Meet the rising rugby 7s stars with eyes on reaching the pinnacles of the sport
Discover the top junior athletes who shape as Australia’s best rising rugby 7s players of the future. Meet them here.
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The dust has barely settled on Dianne Waight’s first rugby season, yet her coach has revealed that if not for that inexperience a gold medal triumph for Australia would have been hers.
The Bond University Rugby 7s star has been earmarked for higher honours since making her debut this year, and now she along with three other Gold Coast sensations will don the green and gold at the World Schools Championships.
Waight will be joined by fellow Bond guns Ava Wereta and Amahli Hala — who both also play for the Coomera Crushers — as well as Griffith University‘s Ivana Lolesio as they take on some of the best global under-18s talents.
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As Australia’s finest women in the code emerged victorious at the Dubai 7s on the weekend — spearheaded by Glitter Strip products Maddison and Teagan Levi — Bond University coach Setu Naresi declared Waight had been on the cusp of that tour.
Now it was a matter of providing a platform for her abilities to attain those goals, beginning with the December 17-18 World Schools showcase.
“I know Dianne wasn’t too far away from being on the plane to Dubai this weekend, but I think the Aussie guys have decided to keep her in her age group because she’s still very raw and developing,” Naresi said.
“Obviously as a coach you can’t coach speed and she’s blessed with plenty of it, but she’s quite powerful. She has a slight frame but is very dynamic and powerful.
“As she learns the game more she’ll be someone who will start on the wing but could be a fast forward as well.”
Waight will board the plane to New Zealand alongside Wereta, Hala and Lolesio, as well as the Gold Coast-based Renegades 32 outfit; many of who lined up at the weekend’s Next Gen 7s series in Sydney.
Several of those rising talents will also head to Japan in April, after Kings Christian College were invited to take part in the International Sanix World Rugby Championships.
Lolesio announced her rise up the ranks by starring for the Griffith side to finish second in the AON Uni 7s titles.
Meanwhile, it is more than individual skill that Naresi believes has launched Hala and Wareta into national calculations.
While he praised Wareta as one of the most clinical defenders he had seen and Hala’s eye-catching ‘goosestep’ that leaves would be rivals in her wake, he said the way in which the inseparable duo linked on and off the field had become a tempting trait for selectors.
“They work really well together as well, they understand each other’s games really well and I think maybe that’s something Australia are looking at — using Amahli as a backup half so she has that link with Ava and they have that understanding,” Naresi said.
“Ava is probably the best defender I’ve seen for someone that young; outstanding low chop tackle, hard on the ball at the breakdown and is a ballplayer.
“She allows you to get width in your game very quickly so you can get it out to the likes of Amahli and Dianne.
“I think for Amahli they (the Australian camp) were looking at her in a few roles like halfback, but in our program we see her more as centre or wing because she’s really dynamic.
“She has really good feet, a great burst of speed in terms of acceleration but can sustain that as well. She’s got a highlights reel that’s phenomenal. I’d like to say they were team tries, but a lot of it is individual effort and her ability to generate speed in the first five to 10 metres.”
TIME TO GET “CREATIVE”
While the quartet of future Australian stars have taken huge steps towards dreams of global glory, Naresi has called on a more “creative” approach across the nation to be adopted to the grassroots of the game.
If not, he fears the incentives on offer from rival codes could rob rugby of its brightest prospects.
In 2022 the ever expanding AFLW and NRLW introduced gamechanging pay packets, with players now earning full-time salaries on the back of the groundwork making the sports professional spectacles.
While the announcement of a new Super Rugby deal until 2030 came with it floated discussions about the Super W combining with New Zealand, no landmark for vision for women’s rugby union has been confirmed.
And Naseri declared these extended pathways needed to be locked in across the 15-a-side and 7s games to ensure grassroots athletes had something to aspire for.
Naseri has been part of a group of passionate women’s rugby coaches and advocates who have overseen a wealth of success from the Glitter Strip talent, but feared the surge of rival codes had made attracting and retaining fresh talent an obstacle.
While he appreciates rugby union may not be able to match the financial gain of their rivals at this stage, lifestyle and wellbeing support could be one way to keep athletes engaged.
