2025 Langer Trophy: The top 50 Queenslanders set to light up NRL Schoolboys Cup
From sons of NRL greats to the cousin of a Tongan league legend, these are the top 50 players set to tear open the Queensland schoolboys cup season. See the FULL LIST.
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They are the stars of the future who are ready to announce themselves on the state’s biggest stage.
These are the top 50 players you need to watch in action across the NRL Schoolboys Cup Queensland competitions.
Every match across Queensland’s three premier schoolboys cup competitions will be exclusively live streamed on KommunityTV.
Our top 50 list, compiled by News Corp journalists in all corners of the state, features the son of a Rabbitohs premiership winner, the nephew of a Broncos one-club legend and the cousin of a Tongan rugby league hero.
It also features talent contracted to NRL clubs right across the spectrum including the North Queensland Cowboys, Brisbane Broncos, Dolphins, Gold Coast Titans, Parramatta Eels and Sydney Roosters.
Check out the full top 50 below before the NRL Schoolboys Cup action gets underway.
Tupou Francis
Lock, Marsden State High
Arguably the most in-form player going into the Langer Trophy season. On contract at the Brisbane Broncos, the barnstorming lock carried Burleigh to a Cyril Connell Cup title with a grand final double, before stepping up into their Mal Meninga Cup side and starting in the front row in their grand final victory. This bloke appears unstoppable in 2025.
Antonio Verhoeven
Centre, Palm Beach Currumbin SHS
The athletic centre is expected to make an immediate impact in his first season in the NRL Schoolboys Cup after coming across the Tasman to join the Brisbane Broncos academy ranks. He is an explosive ballrunner and showed he knows how to run a devastating line many times during a successful Meninga Cup campaign for Burleigh.
Xzavier Timoteo
Front row, Ipswich SHS
The barnstorming prop forward has been a mainstay of Ipswich’s Langer Trophy line-up for a couple of years now and few possess the same intensity and physicality across the 60 minutes. The savvy Sydney Roosters have sunk their talons into the big man, who will step up to captain his school side this season.
Alekisio Siale
Back row, The Cathedral College
At 200cm and 114kg, the Tongan colossus is an imposing on-field presence. Built in the same mould and plays in a similar vein to his cousin, NRL star Jason Taumalolo. Strong and fast, the North Queensland Cowboys’ contracted forward will lead from the front this season.
Adam McSherry
Five eighth, St Patrick’s College
One of the competition’s most exciting players of 2024 returns to lead St Patrick’s as the school aims to go one better and win the Cup. The livewire ballplayer has strength, skill and speed to burn and will be pivotal to his team’s attack.
Hayden Watson
Halfback, Marsden SHS
Watson has been atop the wave of success for several years and shows no sign of falling off. After almost steering an understrength Marsden to an unlikely Langer Trophy title win last year, Watson was named player of the championships at the recent Queensland schoolboys state titles. Look out for his lethal footwork when he runs the ball.
David Bryenton
Fullback, Keebra Park SHS
The New Zealand speedster has carved out a bit of a cult following in southeast Queensland with his impressive footwork and sharp speed off a standing start. Add to that a balance that rivals some of the best speedsters in the NRL, he is lethal with ball in hand. Equally adept at playing a couple of spots off the ruck, he will be a star at the back for Keebra Park.
Sitiveni Afu
Front row, Ignatius Park College
The Ignatius Park College big man has long been in the sights of the good judges at the North Queensland Cowboys. The front rower packs plenty of firepower but also a workrate that has made him a premier forward in the NRL Schoolboys Cup in recent years.
Jay Marsh
Hooker, St Brendan’s College
Spent 2024 in the centres in the Dolphins Cup winning team as a Year 10 student but will play a more familiar role in 2025 back in the middle of the field. Fresh off a stellar game for the Queensland Country under-17s, he has recently signed a long-term deal with the Dolphins NRL club. Will be a threat in both attack and defence this season.
Taj Lateo
Five eighth, Palm Beach Currumbin SHS
Starred for PBC in their run to the Walters Cup title in 2023 before spending last year playing as a back up to Peter Sterling Medallist Zane Harrison. While he has a strong athletic frame, Lateo also has the smarts to play the conductor role this season alongside the enigmatic Marley McLaren.
