Young guns: The 80+ male talents to watch in the NSWRL Conference Grand Finals
A bumper weekend of male NSWRL Conference grand finals are set down and we take a look at the 80+ rising stars of rugby league who are set to shine on the biggest stage.
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A huge weekend is set down across Sydney with the NSWRL Conference grand finals taking place all over the city.
We take a look at the players to watch across all divisions who are set to make their mark on the biggest stage.
JUMP TO
- U13s - U14s - U15s - U16s - U17s - U18s - U19s - U21s - Seniors
UNDER 13s
HARRY NGUYEN
Chester Hills Hornets - Central West U13 Div 2 - Dogs
Forward
In his first year of rugby league, he keeps getting better with each game. A very strong runner of the ball and a devastating defender.
PAKI MCKENZIE
Chester Hills Hornets - Central West U13 Div 2 - Dogs
Forward
A barnstorming prop who has a big motor on him that keeps going all game. In his first year of league and has a big future.
IVERSON SUA
Chester Hills Hornets - Central West U13 Div 2 - Dogs
Back-row
Is built like a brick wall in defence and never takes a backwards step. Has had some bad luck with injury but is finishing the season strong.
ELIAS MOUSSA
Maulers United - Central West Div 3
Fullback
Elias is a dangerous fullback that has speed and once he has the ball he is at times unstoppable. Elias has the ability to break through tackles and make significant metres quickly.
XAVIER YOUNG
Maulers United - Central West Div 3
Forward
Xavier is a powerful forward that has shown physical strength, aggressive running skills, ability to break through tackles, but is also effective in gaining ground for the team. Xavier also shows ball skills in offloading and supporting other players in defence.
JONATHAN GREIGE
Maulers United - Central West Div 3
Five-Eighth
Jonathan is the captain of the team. He shows leadership skills on and off the field. He motives and encourages his teammates, which defines him as a leader. His ball skills and vision on the field with the help of the other players is what makes the team.
NATHAN SLEIMAN
Strathfield Raiders - Central Silver
Nathan is the captain of the team. He’s renowned for his exceptional vision, speed and powerful kicking ability. His efforts this year have been strong and consistent.
ANTHONY GEAGEA
Strathfield Raiders - Central Silver
Centre
Anthony is an elusive centre who constantly is showcasing remarkable speed, deceptive footwork and impressive power on the field. His goal kicking has also been on point throughout the season.
ANTONIO SAADE
Strathfield Raiders - Central Silver
Prop
Antonio has had a great season, demonstrating his power, relentless motor and dominant presence through galloping runs and tenacious defence.
ZAKARIYYA AYACHE
Guildford Owls - Central West Div 2 - Parra
Halfback
The brains trust and leader of the team. Always supports his team and gives 100%. Is loyal to the game and the co-captain never lets the team down.
CHRISTIAN PATU
Guildford Owls - Central West Div 2 - Parra
Prop
A hard running front rower with the purest of hearts. Recruited to Guildford Owls this season and has led his team through the toughest battles. Is also the co-captain.
LEVI SITEINE
Guildford Owls - Central West Div 2 - Parra
Lock
Rugby league runs through his blood. Is dedicated to the game and has been among the most consistent players in the competition.
AYDEN HANCOCK
Moorebank Rams - Central West U13 Div 2 - Dogs
Halfback
The captain who boasts a great running game and is known for controlling the plays.
REUBEN DE SILVA
Central West U13 Div 2 - Dogs
Front Row
Will take the ball up all game and never takes a backwards step with his hard carries.
JERICHO PRASAD
Central West U13 Div 2 - Dogs
Five-eighth
An organising half who is able to control the outside backs to great effect.
UNDER 14s
AXEL VAN SCHELLEBECK
St Johns Eagles - Central West Div 1
Lock
Axel is a fearless competitor and defender with a big motor and great work ethic.
EZEKIEL STANLEY-LIGAIVIU
St Johns Eagles - Central West Div 1
Halfback
Ezekiel is an outstanding speedy versatile back with silky skills and powerful defence.
ROSETTI MATUALOTO
St Johns Eagles - Central West Div 1
Hooker
Rosetti is a hard and solid defender. He’s super competitive running dummy half.
MOHAMMED ALI ZREIKA
Strathfield Raiders - Central Gold
Five-eighth
Mohammed was the U13’s Balmain Player of the Year in 2023. The captain of the U14s, Mohammed is a very strong ball runner who leads from in front.
ANTHONY TOUMA
Strathfield Raiders - Central Gold
Lock
Anthony is a great defender. He also possesses a great running and passing game.
DANIEL ELIAS
Strathfield Raiders - Central Gold
Hooker
Daniel is a smart dummy half who delivers great service. He has a good kicking game as well.
