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2024 Harvey Norman under-17 development competition: How each team is shaping up

The Harvey Norman girls competition has been expanded for 2024 – take a look at what’s in-store for every club in the under-17s division.

Sunshine Coast Falcons under-17s captain Makayla Elliott in action. Picture: Nicola Anne Photography
Sunshine Coast Falcons under-17s captain Makayla Elliott in action. Picture: Nicola Anne Photography

An expanded Harvey Norman sponsored under-17 girls development competition will now form a genuine pathway for women’s rugby league in Queensland.

The under-17s girls competition will be played for the first time, giving young female players the chance to progress through the grades as they chase their NRLW dreams.

We take a look at the squads below.

Jump to: Northern Pride | Sunshine Coast |Norths Devils |Wide Bay Bulls |Ipswich Jets |Mackay Cutters | Central Qld Capras | Townsville Blackhawks | Brisbane Tigers | Tweed Seagulls | Souths Logan |Burleigh Bears |Wynnum Manly |Redcliffe

Explained: How do the finals work? What are the key dates?

NORTHERN PRIDE

Coach: Elionora Oberleuter

Captain: Chloe Mackenzie

Why the team will be competitive:

The team has endured a tough preseason and will look to reap the rewards on the field.

Key fixture: Round 1 v Mackay Cutters

It might seem cliche but so much can ride on how that first competitive game plays out.

A strong performance will provide the players plenty of confidence in the first season of this format, regardless of the actual result.

Norther Pride player Elishama Suavai pictured playing in the Karyn Murphy Cup schoolgirls rugby league match for Cairns against and Balaclava State School. PICTURE: BRENDAN RADKE
Norther Pride player Elishama Suavai pictured playing in the Karyn Murphy Cup schoolgirls rugby league match for Cairns against and Balaclava State School. PICTURE: BRENDAN RADKE

Players to watch:

Chloe Mackenzie, Elishama Suavai, Jaeda Morato, Brydee Spry. All players bring qualities that will guide the team in 2024.

Mackenzie is a genuine leader, and does so by example in the engine room, while halves Spry and Morato will be out to steer this team to every success.

Suavai is the latest in a long line of talented footballers from the family, and does her best work on the edge.

Final squad (list by primary position)

Fullbacks: Jordana Woods.

Outside backs (centres/wingers): Alia Walker, Blair Berrigan, Kieesha Sailor, Nayita Joseph, Niya Hodge, Nylese Meredith, Taylor Fitzgerald

Halves: Brydee Spry, Jaeda Morato, Nelly Robertson

Hookers: Summer-Rose Phair

Edge forwards: Elishama Suavai, Kayden Plumb, Lakeisha Ulutui, Lisa Waireg.

Middle forwards: Adonina Solomon, Arianna Martin, Chloe Mackenzie, Mary-sha Mairu, Olivia Mason, Shiloh Babsek, Teneisha Ahkee, Wasada Lui.

SUNSHINE COAST FALCONS

Captain: Makayla Elliott

Coach: Jo Kerr

Why they will be competitive: “I had a lot of these girls last year when we played in the under-17 central carnival where we only lost one game on a technical draw. A lot of those girls have come back this year and we’ve got quite a good under-17 club competition so there’s good talent across the board and have shown that in our trials. I think the best thing for us is our depth, we’ve got a squad of 28 players and you could pretty well pick any of them to be in the 17,” she said.

Sunshine Coast Falcons under-17s captain Makayla Elliott in action. Picture: Nicola Anne Photography
Sunshine Coast Falcons under-17s captain Makayla Elliott in action. Picture: Nicola Anne Photography

Key fixture: Kerr said she’s not discounting her side’s opening two matches but has their round three clash against the Toowoomba Clydesdales pencilled in as their true test.

Players to watch: “We’ve got a couple of girls that have played Queensland Country last year as 16-year-olds which is special and there’s some good younger players in our squad that have been playing local footy for a few years now. I don’t know if I can necessarily pick key players because there’s a heap of them to be perfectly honest. We’ve

named a good leadership group and those girls are captain Makayla Elliott, vice-captain Tilly Cason and two club captains Sarah McGuire and Alexa Burgess,” Kerr said.

Sunshine Coast Falcons players Tilly Cason and Sarah McGuire.
Sunshine Coast Falcons players Tilly Cason and Sarah McGuire.

