Next generation: Five players to watch in Harvey Norman under-19s competition

A pair of prodigious talents, already firmly in the sights of Brisbane’s mighty NRLW team, headline our players to watch in the under-19s women’s competition.

Former Maroons and Kangaroos prop Marty Bella enjoyed some colossal battles in the middle of the field in an outstanding career, now his niece Emily is doing the family name proud her way in rugby league as an exciting halfback.

The 17-year-old Mackay product has been earmarked as a player to watch in the upcoming Harvey Norman Under-19s women’s competition, which will unearth the next generation of female talent.

We’ve compiled a list of the five players to watch out for in this year’s under-19s competition starts on February 26.

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EMILY BELLA (Halfback, Mackay Cutters)

The youngster definitely lives up to her sporting name. Her uncle is former Dally M prop of the year and Maroons representative Marty Bella, while her cousin Lauren Bella is playing for the Gold Coast Suns AFLW squad. Emily is a gifted playmaker with an incredible kicking game for such a young talent.

Emily Bella looks to have a bright future in rugby league. Pic: QRL

JAYDE HERDEGEN (Halfback, Wynnum Manly Seagulls)

Herdegen has already been snapped up by the Brisbane Broncos, signing with the three-time NRLW premiership-winning club on a development contract at the end of last year. The youngster represented Queensland Under-17 Country in 2021, where she scored the matchwinning try in their narrow 22-20 win over Queensland City and earned Player of the Match honours.

Jayde Herdegen has already been snapped up by the Broncos. Pic: QRL

JACINTA CARTER (Forward, Wynnum Manly)

Another promising youngster who has signed a development list contract with the Brisbane Broncos. The Norths Devils lock has rocketed onto the scene following her two-try effort for Queensland Under-17 City and has had high praise from Broncos NRLW coach Kelvin Wright. The Wynnum product has been emulating Brisbane workhorse Millie Boyle and looks to have a bright future.

Jacinta Carter is an emerging talent in Queensland. Pic: QRL

LILY KOLC (Hooker, Burleigh Bears)

Quick, deceptive and strong in defence, Kolc is an exciting young prospect coming through the ranks at the Burleigh Bears. Kolc represented Queensland Under-17 City in last year’s clash and finished the match with a 100 per cent tackle efficiency and one try assist. Her running game out of dummy half is a threat to any opposition and is set to go to another level this year.

Lily Kolc. Pic: Colleen Edwards/QRL

Chantay Ratu. Picture: Jason O'Brien

CHANTAY RATU (Halfback, Tweed Seagulls)

A Keebra Park State High School product that is shaping to be another exciting player of the future. The youngster has signed with the Gold Coast Titans on a development list contract and will showcase her talent in this year’s under-19s competition.

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Originally published as Next generation: Five players to watch in Harvey Norman under-19s competition