CHARBEL TAOUK
Strathfield Raiders - Central Gold
Second Row
Charbel is the strong man of the pack. He runs a great line and works tirelessly in defence for the team.
ALI HAYDAR
Greenacre Tigers - Central West Div 2 - Dogs
Hooker
Ali has a high footy IQ for his age, a dangerous running game and has been a welcome addition to the side this season.
NASIM NABOULSI
Greenacre Tigers - Central West Div 2 - Dogs
Fullback
New to the fullback role, Nasim leads from the back using his expert vision to organise his team. A speedster when put in a hole, Nasim makes metres down the field with his great returns.
MOHAMMED ELKHEIR
Greenacre Tigers - Central West Div 2 - Dogs
Centre
The teams kicker, Mohammed ‘Golden Boot’ Elkheir has stepped up in his second year of the game. Reliable and strong on the edge, he’s also brilliant in defence.
LUCAS TAEI
Kellyville Bushrangers - Central West Div 2 - Parra
Lucas Taei
Wing
Lucas is very strong in both defence and attack and has a great work ethic. He is a versatile player who can play multiple positions.
COPEANDREWLAND ‘PJ’ MANUMALEALII
Kellyville Bushrangers - Central West Div 2 - Parra
Lock
PJ is a dynamic ballplayer forward. He is very hard to stop when he gets going and he brings energy to the team.
KODY THOMPSON
Kellyville Bushrangers - Central West Div 2 - Parra
Fullback
Kody is an outstanding fullback. Solid under the high ball and carries the ball back strongly. His defence is a big part of the team having the best defensive record in the competition.
BEAU ROOTSEY
Leichhardt Juniors - Central Silver
Fullback
Rootsey is a fast and elusive ball runner, and his positioning is very strong.
HENRY PERKINS
Leichhardt Juniors - Central Silver
Five-eighth
A very skilful player with a great passing and running game. Tough for his size.
TY REYNOLDS
Leichhardt Juniors - Central Silver
Second Row
Reynolds is a big and mobile back rower with great ball playing skills. Solid in defence.
CHRISTIAN CURBY AND BODHI SWELL
Wentworthville Magpies - Central West Div 2 - Parra
The pair have been key players, consistently delivering strong performances. Their physicality and work rate have contributed to the team’s success leading into the grand final. Known for their strength and power, they have both excelled in attack and have been reliable in defence making crucial tackles to stop the opposition.
JEAN GERGIS
Wentworthville Magpies - Central West Div 2 - Parra
Second Row/Centre
Jean Gergis, a dynamic 2nd Row/Centre with a knack for finding and exploiting gaps. If he is able to penetrate the Kellyville defensive line, his speed could see him outrun his opponents and cross the tryline, proving to be the game-changer the Wentworthville side needs to bring home the title.
UNDER 15s
RYAN BRABHAM
Coogee Randwick Wombats - Central U15 Silver
Five-eighth
Brabham has silky skills and speed to burn. Proves a handful for any defence.
NED O’HALLORAN
Coogee Randwick Wombats - Central U15 Silver
Fullback
He’s a powerful ball runner and incredibly safe at the back. Can find the try line.
JACK MITCHELL
Coogee Randwick Wombats - Central U15 Silver
Hooker
The captain of the team, tireless in defence and keeps the markers on their toes.
MOHAMMED HAWCHER
Greenacre Tigers - Central West Div 3
Hooker
He has a good read of the game and this shows in his defence. Dangerous near the line and knows how to win games.
OMAR ELOMARI
Greenacre Tigers - Central West Div 3
Wing
With electric speed, he is the team’s top try scorer. Watch out when Omar sees a gap, he is away and will do the hard yards to get there.
ZAID HANOUN
Greenacre Tigers - Central West Div 3
Fullback
New to the team, vocal from his position at fullback. Has a fresh approach to attack and plays with all his heart.
ERIC TOFELE
Guildford Owls - Central West Div 2
Prop
Eric is a force to be reckoned with who takes every opportunity with both hands to get his team to the next level. He is a big boy with an even bigger heart.
SIONE TOAMOTU
Guildford Owls - Central West Div 2
Hooker
Sione is the quiet achiever who never stops until the job is done. Forever putting his body on the line to ensure a smooth sailing game and that the team reaches their full potential.
ILASIA ‘FUTA’ AMONE
Guildford Owls - Central West Div 2
Lock
The life of the party within the team. Always ensuring that humour is one of life’s best medicines. His quick witted and has an even quicker foot game that makes him an asset to his team.
UNDER 16s
NICK KOTARAC
North Sydney Brothers - Central Northern Silver
Front row
In the last 12 months, Nick has grown in size, speed and power, making him unstoppable in attack. His passion for rugby league is also evident in his defence.