Cody Starr
Front row, Redcliffe SHS
Starr is one of the best big men in the business. He rumbles forward, using his two metre frame and sheer wingspan to his advantage. Missed most of last year’s Langer Trophy campaign with injury, and will be determined to make an early impact following selection in the state side.
Lincoln Baker
Fullback, Ignatius Park College
The electric fullback possesses a lethal combination of sharp footwork and silky ballplaying ability. Will miss the first half of the schoolboys season through injury, but expect an immediate impact on his return to the field.
Mason Broadhurst
Centre, Rockhampton Grammar School
Has real football smarts. The tall and rangy centre has blistering speed and is always pushing up on the ball and looking for opportunities. This will be his second year in the Dolphins Cup and he too comes in after an impressive season with the Capras Under-17s.
Mark Morrow
Back row, St Patrick’s College
A big body with a big carry, Morrow runs great lines and will be a handful on whichever edge he ends up playing on. Morrow is coming off a great state carnival with the Capricornia schoolboys side where he played as a hard-running middle forward.
Harley Biles
Fullback, The Cathedral College
A gifted fullback with startling speed and agility and great ball skills. A workhorse in defence. He reads the play well, directs the defensive line and sets up countless attacking raids for his team.
Torino Jackson
Front row, Palm Beach Currumbin SHS
The Kiwi young gun made every post a winner in his first year on the Gold Coast in 2024, forcing his way into the PBC starting side during their run to the national title. Jackson is locked up at the Gold Coast Titans, and will assume a leadership role in the PBC pack this year.
Siosaia Poese
Wing, Keebra Park SHS
Fast and raw, this nimble outside back is a supreme athlete. Importantly, he has been toughened up by the recent Meninga Cup season when he would run the ball into the teeth of the opposition defence. While he has proven he can finish, his best asset might just be the tough stuff at the other end.
Riley Carbone
Halfback, Kirwan SHS
The talented halfback recently captained the Northern schoolboys side and he will look to carry that form into the Aaron Payne Cup season. The goalkicking sharpshooter will be a key part of Kirwan’s attack as the focal point for his side.
Adaquix-Jeremiah Watts-Luke
Fullback, Marsden
An explosive fullback talent, the Dolphins signed Watts-Luke could be anything. The son of New Zealand Test great and South Sydney champion Issac Luke, Watts-Luke has that electric, dynamic movement similar to the 2024 Australian schoolboys fullback Mason Barber (Keebra Park) or former Canberra Raiders ace Brett Mullins. He is a special athlete.
Xavier Nott
Front row, Rockhampton Grammar School
A powerhouse front rower renowned for his hard carries and work rate in defence. Made a big impression in his first season in the Dolphins Cup last year and will be better for the experience. Has hardened his contact game playing local A Grade.
Saul Lokotui
Lock, Trinity Bay SHS
While he might come as part of a package deal at Trinity Bay along with brothers Alpha and Joseph, Saul made a real impression as part of the Northern Pride’s Mal Meninga Cup side. He is a big bodied middle forward who will impose his will on opposition defenders.
Dean Tauaa
Centre, Mabel Park
The Mabel Park left centre is set to be one of the Langer Trophy’s truly elite attractions this season. A naturally-gifted headturner, the Broncos-signed outside back tore up the Mal Meninga Cup for Wynnum-Manly this season. Big and powerful, Tauaa possesses an explosive turn of foot that will catch more than one opposite number off guard.
Mel Nonu
Wing, Ipswich SHS
After a strong Langer Reserves campaign for Ipswich last year, long-striding winger Mel Nonu will be determined to convert that into performances in the top grade. He was fired out of a cannon at the recent state titles, earning the nod for the maroons later this year. Had a strong campaign out wide for the Jets in the Mal Meninga Cup.
AJ Gilbert
Back row, St Brendan’s College
A newcomer to the Dolphins Cup hailing from the small Central Highlands town of Blackwater, he was instrumental in Queensland Country’s victory over City alongside Marsh. Strong, athletic and aggressive, he will be a constant threat on the edges when given the slightest opportunity.
