Young guns: 80+ players to watch at Touch Football Junior State Cup Northern Conference
The NSW Touch Football Junior State Cup continues weekend with the boys and girls in the Northern Conference. We take a look at the 80+ players set to star in Dubbo.
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Last weekend the Southern Conference strutted its stuff, and now it’s time for their northern counterparts to do the same.
Dubbo will play host to some of the best boys and girls in the state in the Northern Conference.
Check out the 80+ players to watch as teams look to book their spot in the final:
JUMP TO
U10 Boys – U10 Girls – U12 Boys – U12 Girls – U14 Boys – U14 Girls – U16 Boys – U16 Girls – U18 Boys – U18 Girls
U10 BOYS
DIESEL SIMPSON (DUBBO)
Link
Diesel is an intuitive player with a natural ability to read the game. He is fast, agile and a great leader on the field.
ARCHIE CATON (DUBBO)
Middle
Archie is an energetic and consistent player who is the work horse of the team. He drives hard and fast and is dependable with safe hands.
OLIVER ROBEY (SINGLETON)
Middle
A very strong football player. He knows all his plays and is very good at playing at what’s in front of him. As the team captain, he is very good at communication and brings a happiness to trainings that brightens the team up.
ELI SPROULE (SINGLETON)
Middle / Link
Amazing at defence and a great role model within the team. He is a very determined player no matter where he is put on the field, with no doubt he’ll get the job done.
MILLER FERNANDEZ (RYDE EASTWOOD)
Miller has speed to burn and a good understanding of play. This is his second Junior State Cup.
OLIVER STAGGS (WELLINGTON)
Middle
Staggs has a great step for a young player and loves a good long ball. Has speed to burn.
JASPER TELFER (WELLINGTON)
Middle
Like his middle partner Staggs, Telfer is rapid and has a great step. Loves to take on the line and use his evasion and speed.
JAXX MCDERMOTT (PENINSULA)
Middle
One of the most exciting players to watch on the field, Jaxx has a great touch footy mind as well as good speed and ball skills for his age. With the ability to throw a long ball that most nine year olds could only dream of, he has great potential to go further in the sport.
KALANI ROBINSON (PENINSULA)
Middle
One of the team’s strongest players, ‘KJ’ displays great leadership and communication skills out on the field. He has a deadly left-foot step and exceptional speed. He’s one to watch now and into the future.
U10 GIRLS
CLAUDETTE SCOTT (DUBBO)
Link
Claudette has amazing speed and agility and can often create an opportunity to score out of nothing. She’s a hard worker in defence and loves to chase down an attacker. On home soil, Claudette will no doubt be a key player.
MILLIE WALSH (DUBBO)
Link
Millie is a talented up and coming touch player with a killer pass for a nine-year-old. She has mastered the show and go and loves the opportunity to attack the line. She is a consistent worker in defence and will be looking to register some tries on the score board in her first JSC.
ZOEY MARANDO and SIENNA BRIDGET (RYDE EASTWOOD)
Middles
Both Zoey and Sienna will be looking to dominate the middle for the girls. Both have good skills, good try scoring ability and great pace.
MATILDA WOLFE (PENINSULA)
Link
The louder of two twins in the team, Matilda is a very quick footballer who is always keen to take a dive. She also has a great sense of humour and is a wonderful team player.
VIOLET WOLFE (PENINSULA)
Link
Violet is the quieter of the Wolfe twins. Perhaps unsurprisingly, she has great listening skills and shows a wonderful ability and desire to learn. She is a little worker who always gives 100 per cent on the field.
SARI KELLY (DOYALSON)
Middle
Captain of the team. She is a great leader and excellent speaker. Always the first to training and last to leave. Look out for her quick run and dump plays and great shooting defence.
EVA RONGONUI (DOYALSON)
Middle
Vice-captain and she is the leader of the second unit. Very skilful in attack and leads on the field with her actions in both attack and defence. Lookout for her fast ruck speed and catching out lazy defenders.
U12 BOYS
SCOTT ROYSON (CARLINGFORD)
Middle
Scott is a player in the middle who drives the ball hard, talks lots with his teammates and always dives to score at the line.
HARRY BAINES (CARLINGORD)
Middle
Harry is also a middle player who is a strong leader and team player, with a great pass and speed when he scoops down the field.
CJ GORDON (DUBBO)
Middle
CJ has an amazing read on the game. He is a player who will suck the defence in and then work his magic.