The squad:

Fullbacks: Annabell MacKinney-Clohesy, Hannah Keith, Shaya Carfantan

Wingers: Amaira Renouf, Ella Willison, Zoe Metcalf

Centres: Ace Pollock, Emma Hall, Mackenzie Cassars, Sahra McDermid, Tahlee Donald

Halves: Macie Bullman, Molly Jedovnicky, Moodara Mason, Renee Williams

Hookers: Emily Maher, Satara Wood, Tilly Cason

Second Row: Aleera Gosden, Alexa Burgess, Honeylee Mills, Isabella Morgan, Jordan Bloomfield

Locks: Marley Chan, Sarah McGuire

Front Row: Lucy Sammut, Makayla Elliott, Mali Crawford, Paige French

NORTHS DEVILS

Captain: Ash Cotter/ Easter Taualai

Coach: Kristian Freed

Why they will be competitive: The backs are flashy but the Devils’ fate may very well be decided in the engine room.

“I believe how mobile and dynamic our middle/ pack is will be a real standout,” Freed said.

“The work they have put into their defence will show as well.

“It was a standout in the trial and was the reason we were able to grind out the win.”

Key fixture: The last-round clash with Brisbane Tigers could be a battle between the new competition’s top two sides.

“It is our only away game and a chance to show how we successfully travel,” Freed said.

Norths gun Nyeema Tuua has risen through the representative ranks over the years. (Photo/Steve Holland)
Norths gun Nyeema Tuua has risen through the representative ranks over the years. (Photo/Steve Holland)

Players to watch: Easter Taualai: Aggressive defensive and running game. Great organiser in the middle of the field. Ashley Cotter: Game awareness, decision making and kicking game. Nyeema Tuua: Defence on the edge, ball running off her halves.

Final squad: Ash Cotter, Jhenarie McAvoy-Turpin, Jara’Kyah McAvoy-Turpin, Memphis Tanielu, Rharni Law, Isabelle Mason, Nyeema Tuua, Aaliyah-Rose Tusiofo, Manieya Aalders, Aaliyah Murphy, Annabel Hales, Bailey Sorbello, Bailey Webb, Cathy Sakaio, Charlotte Emery, Easter Taualai, Eva Steers, Jessica Cross, Jessica Jahnke, Liseth Ware, Nikkita Webb, Paige Stagg, Rikiana Allan, Tina Abuk Gaw, Tristin-Shae Peeni-Savelio, Vaisaili Chan Kee, Tahlia Gordon.

WIDE BAY BULLS

Captain: Madison Holding

Coach: Tracy Blair

Why they will be competitive: “The first reason I think is the opportunity that the girls get to develop and play against good opposition all in consecutive weeks which makes a big difference.The limited interchange is also a big factor and the girls really start to understand that next level of competition and accountability for their efforts and fitness.

Wide Bay Bulls under-17 girls team in action.
Wide Bay Bulls under-17 girls team in action.

We’ve already noticed the girls have used the resources available to them in the preseason and should continue to build on their skills each week,” Blair said.

Key fixture: The Bulls are blessed with all three of their matches at home this season and will take plenty away from their round one fixture against the Clydesdales before taking on the Falcons the following weekend.

Wide Bay Bulls under-17 girls player Bella Barrett.
Wide Bay Bulls under-17 girls player Bella Barrett.

Players to watch: “In our forwards I think Sienna Slattery, she’s one of our props that has shown good promise. Bella Barrett is our star fullback and has been really positive in attack and defence in the pre-season. I’d also add in Deena Budby who is our vice-captain and halfback as well as Madison Holding at lock,” Blair said.

Wide Bay Bulls under-17 girls team in action.
Wide Bay Bulls under-17 girls team in action.

The squad: Shakina Godbee, Laylah Simpson, Izabelle Shorter, Aleara Todd, Lucy Medlock, Bella Barrett, Deena Budby, Summer Sullivan, Mackenzie Pitchford, Sienna Slettery, Baylie Hutton, Sharlece Fisher, Madison Holding, Olive Finger, Layla Campbell-Cook, Kiarah Mills, Anna-Maree Christensen, Chloe Mackenzie, Jessica McCormack, Lily Sands and Taya Solomon.

WESTERN CLYDESDALES

Captain: Pypah Ferguson

Coach: Russell Jones

Why they will be competitive: “I have been coaching for 36 years and these girls have had 100 per cent attendance at training and a fantastic attitude,” Jones said.