Eneliko Savelio
Front row, Kirwan
Savelio is a powerful forward who is coming off a strong showing at the schoolboys state championships. A big player with strength in spades, Savelio will be the leader of the Bears forward pack after spending time in the Cowboys Young Guns program in the off-season.
Israel Lotaki
Utility, Keebra Park SHS
The young gun was a pure gamebreaker for Keebra Park’s Walters Cup side last year and will make the step up into the senior side this season. Unlikely to start the year at his preferred fullback, but has the talent to break open the game from anywhere on the park.
Sangstar-Saulala Figota
Fullback, Wavell SHS
Originally from Auckland and once part of the Roosters academy, the outside back has been an astute pick up for the Dolphins. He has raw talent by the bucket load and after an injury-disrupted 2024 campaign, will be determined to make up for lost time.
Ezra Leota
Hooker, Mabel Park SHS
Leota is a lightning dummy half who can swing momentum his team’s way given the slightest opportunity around the ruck. Named at dummy-half for Queensland at the upcoming ASSRL Nationals. The kid from Logan embodies the western corridor attitude with a competitive spirit that can’t be broken.
D’Artanyan Connolly
Halfback, Trinity Bay SHS
The skilful playmaker plays an off the cuff style which keeps opposition defences guessing. Was named at halfback in last year’s APC team of the year and with the captain’s armband this season will be expected to go to another level.
Duquan Talaepa
Back row, Mabel Park SHS
Mabel Park’s spiritual leader, Talaepa is a bullocking edge talent who is a physical presence on both sides of the ball. Another picked to pull on the maroon in July, the backrower moved out of his comfort zone to get an opportunity at Mabel Park, and he is making every post a winner.
Taylan To’a
Back row, Marsden SHS
Signed by the Gold Coast Titans, second rower To’a missed chunks of last season with injury. But if he can string the season together, watch for him to add an exciting dimension to the Marsden SHS attack. Had a big state titles campaign and will don the maroon at the ASSRL Nationals in July.
Jared Horne
Back row, Wavell SHS
The Broncos-contracted back rower will make an impact on both sides of the ball, and has a matchwinning quality as much in defence as attack. He will lead from the front for Wavell after spending several years around the school’s Langer Trophy set-up.
Trent Martin
Centre, Kirwan SHS
The Bears are still undecided about where to play their year 11 weapon Martin, but wherever he plays he is sure to make a splash. He has the versatility to shine at centre, fullback, wing or even five-eighth – but he is expected to have his first crack at centre where he can unlock the players around him with his terrific movement and ballplaying.
Brad Pilchowski
Five eighth, Ignatius Park College
Will get his first taste of the Aaron Payne Cup after transferring to Ignatius Park College for his final year of schooling, and is expected to be undaunted by the occasion. Pilchowski is an unmissable talent to watch. He possesses the ability to fill multiple positions, and starred at the state titles at five-eighth for Northern.
Charlie Webb
Halfback, Wavell SHS
Passionate and fiercely competitive, Webb has all the skills a halfback needs to possess in the top grade. He has a sprinkle of x-factor and is as tough as an old boot in defence. Webb has signed a junior contract with the Sydney Roosters and impressed with their Harold Matts side earlier this year.
Majah-Jose Peachey
Back row, Mabel Park
Peachey will be at the peak of his powers after a bumper off-season and then Connell Cup campaign with Wynnum Manly. A power edge forward, his strength, footwork and agility around the ruck make him a genuine impact player. Has experience in the Langer Trophy, but will be determined to take his game to the next level.
Lathan McMeeken
Fullback, Emmaus College
Team captain and fullback who is tough as nails with speed to burn. Moves from hooker to fullback to enhance the team’s attacking capability. An exceptional ballplayer who can break down the opposition’s defence, he is fleet of foot and has a huge engine.