VIN GREY (DUBBO)
Link
Vin gives the effort when the team needs a lift. He is a real worker who gets the job done with speed and intensity.
XAVIER MORGAN (BERKELEY VALE)
Middle
A passionate player who brings a high-level skill to the team and has shown he is a natural leader.
JERMAINE DA SILVA (BERKELEY VALE)
Middle
Brings great speed and is a fantastic teammate. Has a great love for the sport and is always happy and smiling.
LAWSON BUCKLEY & MASON STREET (SINGLETON)
This duo brings experience to the team. Buckley is a mid while Street is a link. Growing up playing representative sport and being best friends, they are positive role models in their team and hope to lead their side to finals.
TOM EDWARDS (RYDE EASTWOOD)
Middle
One of the senior plays in the 12s side with good control and game awareness. The captain will be supported strongly by teammate Hugo Haddin as the leading the strike players.
NOAH MCKINNON (PENINSULA)
Middle
A real work horse in the middle who has plenty of speed to burn, Noah is one of the team’s most reliable players who never says never out on the field.
NIXON KENNAWAY (PENINSULA)
Link
As they say, it’s often the quiet ones you need to watch. Nixon is an incredibly talented link who is growing in confidence with every game.
CHARLIE MICLAT (DOYALSON)
Middle
This is Charlie’s fourth year as a Dragon and has been named captain. Charlie’s strengths are his determination, passion and his team first attitude makes him the ultimate teammate. Charlie is also blessed with ball playing ability beyond his age along with being a strong defender. Look out for Charlie setting up the tap off set/play, strong drives and line attack.
HEATH RIDDELL (DOYALSON)
Wing
His second year after a strong campaign last year. On track to score another bag of tries. Heath is a great positive communicator always encouraging his team in both defence and attack. Look out for Heath leading the team’s defensive structure and ensuring the box sets are smooth.
U12 GIRLS
CLAUDIA COOK (DUBBO)
Wing
Claudia is an incredible specialised winger who has an amazing ability to be able to read the game especially in defence – she will get herself in the right position and even dive to ensure she denies the opposition of touchdowns. Claudia plays every minute of every game and just gets the job done.
VIOLET BIRCHALL (DUBBO)
Middle
Violet is super quiet, but the growth in her confidence this season has now turned her into a diving queen both in attack and defence. Given the opportunity Violet is likely to be the team’s best try scoring asset and she always giver her all.
AVVY HOLTS (SINGLETON)
Middle
Holts’ consistency and reliability makes her an asset in attack. Her quick play the ball always established a benchmark for rolling sets. Her ability to read defence puts her in the right place at the right time and is always working hard for the team.
MILA HODGE (SINGLETON)
Middle
Hodge has once again shown that her role in the middle is instrumental in the team for setting up plays and creating space. Hodge puts her body on the line and her ability to attack space at the line makes her an asset for finding holes in the defence.
SADIE DONKIN (RYDE EASTWOOD)
Middle
Has the full package of speed, power, size and skill. Captaining her side, she holds the key for the Hawks side, and has already been identified for higher honours in the sport.
CLAIRE PITTMAN (DOYALSON)
Middle
Brings plenty of pace to the Doyalson side. Has great ball skills and can read the game incredibly well.
SOPHIE SANDERS (DOYALSON)
Link
She’s a quick player on her feet who will be a crucial player out on an edge for Doyalson.
U14 BOYS
CADEN CARSON (ARMIDALE)
Middle/link
Caden has been playing touch for a number years and has grown as a player over this time. Caden has got good vision, is fast, has a good pass and a really good step. He also reads the game very well. Caden has represented the Northern Eagles over the last three years.
ALFIE SMITH (ARMIDALE)
Middle
Alfie is a middle and has only just started playing rep touch this year and he has developed nicely. Alfie has a very good pass and a nice step. He can also read the play and when this is combined with his dummy, he can make good things happen.
SAMUEL TAGGART (CARLINGFORD)
The tactician of the side who is always cool under pressure. Samuel is a hard worker who is one of the smartest on the field.
CONNOR HAYS (CARLINGFORD)
A real leader in the Carlingford side. A playmaker who works hard and is a genuine all-rounder who can do it all.
NULLAH BARKER (DUBBO)
Wing
Nullah is a quiet but very talented kid. A tall skilful winger, he possesses one quality you can’t coach, speed. If the defence gives Nullah any open space you can shut the gate.
