’, bringing intelligence, elusiveness and dangerous attacking qualities to the team.
MIA CURTIS (CANBERRA U14)
A hard working middle who is constantly up in the defence, chasing down her opponents and clearly communicating with her teammates. Curtis is always looking for opportunities to attack her opponents and will catch players off guard on the line. One to keep an eye on.
MIA KELLY (CANBERRA U16)
A classic middle player who rolls up her sleeves and takes the team forward. Off the ball she is great at supporting her teammates and being defensively solid. On the ball she has a lethal dummy, making her very dangerous and elusive to contend with.
GEORGIA DONALDSON (CANBERRA U18)
The female club captain is one of the most experienced at the Canberra City Magic team. The middle leads from the front, bringing the best out of her teammates and is a great role model for young players. She recently made her Senior State Cup debut and is a future women’s open player to watch.
BILLY BUSER (CANBERRA U12)
Despite it being his first tournament, Buser has taken a leadership role in the team, to which he has stood up to the task. The middle man has a great passing game with raw talent that will improve with experience. A long future is ahead of this one in touch footy.
FINN BRAITHWAITE (CANBERRA U14)
Leads on the field by always running hard and testing the defence. Playing as a middle, Braitwaite is a natural sprinter who is continually building his touch skills, directing plays and organising his teammates on the field.
SAM LEMON (CANBERRA U16)
A fast winger with great hands and vision. He sees opportunities to score tries that others do not. Expect him to score some long-range tries on the weekend.
ROB VAN DALEN (CANBERRA U18)
Fast rising through the ranks of men’s touch footy in Canberra. Van Dalen is a middle with great vision, speed and always seems to have plenty of time to execute magic.
APRIL GARDINER (ORANGE U14)
A current NSW U12 representative, Gardiner is a dangerous link player who has a sought after left-to-right pass and attacking instinct that will trouble most opponents.
SAMUEL HILL (ORANGE U14)
A dominant middle who has all the skills and brains in attack far beyond his years. Will has his opposition at sixes and sevens throughout the weekend.
AVA COLE (ORANGE U16)
Current NSW U15 and regional Opens representative, Cole is a phenomenal runner of the ball. A link player with a motor greater than most opponents, she is a smart player and a solid defender.
LILLY CLARKE (ORANGE U16)
Another NSW U15 and regional Opens representative among the Orange Thunder ranks. The middle player excels in attack with her static play and vision, and well as being a dominant stop defender.
CHAYSE KING (ORANGE U16)
A current regional U20 representative, the middle player has a massive motor in both attack and defence, and can be very damaging with the ball in hand.
HOPE GIBSON (ORANGE U18)
A current NSW U18 and regional Opens representative, Gibson has great foot speed for a middle and an equally dangerous passing game, making her a threat with her runs and passes.
DEMI OWENS (ORANGE U18)
A current Australian youth squad, NSW U18 and regional Opens representative. Owens is a link with a wicked right-to-left pass and mesmerising footwork.
COOPER THORNHILL (ORANGE U18)
Current regional U20s representative and is one of the better defensive wingers in his division. Great foot speed and phenomenal defensive reads make him difficult to beat in defence.
JACK DEAN (ORANGE U18)
A current Australian youth squad and regional U20s representative. Dean is a middle who possesses a lethal pass both ways and his ability to read defences is second to none.
LENNOX HURFORD (PARKES U12)
Captain of the U12s Boy’s team, Hurford shows great leadership on and off the field, has dynamic footwork and great ball skills.
JACK POINTON (PARKES U12)
Youngest player on the team at just eight years old, showing he has a great future ahead. Puts in 100% effort every time he takes the field.
DAISY RICE (PARKES U12)
A passionate leader to her teammates, with competitive instincts that lift her team’s intensity. A tireless defender who expertly shuts down play and has the chat to organise her girls in attack.
