Players to Watch: 50+ excitement machines to keep an eye on at the All Schools Rugby 7s event named here
The All Schools Rugby 7s tournament has unearthed star sisters Teagan and Maddison Levi. Who’s up next? Named here are more than 50 real deal x-factor players to watch in this weekend’s bumper event. FULL LIST
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New and old will converge at South Pine Sports Complex in Albany Creek this weekend when the blockbuster Santos All Schools Rugby 7s tournament unfolds.
It is a competition that will feature more than 80 teams, a carnival that unearthed superstar 7s sisters Teagan and Maddi Levi who were part of Miami State High’s team in 2019.
The next generation will be on display on Saturday, with the under-13s, under-15s and under-18s boy and girl divisions choke full of talent.
Ahead of the competition, emjoy this insight into some of the starpower stepping onto the Albany Creek Brumbies turf.
Jump to (it is not limited to):Ipswich Grammar, John Paul College, Sunshine Coast Grammar, Downlands College, Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar, The Glennie School, Toowoomba Grammar, Keebra Park SHS.
SANTOS ALL SCHOOLS RUGBY 7S PLAYERS TO WATCH
IPSWICH GRAMMAR
BROCK COOMBES (U18 BOYS)
A Sunshine Coast talent now honing his craft at rugby stronghold Ipswich Grammar, Coombes has come along way over the past two years and you can see for yourself how far at the All Schools event.
The Buderim speedster played a key role in the Queensland Reds Under-16s side that last year challenged for the Super Rugby title and the Year 11 student is well suited to the sevens where his speed offers a point of difference.
The Queensland Under-18s rugby 7s select has strength too and a competitive edge.
DEREK AHWANG (U15 BOYS)
Originally from the sporting rich Cairns region, Derek Ahwang invokes memories of a young Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow who ran amok for Brisbane Grammar in GPS First XV rugby before becoming a household name in the NRL.
Ahwang comes from a sporting family. His older brother Peja was one of Ipswich’s Grammar’s prime movers in the GPS First V basketball competition this season. Although he used to be deadly on the rugby field as well.
Watch for Derek’s sharp footwork and smart positioning which, when paired together, can prove damaging.
NOAH PO-CHING (U15 BOYS)
The skilful utility was somewhat of a top gun in Darwin where he played both codes of rugby, and for Ipswich Grammar throughout this tournament he will be looking to set the tone.
A versatile type who can play the power-game as a forward or ballplay for his teammates as a back, Po-Ching’s hard working nature and physicality is sure to set a high standard for his peers.
KEEGAN LOWE (U13 BOYS)
A livewire halfback from the Capracornian Coast, Lowe will be the player his teammates look for to set the tempo.
His light footwork and craftiness with the ball in hand are his trademarks.
TALLEN PIANTONI (U13 BOYS)
An Ipswich Rangers junior, Piantoni has what you can’t teach and that is speed.
The kid is rapid and on the 7s pitch, provided he can get early ball, it could be all over red rover when he gets going.
Has speed to burn.
JOHN PAUL COLLEGE
SAM NAKATA-BUNJUBA (U13 BOYS)
He is only new to the sport but with every game, he is leaving more of a mark.
The dynamic John Paul College rookie is explosive off the mark and possesses sharp footwork, making him a threat anywhere on the field.
He looms as JPC’s strike weapon.
ROCCO BOULTER (U15 BOYS)
Another newcomer to rugby 7s, Boulter is another threatening type who could pile on points for JPC this weekend.
With speed, good handling skills and aggression, Boulter could have an impact on both sides of the ball.
FELICIA SCHNAUBELT (U15 GIRLS)
In JPC’s under-15s team, watch for the dazzling footwork of Felicia Schnaubelt, a player who tends to make the most of half chances.
Schnaubelt plays with passion and has a lightning turn of foot so in open space there is a healthy chance she could take off.
SUNSHINE COAST GRAMMAR
BLAKE MILLER (U18 BOYS)
A leader in Sunshine Coast Grammar’s productive rugby program, Miller comes into this tournament with form behind him.
The pacy outside back has had a stellar season which reached a flashpoint last month when he was a part of the Australian Schoolboy team that toured Fiji.