“In the two trials, they have been very strong defensively, especially on their own line.”

Key fixture: Round 4 vs Sunshine Coast Falcons

“The Sunshine Coast game, it will come down to that as to how well we go,” Jones said.

“We trialled against them and left a few players out but I think it will come down to that as to who finishes on top of the group.”

Mia Byrnes will be a key player for the Western Clydesdales this season. Picture: Kevin Farmer
Mia Byrnes will be a key player for the Western Clydesdales this season. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Players to watch:

Pypah Ferguson: A mature lock forward with a great rugby league IQ and plays like she has decades of experience.

Sienna Carr: A ball-playing forward who can open the game up.

Mia Byrnes: An electric fullback with blistering speed who is versatile enough to play on both sides of the ruck and is also a very solid defender.

Squad:

Fullbacks: Mia Byrnes, Karlie Falvey.

Outside backs: Ella Byrnes, Kaysharn Deemal, Eustacia Golobic, Ella Hollis, Abby Sayeg.

Halves: Lille Merlo, Aaliyah Murray.

Hookers: Sienna Carr, Charlotte Collie, Ava Mitchell.

Front row: Shyanna-Cee Critle, Mia Everson, Angela Robertson, Chloe Seefeld, Chloe Thompson.

Second row: Kyomie Deemal, Poppy Gibbons, Tayla Horrobin, Leteena Medland, Millie Wolff.

Locks: Jacki Diete, Pypah Ferguson.

IPSWICH JETS

Captain: Co-captains for our campaign are Emalini Waqairatu and Ella O’Dea.

Coaches: Roger Eliu and Vili Leaunoa

Why they will be competitive: “The one area we are focused on is improving on a weekly basis,’’ said co-coach Vili Leaunoa

“Playing smart footy and doing the basics well is also a key part.

“The girls have done well in the pre-season and the one area we are observing as coaches is how they react to different situations on the field whether we are defending our line or attacking in good ball. So for us it’s improving week-by-week.’’

Key fixture: A tough round 1 road trip to the Sunshine Coast awaits the squad.

Players to watch: Ella O’Dea: Workhorse backrower who can also play in the centres. A great defender who’s the type of captain that lets her actions do the talking.

Ella Hollis (left) will play for the Ipswich Jets Harvey Norman under-17s team in 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer
Ella Hollis (left) will play for the Ipswich Jets Harvey Norman under-17s team in 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Emily Jackwitz: Reliable fullback who has a safe pair of hands, great communicator from the back and rock solid on defence.

Marley Morgan: IGGS educated border, Marley has sharp skills and electric pace. Can play in the halves and hooker position. She is also with the Qld Reds 7s youth program.

Pauline Moliga: Gold Coast Titans contracted, Ipswich state high outside back Moliga is a

Aggressive runner and also as punishing in defence.

Final squad: TBC

MACKAY CUTTERS

Captain: The Cutters have named a leadership team of Sophie Searle, Jaccoa Keyssecker and Cianna Faulkner

Coach: Veronica Dorante.

Why they will be competitive: “Our girls have shown great enthusiasm during pre-season training and are keen to learn and develop their skills,” Dorante said.

“Being in this representative space is a new level of rugby league for them and their eagerness has been evident at training so far.”

Key fixtures: “All games for us will be a new challenge,” Dorante said.

“Each game will be an opportunity to grow as the opposition will be unknown.

Players to watch: Dorante didn’t want to single out any particular players, instead speaking of the broader group.

“Other than our captains that were chosen based on their leadership skills during sessions, we have a few young ladies that have a lot of speed and power that will definitely create some amazing football moments during this competition,” she said.

“I have been pleasantly surprised to see some young ladies step outside their comfort zone and show us what they are capable of, which is what excites me the most.”