SAM LARGE (DUBBO)
Middle
Sam is a very skilful player. He has the ability to throw a great cut out pass either side, step off both feet, while also having plenty of speed. He can read the game as good as anyone his age and is also a great leader.
ZAC JONES (SINGLETON)
Middle
Jones is a great leader who strives in defence and attack. The way he can move the ball gets everyone around him going. He is a very determined player and is happy to play anywhere to help his side.
WILL HANLON (SINGLETON)
Middle
Another great leader and a very determined player who’s happy to play anywhere on the field. Excels in attack and defence and is always the voice to keep his side going.
NOAH GOLDS (RYDE EASTWOOD)
Middle
A strong middle with size, power and skills. Holds will be dominant in setting up and executing plays. He has an amazing ability to lift the players around him, contributing to him being named as a club captain.
JAXON GALEA (RYDE EASTWOOD)
Middle
A player to watch with his pace and composure. Forms a strong pod alongside teammate Charlie Carbone. A real team player who always gives 110%.
AUSTIN WILLIS (PENINSULA)
Middle
Austin is an exceptional talent with a tremendous work ethic and remarkable drive. He plays with great execution on what his intentions are on the field and his coaches are convinced he’ll do great things on and off the field.
JAKE GOLDS (PENINSULA)
Middle
One of the silkiest young footballers around who plays with a smoothness that even his coaches can’t quite explain. Not only an impressive young man, Jake is a naturally gifted touch footballer with plenty of talent to burn.
ADEN SMART (DOYALSON)
Middle
Aden has a massive passion for touch and he understands the game very well. He has great speed and loves scooting the ball on the last, his speed will catch the defenders offside and has a nice option on the back of it. He’s a great team player with a great attitude. His strength of the game would be his defence, his always willing to work hard and never giving up.
MILLER DOAK (DOYALSON)
Middle
Miller is one of the co-captains and is a great leader. He’s a very smart touch footballer and he loves a show and go and he will go straight through them. He not only brings his great touch skills but he brings his great positive attitude to the team and his always willing to help out his teammates. A great team player.
U14 GIRLS
ABBY FINCH (CARLINGFORD)
Abby has grown from strength to strength since she joined the U12s a few years ago, going on to represent the Cyclones in multiple JSC events and the Vawdon Cup. She drives the ball forward, promotes the ball throughout the team and can slow the fastest of players down in defence. Abby brings a strength to the team and encourages others to lift with her.
MACKENZIE MCBAIN (CARLINGFORD)
Having played with the Cyclones since the U12s, Mackenzie brings the knowledge, drive and edge to the team. She reads the game well and anticipates defensive behaviours to maximise meters gained and try opportunities. She is illusive on the field and can catch the opposition by surprise.
HANNAH BONNINGTON (DUBBO)
Link
A captain who leads by example. Hannah’s line are always on point and she covers space in defence – forcing errors. Always determined and always positive.
MALISI DARCY (DUBBO)
Middle
A tenacious defender with positive talk. Line attack is her favourite part of the game and she is most comfortable setting up a rooster (attacking play).
EMMA WHITTY (RYDE EASTWOOD)
Link
Holds the key to her side’s attack with her speed and knowledge. After playing for the Sydney Scorpions last season, she has taken her game to another level.
GRACE LAVERS (PENINSULA)
Middle
One of the hardest-working players in the club, Grace always puts in 100 per cent during both games and training. With a great attitude, she always listens to what needs to be done and goes out onto the field with a smile.
MATILDA KENNAWAY (PENINSULA)
Middle
Another one of the under-14s team that always seems to have a smile on her face at training and games, Matilda always gives her all on the field for her teammates and looms as a key player for her side in the State Cup.
CHLOE SPINDLER (DOYALSON)
Link
A great team leader who shows the way with actions more than words but don’t let her quite demeanour fool you her defence is tough and she has great speed and agility in attack with an outstanding strike dump and an even greater ability to create numbers with eyes up footy this girl is not afraid to try new things and if you give her space, she will take it.
OLIVIA SMITH (DOYALSON)
Middle
New to the middle position but has taken the role into her own hands, she has learned how to control her side and take control of a game. Her communication in attack and tough defence is second to none and has a great ability to play eyes up footy and take any opportunities that arise.