The slick mover from Maroochydore has no lack of speed and is Elusive with a capital E.
ZAC NICHOL (U18 BOYS)
Another one of Sunshine Coast Grammar’s Australian Schoolboy selections, Nichol is well suited to 7s where he has the strength to shed tackles.
The powerful centre in rugby has a V8 engine and soft hands so watch for him running the ball and unloading to his teammates after he has broken the line.
HARRY GILBERT (U13 BOYS)
As you can imagine due to his tender age, the Sunshine Coast Grammar student hasn’t played 7s just yet but don’t you worry, he will be right at home.
An athlete, Gilbert has a blend of speed and power and has the explosives to fire here.
BRONSON BELL (U13 BOYS, MIAMI STATE HIGH)
Put a watch on this kid.
He is a pocket-rocket from the Nerang Bulls and Miami State High on the Coast who has diminutive strength, footy smarts, excellent distribution skills and great support play.
Bell also has a knack for the tryline.
The South Coast rugby representative earlier this year doesn’t just pull his weight in attack where he is decisive with the ball in hand, he also aims up on defence where he is not one to shirk the physical contact but rather relishes the opportunity when it arises.
DOWNLANDS COLLEGE
RUBY SING (U15 GIRLS)
Ruby Sing, 14, will be mixing it with older girls in the under-15 division but don’t be fooled by age - Sing’s speed, power, and impressive ability to make decisions fast based on what is in front of her is well beyond her years.
At some stage, Sing will score herself or put one of her Downlands College teammate over.
KIERA JOHNSTON (U15 GIRLS)
Sing’s teammate in the under-15s division, Johnston has the pace, IQ and basket full of skills that could see her leave an impression this weekend.
Someone who prides herself on the defensive end, the tackling terror can also make a difference in attack where she can wreak havoc with her running game or facilitate the success of others with her passing game.
PENELOPE BRUCE (U18 GIRLS)
The Downlands College senior has played no more than 15 games of rugby 7s but has quickly asserted herself as a key member and leader within the team.
A Miss Natural, Bruce also excels in Australian football.
If you see tackle-busting ability or a burst of speed standout, it may be the Downland’s young veteran who is a key forward in the Darling Downs competition (12 games, eight best players, 27 goals).
ZOEY BENNETT (U18 GIRLS)
Zoey Bennett will be important for Downlands College’s under-18s team. Not just with her skills and smarts but more so with her expert leadership.
The quick-between-the-ears Toowoomba talent has been noted for her leadership qualities and is somewhat the glue for the side.
LINDISFARNE ANGLICAN GRAMMAR
EDEN HUMPHREYS (U15 BOYS)
The Tweed Heads attacking ace is a Mr Versatile and Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School’s under-15s will be in safe hands with Eden Humphreys leading the charge on both sides of the ball.
A Byron Shire Rebels rookie, Humphreys is the full package playmaker capable of playing flyhalf, inside centre and fullback in the 15-a-side game.
He just gets rugby. And defence for that matter.
TIGGI GROVES (U18 GIRLS)
Lindisfarne were capable of making some real noise at this tournament.
Why? Because they have the powerful Tiggi Groves lining up her opponents and taking the ball forward.
The Burleigh Bears junior representative is a middle forward powerhouse in the 13-a-side game but don’t get it twisted. She has quick foot speed and soft hands for someone whose job is to break down the dam wall.
NEVAEH SAUMANI (U13 GIRLS, ST RITA’S COLLEGE)
Keep tabs on the emergence of St Rita’s College rookie Nevaeh Saumani. She is a force to be reckoned with in the under-13s age group where she can play a facilitiing game or be damaging ballrunner.
Of Samoan heritage, Saumani lets her actions to the talking.
LAQUAN AFAMILIONA (U18 BOYS, BRISBANE STATE HIGH)
The speed and defensive prowess of inside centre Laquan Afamiliona caused his rivals no shortage of headaches throughout the 2024 GPS First XV rugby season.
Expect nothing less from Brisbane State High’s silent assassin at the All Schools tournament where he can run freely.
THE GLENNIE SCHOOL
ANNA PARK (U18 GIRLS)
A Toowoomba Bears talent from the sporting rich Darling Downs region, Park has a bit of everything in her arsenal but most importantly she is a natural leader.