Final squad: 

Fullback: Courtney Harris

Mackay Cutters Harvey Norman under-17s fullback Courtney Harris (left) with Jala Brown at the Mackay Rugby Schools Cup.. Picture: Matthew Forrest
Mackay Cutters Harvey Norman under-17s fullback Courtney Harris (left) with Jala Brown at the Mackay Rugby Schools Cup.. Picture: Matthew Forrest

Outside backs: Erin Synnott, Zoe Ziegeler, Katherine Ziekenheiner, Jaccoa Keyssecker, Lilly Giblett

Halves: Keeley Logan, Takiyah Sweet, Mikayla Pitt, Liteeana-Lucy Wilson-Larry

Hookers: Ella Duncan, Jaymie Clancy, Montana Hodgkinson, Ghaeddia Rihari

Middle Forwards: Jessica Haworth, Tailor Meredith, Jada Cahill, Emily Donaldson, Sophie Searle, Sierra Ebert

Edge Forwards: Ebony Temple, Selina Cowley, Lucy McKendry, Aleisha Corbett, Cianna Faulkner, Scarlett Foord

CENTRAL QUEENSLAND CAPRAS

Captains: Ruivani Auda and Madeline Johnson

Coach: Nikki Carpenter

Last season: “2023 consisted of a completely different format, with a shorter lead-up in training/preparation followed by a two-day competition for the girls,” coach Nikki Carpenter said.

“This year the modified competition gives the girls a preview of the level of skills and experience required for the Harvey Norman under-19 and BMD competitions.

“This is wonderful growth for this age division and lays a fantastic foundation for our future female players.”

Why they will be competitive: “We are blessed this year with an abundance of talent in every position. We have a very skillful spine and a hard-working forward pack,” Carpenter said.

“We have an amazing mix of talent and experience.

“We have contracted NRLW Academy players, local representative players and all-round general athletes but nothing beats our connection and strength around our team’s camaraderie.”

Key fixture: “We are expecting tough competition from each of the teams we play but we will be taking on a one-game-at-a-time approach,” Carpenter said.

Players to watch: Carpenter said there was too much talent to single out any specific players.

“We have a team motto that not one individual is above any other player and we instil a pack mentality of one in, all in,” she said.

Full squad:

Fullbacks: Zoe Robson, Keely Donovan

Centres/wings: Alex Kulla Kulla, Heidi Silvester, Trishelle Avu, Tasmyn Boody, Dayna Green, Tatum Fisher, Freya Hansen, Emmalena Ingui, Keeley Marsden, Chanelle Williams

Halves: Maycee Brown, Caydence Fouracre, Maddy Johnson, Kyra Kent

Hookers: Josie Wogand, Teleah Cassar, Evan Sullivan

Locks: Macey Evans, Chloe Powell

Second row: Alexis Bukowski, Sienna Fahl, Hannah Jamieson, Dale Lewis, Jorgi Mitchell, Rosie Warapa

Front row: Ruivani Auda, Charlotte Mallinson, Stevie-Lee Dixson, Kamalita Tasi Maaka, Amity Jackson

TOWNSVILLE BLACKHAWKS

Captain: Jakaia-Lee Collett

Coach: Bec Petersen

Why the Blackhawks will be competitive: “I think we’re going to be competitive because we have a range of different skills in the team,” coach Bec Petersen said.

“We’ve got girls who have played six years or more of footy, and girls who have played one, so we come from different backgrounds but I think as a team we’ll give it a good go.

“Our outside backs have got a lot of speed. Our middles are very strong with Isabella Au, Jakaia-Lee Collett, Serenity Mila and Maryanne Tutavake, so we have a lot of aggression and toughness.”

Jakaia-Lee Collett will captain the inaugural Townsville Blackhawks under-17 women’s team. Picture: Courtney Thomson.
Jakaia-Lee Collett will captain the inaugural Townsville Blackhawks under-17 women’s team. Picture: Courtney Thomson.

Key fixture: “Being our first year of competition we’re not really show what anyone’s got to offer,” Petersen said.

“We’ve got Rockhampton, Mackay and also Cairns, so it’s all going to be new to us. We’ll wait and see what they’ve got.”

Players to watch:

Brooke Kira – A “quite handy” five-eighth with a touch / Oztag background. Kira has played rugby league for a number of years and has made a big impact on the Blackhawks since relocating from the Sunshine Coast. Coach Petersen described Kira as a “really good pick-up.”

Olivia Fletcher – Committed, hard-working, dedicated and always willing to put in 110 per cent at training. Fletcher has also impressed with her tenacity, putting in extra work training away from the team in addition to her formal commitments.

Siena Tabacchi – Of all the qualities a young winger could possess, “extreme” speed would rate among the most critical. That is an attribute Siena Tabacchi possesses in abundance - though one might not guess it when watching her run. Tabacchi’s breakaway pace becomes most apparent by the players she leaves in her dust, because even when she doesn’t appear to be running hard, defenders only realise her true speed when it’s too late to stop her.