MAX PRYKIEL
North Sydney Brothers - Central Northern Silver
Halfback
Max’s game management and ability to play eyes up football is remarkable for a young man of his age. In addition to his fantastic kicking and passing game, he is also awesome in defence.
HUNTER CHAN
North Sydney Brothers - Central Northern Silver
Fullback
Speed and evasiveness are Hunter’s major strengths. His explosive power and ability to find the gap has made him a top try scorer over the past two years.
BILAL BOUOBEID
Greenacre Tigers - Central West Div 2 - Sterling
Prop
A real metre-eater who is hard to handle for the opposition. Always attracts multiple defenders with each run.
OMAR HEBOUS
Greenacre Tigers - Central West Div 2 - Sterling
Hooker
Omar is brilliant in defence, is crafty out of dummy half and dangerous attacking the line.
HADI CHATAH
Greenacre Tigers - Central West Div 2 - Sterling
Lock
The captain that has been described as the glue that holds that attack together. His great ball skills allow creative play.
RHYS DEL-GRANDE
Milperra Colts - Central West Div 2 - Mortimer
Five-eighth
Rhys is a Bulldogs development player with a promising future, he has electric speed combined with power and has a fantastic passing game which makes him the complete player. Rhys is a sharp shooting goal kicker also and will feature heavily in this game.
HADI ABOU CHAZ
Milperra Colts - Central West Div 2 - Mortimer
Centre
Hadi has a tremendous desire to win, which makes him competitive in all facets of the game. He will drift all over the field finding opportunities to cash in on his strong running game. Hadi is fearless in defence.
LUCAS CROWLEY
Milperra Colts - Central West Div 2 - Mortimer
Lock
The closest thing to Jake Trbojevic in both ball playing and defensively, Lucas is a strong runner and has been consistently the best player this season.
KARSON BURGESS
Mounties - Central West Div 2 - Mortimer
Fullback
A damaging running fullback who has outstanding lateral movements and always keeps the opposition guessing on what he will do next. A naturally gifted athlete who will raise many eyebrows during the representative season.
JOHNSON KITIONA MA-CHEE
Mounties - Central West Div 2 - Mortimer
Centre
An extremely fast centre who loves open space to run. He is also very strong in his upper body and the opposition always find it quite hard to bring him down. He has many tries this year and many NRL clubs are circling around him for his signature.
JONATHON EL HALABI
Mounties - Central West Div 2 - Mortimer
Dummy Half/Halfback
A very smart player who always looks for weakness in his opponents’ defensive line so he can strike. An awesome reader of the game and his fitness levels are at a very high standard. A must to watch out for in the representative fixtures.
RHYS PARMETER
St Christophers - Central West Div 2 - Sterling
Halfback
Brings a good footy brain and is an organiser who gets the team around the park all day. He’s super competitive and never gives up on a play.
JOSHUA HANNEY
St Christophers - Central West Div 2 - Sterling
Lock
A tough, uncompromising forward. Has a great tackle technique and competes on every play.
JACK CAMPBELL
St Christophers - Central West Div 2 - Sterling
Fullback
Brings great balance, has a fantastic step and is a good athlete. He has plenty of speed.
LUAN TOSKA
Mascot Jets - Central Northern Silver
Halfback
Luan is not only the goal kicker but also the captain of the team and leads from the front by example.
RASHIKK DUFFAN
Mascot Jets - Central Northern Silver
Hooker
Rashikk is a tough and skilful dummy half and is both a great defensive players and attacking player.
BARTU DIKKARTIN
Mascot Jets - Central Northern Silver
Second Row
Bartu is the ultimate competitor who runs hard and tackles even harder. Gets through plenty of work and willing to take multiple carries a set.
TAJ AUFAI-FARANI
Coogee Randwick Wombats - Central Northern Gold
Second Row
The classy second rower scored four tries last year in the grand final at the same venue and against the same team. Will be looking for a repeat performance.
KEONE ANITELEA TSIOUSSIS
Coogee Randwick Wombats - Central Northern Gold
Five-eighth
A Harold Matts rep who brings leadership, goal kicking and is an all-round team player. Has a strong running, passing and kicking game. Has led this team to countless premierships.
UNDER 17s
CONOR TSIVITIS
Cabramatta Two Blues - Central West Div 2
Halfback
Conor Tsivitis is a standout halfback with a strong running game and excellent goalkicking ability. As the leading try and point scorer in the division, his quick decision-making and accurate kicks are crucial to the team’s success.
JACOB VINCENT
Cabramatta Two Blues - Central West Div 2
Centre
Jaycob Vincent is a powerful centre known for his strong running game and solid defence. His ability to break through defences and make crucial tackles has made him a key player for our team. Jaycob’s dedication and consistent performances have been vital.