She just gets it. After all, Park was an Australian Schoolgirls Rugby 7s select earlier this year after a stunning showing at the state championships.
MIA BYRNES (U18 GIRLS)
Quick on her feet, Australian Schoolgirls 7s select Mia Byrnes can play fullback and hooker in league with ease.
She can take a knock and make a tackle and then in attack she is evasive with vision and ball skills.
Like all of the best players, the tactical kicking ace is always running in support of teammates.
NIKAYLA MOSBY (U15 GIRLS)
A longstanding member of Glennie’s rugby program, Mosby moves quickly and if you’re not careful, she is away.
The powerful and fierce outside back in rugby will test opposition defences with her no-nonsense carries.
She was a part of the Darling Downs 15-16 Girls rugby league side that challenged the Queensland championships in Townsville earlier this year.
AVA KOWITZ (U15 GIRLS)
A Highfields and District league product, Kowitz can and will make a difference for Glennie in the under-15s division.
A playmaker, Kowitz is an expert when it comes to passing, deciseness and exploiting little gaps in defences. She is a touch football maestro.
POPPY GIBBONS (U18 GIRLS)
A sporting high achiever, Poppy Gibbons has excelled as a five-eighth playing rugby league for the Souths Tigers in the TJRL, the Toowoomba Bears in rugby and more recently the Queensland Schoolgirls rugby 7s team.
The defensive powerhouse was named in the Australian Schoolgirls 7s team after her crunching tackles, offloading ability and devastating running game turned heads first at the state championships at Ballymore and then on the Sunshine Coast at the national championships.
KCI FISHER-SALTNER (U13 GIRLS)
The Queensland Reds strode into Super Rugby Pacific’s Indigenous Round this season wearing jerseys co-designed by versatile Glennie School youngster Kci Fisher-Saltner.
The defensive demon runs a mini-marathon every game such is her high work rate and support play.
She would be a dream teammate.
LUCY BURGESS (U13 GIRLS)
Similarly to Fisher-Saltner, Burgess loves to make a tackle and a thumping one at that.
She can create with the ball in hand or on the toe where she has a touch of class.
JANIQUE MILI (U18 GIRLS, MARSDEN SHS)
The Marsden SHS livewire is a tough little rooster from the Souths Logan Magpies who earlier this year made the elite Queensland Under-17 Emerging girls rugby league squad.
While she has natural pace, her belly burns with desire to make an impact. She has a fierce competitive streak which you want in the trenches.
Can stop on a dime and go again without losing speed.
MANAIA-ROSE AFUIE (U18 GIRLS, MARSDEN SHS)
Her older sister Ana has been the top scrumhalf in Queensland Premier Rugby’s StoreLocal Premier Women competition over the past two years and Marsden SHS youngster Manaia-Rose has learnt a thing or two from the best of the best.
A pest around the breakdown, Manaia-Rose is in her element on the field where she can draw upon her wealth of experience having played with back-to-back minor premiers Sunnybank.
NICO SOUTHON (U13 BOYS, CANTERBURY COLLEGE)
Watch for Canterbury College’s Nico Southon in the under-13s division.
The youngster can try his hand and set up the success of others or break tackles with his deadly footwork and speed.
PHOEBE TULILO-SEREMAIA (U13 GIRLS, FAIRHOLME)
Small but deadly, Tulilo-Seremaia is just 12 years of age but packs plenty of punch on both sides of the ball.
The slight Toowoomba Valleys junior league gun plays well above her weight and has been noted for her eyes-up vision.
MAGGIE REARDON (U15 GIRLS, FAIRHOLME COLLEGE)
A Downs rugby rook who excels in both codes, Reardon will be looking to leave her mark on both ends where she works tirelessly, and then does a little more.
The Fairholme College prop also has great jackaling technique at the breakdown.
AVA O’BRIEN (U13 GIRLS, MT MARIA COLLEGE, MITCHELTON )
She’s fearless, skillfull and a sponge when it comes to learning.
Mt Maria’s tradition of churning out talented sportswoman will not be stopping anytime soon with multi-sport athlete Ava O’Brien, a Year 7 student, coming through the ranks.