“Rugby is still very much a poor cousin when you look at the growth of AFL and NRLW,” Naseri said.
“The age group of the players they’re now recruiting it’s getting younger and younger the profile of the player they’re looking for.
“But they’re also growing, so with the number of teams and the duration of play there’s a lot more opportunity for a female athlete now to almost play or participate in semi pro sport.
“I know one thing that in part of it was sometimes my frustration at the lack of playing opportunities. You would often see athletes for six to 12 months in a training environment but not playing a lot of sport or games.
“Sports have to be more agile in how they hold on to and attract players.”
Plans are in place on the Gold Coast to offer an influx of new opportunities for women and girls in rugby union, with local clubs working to devise a 15-a-side competition which will be followed by 7s tournament.
Junior initiatives such the Primary Schools Rugby 7s carnival played out of Miami State High for the first time last month will also be expanded further.
Gold Coast District Rugby Union community manager Brooklyn Manu said governing bodies needed to capitalise on the success of the recent women’s world cup and Commonwealth Games triumph to truly harness the talent on offer to the game.
“We’ve got a majority of women and girls who will play both; they’re into 7s already so much now, our numbers are growing substantially,” Manu said.
“Not just because we’ve come out of a season where we haven’t had much engagement and out of floods, but because everyone’s been watching that world champion 7s on TV now.
“I think everyone is realising if we have these exciting new offerings kids will come, we just have to put it on.”
MEET THE BEST OF THE REST
While Waight, Wareta, Hala and Lolesio have been identified as future Australian prospects, a host of other Gold Coast rising stars will be making their case.
Between Kings’ presence in Japan next year, the Renegades in New Zealand and the presence of many for Queensland’s Next Gen 7s series in Sydney at the weekend, there is a growing contingent eager to press their claims.
Kings and Crushers women’s head Tania Hala breaks down some of the brightest stars on the rise from the region.
Charlize Ratu – Coomera Crushers & Bond University
A jack of all trades is Charlize Ratu.
A state level netball player, Ratu took part in the Queensland side to contest the Next Gen Series on the weekend, showcasing her array of skills in the process.
Having already been selected in age-group merit teams at a national level, Hala said Ratu would be one to watch in the future given she has only played for two years.
“(She) is already stamping her mark on the game,” Hala said.
“Strong and fast with crazy agility and acrobatic skills, Charlize is definitely one to keep your eye on over the next few years.”
Achievements: U18 Youth Super W Reds XVs team, U16 Australian Schools Girls Merit team, U16 QLD Schools 7s, U17 QLD Next Gen team, QAS Emerging Youth Program, Gold Coast U17 Cyclones
Havana Harris
Havana Harris is perhaps one of the leading examples in the region where if rugby wants to retain her talents she will need further chances to grow.
However Hala believes the enigmatic speedster has all the makings of a 7s star.
Harris is already a member of the Gold Coast Suns AFL Academy, having recently played in an under-16s carnival on the Sunshine Coast for the outfit and earning U18 All Australian selection last year.
Yet there are similarities in the teenager Hala sees to a fellow AFL convert who has taken the Rugby 7s world by storm.
“Havana has little experience in 7s, but I believe she has a really big future in the sport,” Hala said.
“I liken her to Maddi Levi with a physique that’s born to play 7s; strong, fast and athletic. “Havana has only played a handful of tournaments with Renegades but is already turning heads and playing a dominant role in the team’s success.”
Mercedez Taulelei-Siala — Coomera Crushers & Bond University
Already a key figure in senior football, having played a part in Bond University’s clean sweep of the 7s and premier rugby competitions, Mercedez Taulelei-Siala is another who could be swayed to other codes.
Given she has featured in representative rugby league teams in the past her future options are numerous, but Hala said there were plenty of attributes that could make her a star in the game.
“Mercedez also features in a number of representative league teams and is a talented athlete,” she said.
“A utility player that can pretty much play any position, she was a valuable resource for the Bond campaign.”
