Souths Juniors: Have your say and vote for the team of the year from the 2023 season
With the Souths Juniors season done and dusted, it’s time to look back on the season and recognise the top performers. Have your say in who should be named in the 2023 team of the season.
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The Souths Juniors A-grade season provided a lot of memorable moments, and now it’s time to reflect on the year that was.
The star performers in each position have been announced and now you get the chance to have your say.
Select who you think was the best in each position to help us name the Souths Juniors Team of the Year.
FULLBACK
Kurt Lovett (Coogee) was reliable as always for his team, with the added X-factor of Joven Gyemore (Redfern) really adding to their premiership claims. Kyle Wilson (Matraville) was electric with his speed to burn. Evan Manning (La Perouse) was strong at the back.
WINGERS
Michael Lyons (South Eastern) consistently got over the line for his side. Cody King-Pittman (La Perouse) was problematic for the opposition when he touched the ball. Rowan McIntosh (Coogee) is still young but didn’t look out of place at all in a tough comp. TJ Speedy Coe (Redfern) came up big in the finals, as did O’Shay Tyerman (Redfern).
CENTRES
Rahiri Leach (Mascot) regularly found his way across the stripe. Eli Roberts (Redfern) capped a great year with a superb showing in the grand final. Mitchell Kelly (Coogee) was strong in whatever was asked of him. Both Tim Bennett (Matraville) and Drey Mercy (Matraville) played key roles for the Tigers. Anthony Overton (Mascot) was another strong performer for the Jets.
FIVE-EIGHTH
Tali Touetu’u (Mascot) was a consistent force for the Jets. Corey Makelim (La Perouse) brought some higher level experience to the side and it showed. Cameron Longhurst (Coogee) was partnered well and came up with some clutch plays in the year. Bayleigh Bentley-Hape (South Eastern) floated between positions but looked good at six. Kurtis Preece (Matraville) was good in his first year at the Tigers.
HALFBACK
The experience of Mark Daoud (Coogee) proved crucial, while the youth of James Frazer (Redfern) also had a desired impact for the All Blacks. Italian representative Joshua Natoli (Matraville) turned in another solid season. Aaron Kurnoth (South Eastern) was in and out of Flegg and looked the goods when playing with the Seagulls.
PROPS
Sione Tovo (Matraville) showed why he is one of the competition’s premier props with another barnstorming season. Tristan Alvarado (Matraville) and Joseph Yeo (Dolphins) were both strong when not on Rabbitohs duties. Peter Lett (La Perouse) turned back the clock to give some real punch off the bench, and was assisted well by Allen Horsfield (La Perouse) in doing the hard yards. D’Arcy Hardman (South Eastern) tried hard all season long.
HOOKER
Dean Widders Jnr (Redfern) showed his leadership throughout the season, while the veteran influence of Aaron Grech (La Perouse) was key to their preliminary final run. TJ Herring (South Eastern) made the transition well from SG Ball. Carter Beevers (Matraville) was good in his first taste of A-grade football in Sydney.
SECOND ROWERS
Tagiolupe Tivalu (Mascot) was superb out on an edge, with Che Hyslop (La Perouse) having a similar impact for his side, as did Kayde King (La Perouse). Jay Belgrove (Redfern) claimed man of the match in the grand final after starring in 2023. Joseph Rokoqo (Matraville) had a consistent season as well.
LOCK
Matthew Makk (Mascot) gave consistency and was a standout during the start of the year for the Jets. Andre Wright (La Perouse) showed why he is a young player on the up. Joshua Rudolph (Coogee) was the key in the middle for the Dolphins. Marco Moretti (Matraville) is another on the fringe of higher honours who showed out for the Tigers this year.
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Originally published as Souths Juniors: Have your say and vote for the team of the year from the 2023 season