O’Brien’s netball and touch football background serves her well in the 7s space where her competitive edge is to be admired.
TJ MURRAY (U15 GIRLS, KINGS CHRISTIAN COLLEGE)
Difference maker.
The Coomer Crushers young gun would be the dream teammate, someone capable of pulling something out of nothing.
Her high workrate, crushing defence and telling left-to-right step are all things to look out for from the QAS Rugby 7s program member who last year was the Most Valuable Player in Kings’ under-15s team.
TIKI CALLISTE (U18 GIRLS, KINGS CHRISTIAN COLLEGE)
Tiki Calliste is new to the game but her raw talent will go a long way in Kings’ challenge.
The Queensland schools representative has pace, power and precision and the astute Queensland Academy of Sport selectors have got her in their youth rugby 7s program because of it.
A cover defence queen.
ELIJAH BREEN (U18 BOYS BRISBANE GRAMMAR)
Breen was the mastermind behind Brisbane Grammar’s attacking shape this season in GPS First XV rugby.
The classy tactical kicking ace is a threat in every aspect. He loves an offload, has sharp footwork, passes like a rugby union flyhalf and is well suited to the attack-heavy game rugby 7s invites.
The multi-sport athlete in Year 11 at BGS is a high-achiever in both rugby league and Australian football.
PIPPEN RUSSELL (U15 GIRLS, ST JOHN’S COLLEGE, NAMBOUR)
A tone-setting Sunshine Coast Crocs rookie from St John’s College, Russell relishes responsibility.
The elusive Russell left her mark on the hallowed Ballymore turf in the winter representing the Sunshine Coast in the 15-16 Years Rugby 7s Girls State Championships. As captain, she led her school team to the 10-a-side premiership in the Sunshine Coast Secondary Schools Rugby Union Under-16s competition.
You will see what the fuss is about.
ZAC ZEREMES (U15 BOYS, ST JOHN’S COLLEGE, NAMBOUR)
St John’s College will have a strike weapon in their under-15 ranks. He goes by the name of Zac Zeremes and his long wavy hair will be seen whooshing in the wind as he springs away downfield.
A high-class goalkicking fullback in rugby, Zeremes has a mix of speed, size and skill and will bring boundless energy to the squad.
The Nambour Toads rugby rookie was a standout performer for the Queensland Country Under-14s at the Emerging Reds Cup staged at Ballymore.
TOOWOOMBA GRAMMAR
JP STREICHER (U15 BOYS)
JP Striecher comes into the tournament in a purple patch of form after an impressive 15As campaign with TGS.
His powerful ballcarrying and relentless workrate will see him move mountains on both sides of the ball and if the boys in blue and gold are marching upfield, Striecher would’ve had a say with his metre-eating carries or pilfers at the breakdown.
SETH CHAPMAN (U15 BOYS)
A newcomer to TGS this year, Chapman has turned eyebrows up the range with his first rate distribution skills and running game.
The dual-threat holds the keys to TGS’s attacking shape and has the vision to get his teammates involved.
XAVIER DAVEY (U15 BOYS)
Davey was one of TGS’s more influential forwards in the GPS 15As competition this year, a dynamic backrower who has transitioned to a fast-paced centre with a hunger to take the ball forward.
Well suited to rugby 7s, the smart Toowoomba Bears product will be a leader with his words, guiding the team around and with his actions, exploiting space.
ILI BARAVILALA (U18 BOYS)
Think of Australian rugby 7s livewire Maurice Longbottom. While the crafty Ili Baravilala may not have as much speed, he does have one thing in common with the 7s star and that is the ability to create a highlight.
The Hervey Bay magician has the keys to TGS’s attack and there is no better man for the job.
A playmaker with control, Baravilala is set for his last dance in blue and gold and it is one you wouldn’t want to miss.
MYLES ROSEMOND (U18 BOYS)
If his impressive debut season in the GPS First XV competition, where he took no time to make an impact, is anything to go by then Townsville Brothers flyer Myles Rosemond will be in his element with more room to rove.
The Year 11 boarder is renowned in rugby circles for manipulating defenders and finding space which can be a blessing for his teammates and a curse for opposition defenders.