Blackhawks’ Serenity Mila, pictured carrying her younger sister Jurney in 2023, is a versatile forward capable of playing both in the middle and on the edge. Picture: Evan Morgan
Blackhawks’ Serenity Mila, pictured carrying her younger sister Jurney in 2023, is a versatile forward capable of playing both in the middle and on the edge. Picture: Evan Morgan

Final Squad

Fullbacks:

Mia Pashley (also centre/halves/hooker)

Outside backs:

Olivia Dagge (also fullback), Teyanna Mataa (also halves), Siena Tabacchi, Hollie Parkes, Jade Cowan, Taya Bowie (also fullback)

Halves:

Brooke Kira (also lock/centre/hooker), Ava Wagner (also hooker)

Hookers:

Olivia Fletcher (also halves), Liyah Priddle (also centre)

Middle forwards:

Maryanne Tutavake, Serenity Mila (also edge), Taylar Viero (also edge), Kate Teichmann, Marayah Tapau-Taylor, Evoltia Tuala (also edge), Kiesha Devow (also edge), Mareikura Hills-Amory (also edge)

Edge forwards:

Chloe Maxwell (also centre), Isabella Au (also middle), Jakaia-Lee Collett (also middle), Charlie Limpus

BRISBANE TIGERS

Captain: Coach Kim Bray said: “We have a few natural leaders in the team so we don’t real have just one.’’

Coach: Kim Bray

Why they will be competitive: “We will be a very competitive team with great strength all over the park,’’ coach Bray explained. “The key to having success this season will to play to our strengths and keep doing the little things.’’

Players to watch: “There are some many great players in our squad, it wouldn’t be right to just pick out a few players,’’ coach Bray said.

Final squad: Charlotte Keki, Lily Summer, Enah Desic, Namoe Gesa, Sasha Willemse, Shantai Cora, Kameryn Bray, Sienna Ibrahim, Imrana Pasese, Aganoa Pasese, Summer Whistion, Sky-Yvette Faimalie, Porche John, Perynese Ah Wong, Neileen Bekue, Orianna Clark, Harmony Seumanutafa, Lishaninah Ulugia, Riley-Jay Henry-Purcell, Lilijana Volkanovska, Zoe Stone.

TWEED SEAGULLS

Captain: Kaylee Booth

Coach: Veronica White

Last season: Inaugural season

Kaylee Booth is a player to watch as Tweed Seagulls chase premiership success in the Harvey Norman Under 17s Cup. Picture: Supplied
Kaylee Booth is a player to watch as Tweed Seagulls chase premiership success in the Harvey Norman Under 17s Cup. Picture: Supplied

Why they will be competitive:

Players have come from various sporting backgrounds and have the skills to move the ball around quickly. Majority of players are enrolled in Schoolgirl rugby league programs at the highly engaged rugby league schools which will provide them more game experience to develop their understanding of the game. Always willing to learn about all facets of the game. Great crop of players who have a hunger to learn more.

Key fixture:

Vs South Logan

Players to watch:

Kaylee Booth – has great vision and game awareness for such a young player. Defensively has the ability to play in the lock position but ideally suited for five-eighth where she can organise and create opportunities for her outside backs.

Saskia Croyston & Mackenzie Croyston – upcoming forward, a workhorse which dominates in defence. Still learning the trade as prop but has the discipline alongside her twin sister Mackenzie, able to last big minutes and maintain the intensity throughout.

Lourdes Vanikolo has made the Gold Coast Titans Academy under 17's squad. Picture: BILLINGHAM, Angie
Lourdes Vanikolo has made the Gold Coast Titans Academy under 17's squad. Picture: BILLINGHAM, Angie

Final Squad

Full Backs:

Skyla Samson

Wingers:

Lacey Pedlow, Claire Cropp, Aurora Maiden, Molly Benjamin

Centre:

Summer Barton, Mackenzie Croyston, Alyce Togo

Five-Eighth:

Kaylee Booth, Ayla Peters

Dummy Half:

Diamond Graham

Half Back:

Torah Luadaka

Middle:

Saskia Croyston, Lourdes Vanikolo, Brianna Rose-Dance, Tedashii Cora, Eden Velegrinis

Forward:

Dakoda Dilworth, Saraya Smith, Jordy Wildman, Chelsea Coleman

Lock:

Affrica-Jade Hippi

SOUTH LOGAN

Captain: The leadership group is Amanii Misa, Lilli Lewis, Kaylani Tavita and Bella Alo.