ALYRA WILLIAMS (PARKES U12)
Cool, calm and collected. Gets her girls rolling forward in attack and has the ability to sniff out an opportunity at the line. Her blistering speed and cracking slide dives make her a danger to her opponents.
TOBY SMART AND KHAN JACKSON (PARKES U14)
A package deal, the big and the small of the U14s team. Khan is a link player, a strong running edge with quick feet and great defence. Toby is an elusive middle with great vision and good feet.
LENI CONSTABLE (PARKES U14)
Brings passion to her team and has a heart of gold. Has the ability to read all plays and communicate well in defence. In attack she guides her teams and sets up plans of attack with ease.
CORBY FLIEDNER (PARKES U14)
The silent assassin of the team. Extremely dedicated, forever setting up tries and getting her girls running good lines in attack. Brilliant at co-ordinating shut down defence on the line.
TAJ LOVETT (PARKES U16)
Attends every training session with a positive attitude and is a pleasure to coach. Lovett is a link/winger who has great speed and is a good hole runner in attack, while also being a resilient defender.
DOMINIC GIBSON (PARKES U16)
Has improved as a rep player due to his competitive nature in attack and defence. A middle player with great on-field communication and directional skills to his teammates.
MAELY MACGREGOR (PARKES U18)
The captain leads on and off the field, whether that be the warm ups at training or TikTok’s on the sideline. The middle player gives 100% in everything she does, driving the ball as hard and fast as she can, and is always reliable to get the job done. Bleeds blue and red.
TEGAN SMEDE (PARKES U18)
Another middle who is instrumental in attack and defence. Lacing up for her last Junior State Cup, Smede is one of the most dedicated players in the club, always reliable to get her side a good result, and loves a cheeky dive at the line.
GRACE MILNE (PARKES U18)
One of the younger Parkes Pumas playing well above her years, and is always reliable to get stuck in and get the job done. Has come a long way in the past 12 months and can always be counted on defensively.
CAYDAN HILLIER (LEETON U16)
Club captain for the Lightning, who last year represented Riverina CHS in the U15s and Opens division. A middle man who is a great leader and communicator. Never gives up, is agile and sets up his line well.
BEAU GRIFFITHS (LEETON U16)
Like Hillier, has also represented Riverina CHS in the U15s and Opens division. Another middle who works well with his teammates, feeds the ball well and drives hard.
JACOB BUCHANAN (LEETON U16)
Captain of U16 boys, Buchanan has been at the club since 2020. Is quick and delivers a strong pass, and is a great leader for the boys in the middle of the park.
TALLIS MCMILLAN AND CHARLIE WATSON (LEETON U16)
Vice-captains of the U16 side, McMillan and Watson bring more great leadership to the middle. McMillan is agile, drive hard and delivers a decent long ball, while Watson is quick and reads both attack and defence so well.
TALIA SCHEMPP (PENRITH U18)
Talia is a hard working middle who is always willing to step up and take the team forward, as well as take the tough carries.
BRAITH VELLA (PENRITH U10)
Braith brings leadership and experience to his current team through playing in last year winning U19 boys JSC. He’s dedicated and high ability is an asset to the team.
LOGAN KRAHE (PENRITH U14)
A hard working middle who gets the team going forward and his line defence is one of the best in the business. He has played reps for Penrith touch since eight and has won two Southern Conference State Cups.
TIA JANE GOLDING (PENRITH U16)
Tia is the type of player you want to play with and coach, her hard work and attitude is commendable.
BRODIE GRAHAM-WITHELL (PENRITH U10)
Brodie is a one of the senior leaders in the U10s side. She is very vocal at trainings and games and she is always encouraging other players to do their best. Brodie is looking forward to playing with her teammates and representing Penrith at Wagga as a link.
POLLY ROCHE (EASTS U16)
Polly is a fantastic up and coming Easts’s junior who has great attacking ability and game awareness. She is an exemplary team member who puts her all into training and games. Officials know she’ll have a great Junior State Cup.
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