ADAM DAVIS (U18 BOYS)
The Toowoomba Grammar student was one of the top discovery players of this year’s GPS First XV competition. A threat on the wing where his speed and finesse delivered countless tries.
A speed demon with x-factor, Davis’ uncanny ability to exploit gaps will no doubt be a driving force behind the team’s success.
His presence alone will be key.
KEEBRA PARK STATE HIGH
TORAH LUADAKA (U18 GIRLS)
A slick playmaker from the Tweed Seagulls, Luadaka looms as the key link player that holds the keys which can ignite this exciting Keebra Park backline division.
Luadaka is a young veteran. A crafty half in league that just seems to have time.
Watch for the deft kicking game and deceptive speed of the high-IQ Queensland Schoolgirls (15-16 years) rugby league select.
GENESIS TUPA’I (U18 GIRLS)
Tupa’i has had a ripper 2024 season in both codes of rugby and to round it out, she will be looking to leave a mark in the under-18s division.
The starting centre in News Corp’s Harvey Norman Under-17 rugby league Team of the Season, Tupa’i is a silent assassin who comes to life with the ball in hand.
One of Queensland’s best performers at the national championships on the Sunshine Coast in the winter, Tupai can find the stripe and put others in with her varied skillet.
ETA SIKAHELE (U18 GIRLS)
A powerhouse forward from the champion Queensland Schoolgirls league side that trumped all at the national championships this year.
Watch for the powerful prime mover when she gets the ball in close but also centrefield where her bread and butter is making tackles and setting a high standard with her gargantuan work ethic.
SKYLA SAMSON (U18 GIRLS)
A South Coast under-18s rugby league and touch football representative, Samson has plenty of tricks up her sleeve.
The light-on-feet outside back in rugby league is an evasive type possessing a very quick turn of foot.
Defenders have to be weary when rushing up on Samson.
MATILDA VIAL (U18 GIRLS)
Beware the blistering speed and finesse of Mullumbimby magician Matila Vial!
Vial will be making her return from an ACL injury after working her way back through hard work and with a vengeance.
The flying winger last year made the talented Queensland Under-16s Girls 7s squad. Watch for the speedster if she gets in open space.
ORIANA PAPALII (U15 GIRLS)
Keebra Park’s under-15s will also be a fun team to watch and a chief enforcer of highlight reel moments will be their track whiz Oriana Papalii, a blink and you will miss her type talent.
The lightning fast Year 9 student is known for winning her one-on-one battles in attack. On defence, she is a wall that few can breach.
The 100m sprint ace will play tenaciously till the final whistle blows so her best moment could come when it matters most.
IVY O’BRIEN (U15 GIRLS)
Black book this under-15s talent from Keebra Park SHS.
Sure to ruffle feathers in the code, O’Brien, 14, earnt a coveted spot in the Queensland All School 7s All Stars team this year as the baby of the squad.
Revered for her sheer class at a young age, the excitement machine has the fast footwork, explosive speed, vision and defensive capability to capture your attention and keep it.
MELEANE HALA (U15 GIRLS)
There is speed to burn in this Keebra Park outfit and young Meleane Hala is the head of the snake when it comes to speed demons.
The agile younger sister of Queensland Reds 7s weapon Amahli, Meleane is one of only a few at her age that can utilise an accurate kicking game to swing momentum into her team’s favour.
Leave her open at your peril.
KOBIE ATARAU (U15 GIRLS)
Speed, aggression and tenacity. These are all things Kobie Atarau draws upon to leave her mark on a match.
The talented OZ Tag terror is at her best with the ball tucked under her arm where her reliable hands, unassuming footwork and diminutive strength creates a recipe for success in attack.
FLEUR GINN (U18 GIRLS, STRETTON STATE COLLEGE)
Explosive. Quick. Smart.
The Stretton State College athletic marvel is a young veteran in the rugby 7s space having represented the Queensland Reds and Australia at last year’s Youth Commonwealth Games.
Watching her may give a glimpse into the future of the Australian Womens team.
JAMES BOLAND (U18 BOYS, ST PATRICK’S COLLEGE, SHORNCLIFFE)
The hot-stepping St Patrick’s College outside back produced the best try of the AIC First XV rugby season earlier this year and has the fancy feet to leave defenders stuck in the mud even when the sun is shining.
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