Marley Igasan
Front row, Palm Beach Currumbin
The no-nonsense front rower carries the ball hard, finds his front and repeats. He also tackles anything with a pulse that comes within arm’s reach. He was a crucial cog in the Burleigh Bears Mal Meninga Cup triumph and is locked up at the Broncos until the end of next year.
Joseph Tupuse
Centre, Keebra Park SHS
A left centre ace, the Broncos-contracted youngster can beat an opponent with strength or speed and likes to make his presence felt in defence. Tupuse is a high class prospect who can impact matches without or without his side going forward.
Parkka Perrotta Dowling
Fullback, Shalom College
A rock at the back, he had some big moments last season and will be keen to continue that strong form this year. A big body, he has a great running game and returns the ball with venom. He has great hands and is ever-reliable under the high ball.
Nate Berrigan
Lock, Redcliffe SHS
The nephew of Brisbane Broncos champion rake Shaun Berrigan, the young lock forward has X-factor potential heading into his second season in the Langer Trophy. Equally adept at hooker or out wide, he will be best used straight down the middle.
Tomu Cook
Centre, Ipswich SHS
The young centre is a dynamic ballrunner who has the physical gifts to tear opposition sides apart. Recently upgraded by the Broncos, Cook was Souths Logan’s best player during the Cyril Connell Cup and will be expected to be a key weapon for Ipswich.
Will McLaughlin
Halfback, Emmaus College
Skilful, fast, elusive and unpredictable, the talented halfback is a nightmare for every defensive line. A natural talent whose running game is his greatest asset. A constant threat with ball in hand, he also possesses a great kicking game.
James Grey
Fullback, Redcliffe SHS
Blink and you’ll miss him. The Redcliffe fullback will stake his claim as the fastest man in the Langer Trophy this season, and he could prove to be a real thorn in the side of oppositions when working off the back of good go forward. He is no flash in the pan.
Bailey Vang
Hooker, Stretton SC
Vang will be the linch pin of Stretton’s maiden Langer Trophy campaign. A heart and soul player, the dummy half ace was key in the qualifying matches with a handy kicking game, a searing long ball and a crafty running game. He is a polished hooker.
Cooper Meares
Back row, St Augustine’s College
The hard-running forward is in his second year in the Payne Cup and will lead from the front for the Cairns’ nursery. Has had experience playing local A Grade this season, and has developed his bruising defence in the off-season.
Tiger Campbell
Halfback, Ipswich SHS
The feisty halfback has arrived at Ipswich SHS from St Edmund’s College where he will test himself in the No.1 schoolboy competition in the nation. The goal kicking playmaker is an Ipswich Jets junior who has plenty of smarts around the footy.
Lucas Russell
Halfback, St Augustine’s College
In his second year in the Aaron Payne Cup, Russell is coming off the back of a strong campaign with the Northern Pride in the Mal Meninga Cup. Will form a potent combination with partner in crime Ben Walker.
Timahna Tandy
Five-eighth, Wavell SHS
Watch for this halfback whiz kid to be even better in his second season. Last year’s Langer Trophy was a huge step up in class for the southern Darling Downs junior, but he handled it with class and even had a matchwinning moment or two to himself.
Jimmy Gear
Halfback, Shalom College
The playmaker is back with a vengeance after missing the 2024 Dolphins Cup due to injury. An inspirational player, he leads by his actions and gets the best out of the players around him. Possesses a great kicking game, which will be vital this season.
Lexin Hill
Fullback, Stretton State College
A stylish fullback who tends to have time on his side, Hill is a true-blue Stretton junior who has played a huge part in the school’s junior team success in recent seasons. Hill deserves to finally test himself against fellow elite schoolboys fullbacks.
Watch now: Kirwan SHS v St Patrick’s College, Cowboys Challenge
Pride goes on the line for Kirwan’s impressive crop of young guns, while a star trio will aim to kick-start St Patrick’s Cup quest. Watch a Queensland schools triple header LIVE and EXCLUSIVE.
Live stream: Trinity Bay SHS v Ignatius Park, Cowboys Challenge
Breaking through for a maiden Aaron Payne Cup win is high on the agenda as Trinity Bay State High kicks the new season off against Ignatius Park. See how to watch three matches LIVE.