Coach: Matt Fitzgerald

Why they will be competitive: “We will be competitive because all the girls are on the same page,’’ said coach Matt Fitzgerald. “The squad is talented, and they work hard. The coaching staff have high expectations and the girls want to exceed those expectations.

“We have goals that they want to achieve and that’s important to the staff and the playing group.

“This Harvey Norman 17s competition is a pathway, so the coaching staff have decided to start to prepare players for NRLW. In our current squad we have about 10-12 players signed or being looked at by either Gold Coast Titans or Brisbane Broncos.’’

Souths Logan's Amanii Misa was a Qld schoolgirls representative.
Souths Logan's Amanii Misa was a Qld schoolgirls representative.

Key fixture: All of them. When you set the bar high, as Souths Logan have done, then one match is as important as the next.

Players to watch: Amanii Misa and Mele Misa, two sisters who were on another level, as was Lili Lewis who coach Matt Fitzgerald said had “the best passing and kicking game for any girl in this competition.’’ And from our observations of her career, coach Fitzgerald is not exaggerating. Both Lewis and Amanii made the Queensland schoolgirls under 16s last year. Other players leading the way for the Magpies will be Laleni Taofinnu, Sienna Trew and Kaylani Tavita and Janique Mili.

Final squad: Codie Allan-Brown, Bella Alo, Mon Armstrong, Shelby Bochow, Jose Dela Cruz, Bella Foai, Shaun Hemana, Sienna Hemana, David Izzard, Hawke Kahu, Tiahna Kanawi, Aatahua Lawrence-Lemon, Aaron Lewis, Charlize Lewis, Lilianah Lewis, Janique Mili, Amanii and Mele Misa, Nikeisha Ngaru, Te Rina Pearse, Prayer Playle, Leilani Taofinuu, Kaylani Tavita, Sienna Trew, Danielle Tutakangahau, Ebony Tziros, Sharlene Vaili.

BURLEIGH BEARS

Captains- Eta Sikahele/ Okalani Compton

Coach- Tait Rolfe- Burleigh Bears U17s

Last Season- Inaugural season

Eta Sikahele has been named captain of the Burleigh Bears U17s side with fellow junior Titans star Okalani Compton. Picture Glenn Hampson
Eta Sikahele has been named captain of the Burleigh Bears U17s side with fellow junior Titans star Okalani Compton. Picture Glenn Hampson

We will be competitive because- We are a team that plays for each other. Our girls have shown great skill and commitment this pre-season, with an attitude towards working hard and getting better as individuals, but more importantly as a team. We have a good mix of experienced leaders and girls getting their first go at Rep level and competition for positions will only bring out the best in our team.

Key Fixtures- Although it was only a trial match, it was good to get the win against our local rivals the Tweed Seagulls last week. In Round 2 of the season we will play the Redcliffe Dolphins at our home ground UAA Park in Burleigh. It’s a key fixture for us playing at home for the first time and also against a good team and coaching staff. Every game is an opportunity for us to develop as a group, so every fixture is key, but it’s always good to play at home in front of our Burleigh supporters.

Players To Watch-

Lacey McLaren is our Fullback and is definitely one to watch in attack. She has a great running game, but really shines with her pass selection and ability to turn half chances into points. Watch out for Lacey in the try assist colium.

Okalani Compton is our Hooker and a real leader of this team. She’s one to watch with her strong scouts and craft around the ruck, but also how hard she hits in defence. Okalani scored two tries in our trial and is ready for a big season.

Yamun-Ginda Kelly is our Halfback that brings plenty of experience in big games. She has ball playing ability and isn’t afraid to take it deep into the line, to set up a try or score one herself. Yamun will be one to watch this season steering our team around wearing the number 7.