FELETI TOHI
Cabramatta Two Blues - Central West Div 2
Prop
Feleti Tohi is a powerful prop with a strong running game who has really hit his stride this season. His physical presence and ability to break through defences have made him a key player, anchoring the forward pack.
UNDER 18s
DAYNE FALLON
Coogee Randwick Wombats - Central Northern
Prop
A NSW CIS Schoolboy and Rabbitohs SG Ball player is an old school middle. Fallon is intimidating, tough, runs hard and tackles harder.
CHRISTIAN PASIKALA
Coogee Randwick Wombats - Central Northern
Prop
NSW CIS Schoolboy front rower and a semi-finalist in the Schoolboys Cup with Central Coast SHS. The Rabbitohs Harold Matts player has a great carry and great skills for a prop.
UNDER 19s
JERRY RANIGA
Greenacre Tigers - Central West Div 2
Five-eighth
Has twinkle toes, this quick footed half loves an off the cuff play. He keeps the energy up and is hard to read when in attack.
ISEI BARI
Greenacre Tigers - Central West Div 2
Forward
Very versatile player and is extremely quick for a prop. He has great footwork and barges over the line.
RAMI KOWYDER
Greenacre Tigers - Central West Div 2
Halfback
Tough, gets the job done, has a great kicking game and tireless defence for a halfback.
QUINTON SUA
Cabramatta Two Blues - Central West Div 2
Prop
Quinton Sua is a powerful and mobile prop, known for his ability to dominate in the scrum and break through defensive lines. His agility and strength make him a key player in both attack and defence, consistently leading by example on the field.
MIRACLE TIA
Cabramatta Two Blues - Central West Div 2
Centre
Miracle Tia is a strong and reliable centre who excels in defence. He takes pride in his game, using his sharp instincts and physical strength to shut down opponents and create opportunities for his team.
DAMIEN HAGEDORN
Cabramatta Two Blues - Central West Div 2
Five-eighth
Damien Hagedorn is a savvy five-eighth with a strong background as a second-rower. He reads the game exceptionally well, using his physicality and quick decision-making to control the play and outmanoeuvre opponents.
MATTHEW BARAKAT
St Christophers - Central West Div 1
Halfback
Crafty half with tons of skill and ability. Can turn a game on a dime and has plenty of rep experience.
MARC GREGORIO
St Christophers - Central West Div 1
Second Row
Tough forward with a work rate to match. Can change a game in an instant.
JACK HANRATTY
St Christophers - Central West Div 1
Five-eighth
Lots of skill and speed to burn that makes him a lethal weapon along with halves partner Barakat.
UNDER 21s
DYLAN BRETTLE
Rouse Hill Rhinos - Metro Combined
Halfback
The captain of team, leading the competition in points and tries scored. A strong playmaker.
FREDRICK PETERS
Rouse Hill Rhinos - Metro Combined
Five-eighth
Brings a great running game to the side, is strong defensively and works well with his edge players.
LUKE SIMPSON
Rouse Hill Rhinos - Metro Combined
Centre
One of the most consistent players in the team who is strong in both attack and defence.
SENIORS
SAMUEL YOUNAN
Sydney University - Open Bronze
Centre
A 6’8 centre with ball skills and speed to burn. Sam has a great ability to get himself one-on-one with defenders and find space.
LIAM TONPI
Sydney University - Open Bronze
Five-eighth
Has the vision and awareness to put anyone through a hole. Liam also has a very strong running game with great footwork.
JORREL BURAZER
Sydney University - Open Bronze
Fullback
Safe as they come under the high ball and a great communicator at the back. Jorrel is always the man backing up on the inside whenever there is a line break.
CHRIS JACKSON
Guildford Owls - Open Silver
Prop
Possesses a big engine and leads from the front. Is a hard-hitting player who always gives his all.
SIUA FOTU
Guildford Owls - Open Silver
Second Row
Aggressive in defence and attack, and will find his way to the line.
JYE BROWN
Guildford Owls - Open Silver
Halfback
The little general who capitalises on tired defence. Makes defenders pay with his quick feet.
JOEL SALDANERI
Mounties - Central West Gold
Centre
An elusive ball runner out on an edge with plenty of speed to burn.
KAYLIB SAVAGE
Mounties - Central West Gold
Centre
Not only a good footballer but an extremely good goal kicker who will be vital in the grand final as a leader of his team.
TYRONE WAIPOURI
Mounties - Central West Gold
Fullback
Coming from New Zealand this year to test himself in Australia, Tyrone has lighting feet and will pushing through the grades at Mounties in years to come.
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