Achievements: U18 Youth Super W Reds XVs team, U16 QLD Schools 7s, U17 QLD Next Gen team, QAS Emerging Youth Program, QLD U17 League Trialist
Dominika Baleinagasau – Coomera Crushers & Bond University
It was only last year that Dominka Baleinagasau ventured into rugby union, but Hala has seen her make an immediate impression.
Not long after her debut she was thrust into the Renegades set up, and has been praised for her coachability and raw talent.
“(She’s) a very powerful runner and solid defender. Nikki is a quick learner and transfers her new leanings at training into the games like a coach’s dream,” Hala said.
“Living in Springwood, Nikki travels down to the coast up to five times a week for training and games. Commitment and dedication is an understatement.”
Achievements: U18 Youth Super W Reds XVs team, U17 Barbarians Next Gen team, QAS Emerging Youth Program, Gold Coast U17 Cyclones
Jayahalia Suemalo-Aleki – Coomera Crushers & Bond University
Every week Jayahalia Suemalo-Aleki braves the trip from Caboolture to take part in the Gold Coast’s rugby 7s and 15-a-side pathways.
Backed up a premiership with Bond University in the Brisbane Premier competition, before fighting for Coomera alongside her mother Rosie to cement herself as a force to be reckoned with.
“Jaya was a standout in the U17 Cyclones team at the state champs and also got to put on her boots and join Bond Uni in a few of their games in the Uni7s series and Caslick Cup,” Hala said.
“This kid has speed to burn and one of the best at finding the tryline.”
Achievements: U18 Youth Super W Reds XVs team, U17 Barbarians Next Gen team, QAS Emerging Youth Program, Gold Coast U17 Cyclones
Jaida Faleono – Coomera Crushers & Bond University
Strong and powerful, Jaida Faleono has been making a name for herself in both the 7s and rugby league circles for the past few years.
After playing a dominant role in her first year of XVs in the Bond Premier women's team this year, she will also face a career dilemma given she is also part of the Titans junior Academy.
“Jaida has great leadership and is often captaining the sides she plays in,” Hala said.
“An exciting player to watch for future Reds selection.”
Achievements: U18 Youth Super W Reds XVs team, U16 Australian Schools Girls Merit team
U16 QLD Schools 7s, U17 QLD Next Gen team, QAS Emerging Youth Program, Gold Coast U17 Cyclones
Evie Sampson – Bond Pirates
Hala was quick to declare that Evie Sampson is among the hardest working young athletes she has ever come across.
The Bond Pirates product is beginning to the see the fruits of her efforts, having been selected in Queensland’s under-15s side to take on the Next Gen series.
Now she will board the plane for Japan next year with Kings to show the world what she is made of.
“Probably one of the most hardworking young athletes I have ever met and her efforts are really starting to pay off,” Hala said.
“Evie is a key member of our Kings team and plays her guts out in every game. She is always looking for feedback on where she can improve and her positive attitude and leadership are some of her best attributes.”
Achievements: U15 QLD Next Gen team, QAS Emerging Youth Program, Gold Coast U15 Cyclones, U16 Southcoast 7s squad
REST OF QLD’S BEST: Lucinda Bourke (St Margaret’s Anglican School), Indiahna Frawley (St Margaret’s Anglican School), Jessica Barnes (St Ursula’s College, Toowoomba), Leilani Hills (Brisbane State High School), Lila Parr (Chancellor State College, Sunshine Coast), Taleah Ackland (Fairholme College, Toowoomba), Shalom Sauaso (Ipswich State High School)
As Queensland charge to claim victory in Sydney, the aspiring stars shared the spoils on the scoreboard.
Ipswich product Shalom Sauaso finished among the equal top try scorers for the side with four; joined in the carnage by Hala, St Margaret’s Anglican School products Lucinda Bourke and Indiahna Frawley.
She also took the bulk of the goal kicking duties, punting seveh successful attempts while Taleah Ackland (two tries, two goals) and Lila Parr (one try, three goals) playing supporting roles with the boot.
Sauaso and Brisbane State High School’s Leilani Hills will join Wright, Wereta, Hala and Lolesio in the Australian side to head to the World Schools Series in further boosts to their growing resumes.
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