Final Squad

Fullbacks-

Lacey McLaren, Taliah Anderson

Outside Backs-

Grace Jacobsen, Genesis Tupa’i, Kaelyn Passi, Evie Clarkson, Lacey Boman, Brianna Toopi, Nikola MacDonald

Halves-

Yamun-Ginda Kelly, Campbell Phillips, Sharlize Hamilton

Okalani Compton has been named captain of the Burleigh Bears U17s side with fellow junior Titans star Eta Sikahele Picture Glenn Hampson
Okalani Compton has been named captain of the Burleigh Bears U17s side with fellow junior Titans star Eta Sikahele Picture Glenn Hampson

Hookers-

Okalani Compton, Mikayla Robinson

Edge Forwards-

Oliver McAllister, Aaliayah-May Mackenzie, Seneisha Hepi, Isabella Brown, Kiara Wright

Middle Forwards-

Ata Te Hokowhitu-Wynne, Eta Sikahele, Sylvia Tangeria, Tiggy Groves, Tahlia Gosling

Fastest Players-

Campbell Phillips, Isabella Brown

Strongest Players-

Eta Sikahele, Okalani Compton

WYNNUM MANLY SEAGULLS

Captain: London Pakura

Coach: Cameron

Last season: No placing last season as this is the first season of the U17 competition

Why they will be competitive: 

Wynnum’s preseason games haven’t quite gone to plan, but Wynnum’s Head of Women’s Football Steve Casey has no doubts the team will bounce back ready for the season.

“After the disappointment of last weekend’s trial the girls have shown a real desire at training to improve,” he said.

Harvey Norman under-17s Wynnum Manly players.
Harvey Norman under-17s Wynnum Manly players.

“Across the team we have some great individual athletes and once they start to connect and have trust in each other they’ll be a great team.”

Key fixture: 

The expansion to include an U17s division comes with pros and cons, and having limited games in the regular season is certainly a downfall.

“Every game is so important when you only play four rounds,” Casey said

“If we get off to a good start the confidence will carry through the season.”

Players to watch: 

Tupoutua King - An incredibly strong and powerful forward. She is great athlete who always pushes to be better.

Tameka Barnes - A very skilled player who works very extra hard in defence and plays well above her own size. Don’t be fooled, she’ll take you on.

London Pakura - She is one of our youngest but a natural-born leader. Pakura has already earned a reputation as one of Wynnum’s hardest workers with equally enormous talent.

Full squad: Jayla Andrew, Molly Vandermeer, Ruby Powels, Bre Gault, Eviarna Wapau, Jada Waere, Summer Thorne, Maia Areaiiti, Tupoutua King, London Pakura, Taya Solomon, Blaze Thornell-Hei Hei, Tameka Barnes, Kc Campbell, Nikita Ballinger, Emily Whittaker, Leevi Williams, Edge Forwards, Taleigha Kingston-Francis, Lauryn Martin, Shylah Prins

REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS

Captain: Co-captains Harmony Harris and Shar-Lene Nati

Coach: Ana Fotu

Why they will be competitive: “Effort, attitude and energy will always be our main focus in being competitive in games,’’ said Redcliffe coach Ana Fotu: Like they say – hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.’’

Key fixture: Why wait? Game 1. Can you imagine the energy, the excitement and expectation swirling around the squad entering their first match against Brisbane Tigers?

Players to watch: The Dolphins will have an array of key players, including Keira Rangi who, in 2019, became the first girl to make the Queensland under 12 boys team.

Keira Rangi and Harlem Walker earlier in their young careers. (AAP image, John Gass)
Keira Rangi and Harlem Walker earlier in their young careers. (AAP image, John Gass)

She made the 2023 Queensland under 16 schoolgirls team alongside Dolphins teammates Harlem Walker (second row) and Deleni Paitai (centre).

Other leading players for the Dolphins will beShar-Lene Nati (fullback) and Raewyn Olomaliʻi (hooker/half).

Final squad: Shar-Lene Nati, Deleni Paitai, Layla Satui, Lenore Georgetown, Esmee Hearsum, Kaia Skeen, Ellicyr Tighe, Luisa Olomaliʻi, Raewyn Olomaliʻi, Harmony Harris, Mya Tronc, Harlem Walker, Keira Rangi, Tia Molo, Poppy OʻShea, Letia Alefaio, Francine Morris, Sitara English, Lola Parsons, Emily Wilson, Maddison Russell, Madisyn Blacker, Tiarnee Condon, Lily Manning-Curtis, Arielle Tulaii

Originally published as 2024 Harvey Norman under-17 development competition: How each team is shaping up

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Original URL: https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/sport/girls-on-the-rise-2024-harvey-norman-under17-development-competition-redcliffe-preview/news-story/478e229ec520c6901202d0791faee01c