U16 BOYS
LOCHIE MURPHY (DUBBO)
Middle
Lochie has a natural flair in attack, great skills with the ball in hand and has a deceptive play that can fool the defence.
RYAN EADE (DUBBO)
Middle
Ryan reads the game well, communicates on the field and holds good leadership skills for the team.
ANWAR EL-KURDI (PENINSULA)
Link
The captain of the team, Anwar brings a wealth of touch footy experience and knowledge that he has picked up while playing for the Hunter Western Hornets rep team and the Peninsula men’s under-20s side.
An incredibly respectful young man off the field, Anwar is equally as impressive on it, and as one of the quickest players in NSW for his age, will be out to make a splash at the State Cup.
KYAN WERNER (PENINSULA)
Middle
Blessed with a great football brain, Kyan is a calm, intelligent player who is very dangerous close to the line. Another hugely respectful young man, he leads by example with his conduct on and off the field.
U16 GIRLS
IMOGEN HAYS (CARLINGFORD)
A pocket rocket attacking force who is a good talker, runs at the line and can dive to score her tries. Has it all going on.
ROSIE TAGGART (CARLINGFORD)
A strong player who has the technical ability to make a big impact. A determined player who runs hard, dives when she has to and can throw a good long ball.
AVA FRANSISCO (DUBBO)
Link
One of the team’s co-captains who leads by example and is always composed in any situation. Ava’s speed is a huge asset, making her a threat with the ball in her hands or in open space.
ISLA BASSINGTHWAITE (DUBBO)
Middle
A natural athlete who always gives it everything and always puts her body on the line for the team. Has a great turn of speed and is rapidly becoming a great all-round player.
KEONA GALEA (RYDE EASTWOOD)
Link
Another who has demonstrated terrific leadership quality in being named one of the club captains. A strong link, Galea has a real presence on the field with her power and communication. Speed and skills are also a strong asset for Keona.
CAYLA SMYTH (RYDE EASTWOOD)
Link
Always smiling and always in the contest. A strong link who will lead from the front with her actions. A player to watch in Dubbo.
LAHNI MOORE (PENINSULA)
Middle
Part of the Peninsula rep set-up for several years, Lahni is a supremely talented athlete who excels in several sports. In addition to her speed and execution on the field, she also brings excellent leadership qualities to the squad.
TASHA REID (PENINSULA)
Link
Another rep regular in recent years, Reid has worked on her skills and developed into a real leader of the team. Well respected by her teammates, she starred in last year’s rep series, with her speed and anticipation proving particularly effective.
ELYSSE HUNTER (DOYALSON)
Middle
A leader in this side, Elysse has developed her skills as an organising ballplayer and continues to improve with every game she plays. Her vision to play what is in-front her, and her draw and pass ability are her greatest strengths.
MARLEY GRISTWOOD (DOYALSON)
Middle
Chosen as a leader of the team Marley has great skill with great footwork. She also has lightning speed and the ability to throw a great long ball.
U18 BOYS
TOBY MAYHEW (MANLY)
Started with Manly in U10s and is now the 2024 club captain. High energy, is very vocal and a great leader. His attacking and defence skills are underestimated. Toby is definitely one of the key players in this team.
TOBY ROSS (CARLINGFORD)
Loves playing, training and being around the game. Gets a good read on things and can improvise on the run. Plays with plenty of confidence and is a 15-year-old coming in with no fear against the older boys.
WILL HODGES (CARLINGFORD)
A great student of the game and has been described as a pleasure to coach. Can play all positions, works hard for others and is a fantastic team player. Listens, communicates, and never gives up.
U18 GIRLS
ALYSSA MEDVED (MANLY)
She has a massive motor and plays with compassion and heart. The team’s club captain will lead by example every game.
CHARLI DAVIS (CARLINGFORD)
The captain of the U18s team. A strong player on the left who has exceptional feed and is willing to throw herself around to score or save tries.
PHOEBE JOSLIN (CARLINGFORD)
Playing in her first year in the U18s. When she gets into dummy half she is a speed demon who can take off and set her team up.
SAXBII SHAW (DUBBO)
Middle
Saxbii is a natural talent who can make something out of nothing. This will be her last tournament in the junior competition and the captain will make the most of that fact.
SIENNA ANGUS (DUBBO)
Middle
Sienna is a pocket rocket. She uses her speed to get up in defence and covers well. Her talents will be on display over the weekend as selectors watch her for selection in the Hunter Western Hornets team.
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