Top players, rising stars to watch at Australian schools rugby championships 2025, team lists
Weapons, speedsters, big units, a player with Joseph Suaalii athleticism and a ‘man boy’ - the rising stars to watch at the Australian schools rugby championships. FULL TEAM LISTS
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Weapons, speedsters, big units and a ‘man boy’ - they are some of the rising stars of rugby and teenagers being tipped to carry the game forward when they graduate from school.
The best U18 talent is heading to the Sunshine Coast for the annual Australian schools rugby competition - a tournament which identifies the young guns expected to be playing for the Wallabies in the future.
The majority of current and past Wallabies have made their way through the school system and schools championships pathway.
It has proved to be a well worn road to success with selectors on hand in Queensland to monitor the current crop of future stars.
We’ve spoken to the coaches of the teams competing in the boys under 18s XV competition from Monday to identify some of the best players to keep your eye on at this years event.
They include players the coaches say have heart, super rugby IQ, X-factor and the bodies and minds to become some of the best in the sport.
EVENT PREVIEW/DRAW HERE
NSW SCHOOLS I
1 George Tancred St Ignatius College / GPS II
2 Oli Smith The King’s School / GPS II
3 Hasani Bloomfield The King’s School / GPS II
4 Taj Smith Barker College / CAS I
5 James Finegan Waverley College / CAS I
6 Thomas Haslam Knox Grammar / CAS I
7 Henri Dempsey St Ignatius College / GPS I
8 Dylan Simmons Newington College / GPS II
9 Chayse Geros St Augustine’s College / ISA I
10 Harrison Dene Barker College / CAS I
11 Brock Prideaux Trinity Grammar / CAS I
12 Creighton Meafou Edmund Rice College / CCC
13 Cyrus Bloomfield Oakhill College / ISA I
14 Oliver Metcalf St Augustine’s College / ISA I
15 Jarryd King Newington College / GPS I
16 Darcy Emmett All Saint’s College / CCC
17 Jack Brown St Pius X College / ISA I
18 Daniel Osborne St Ignatius College / GPS I
19 Marley Chandra Patrician Brothers’ Fairfield / CCC
20 Charles Ghattas St Josephs College / GPS II
21 Flynn Farrell Oakhill College / ISA II
22 Oscar Tremlett The Scots College / GPS III
23 Benjamin Askew Knox Grammar / CAS I
#Squads subject to change.
CLASS ACTS
HASANI BLOOMFIELD: A prop who stood out at with GPS II at recent trials with a dominating run and strong carries. For a player of his size he moves well and his scrimmaging is excellent. Part of a strong frontrow.
TAJ SMITH: Outstanding in lineouts. Has a special understanding of how to fit into play and exciting for the game arrangement. He has a cool and calm head which will be valuable for Schools I who are the favourites.
HENRI DEMPSEY From St Ignatius College and a No. 7 who impressed playing for GPS 1 at trials. He will be highly valuable for his work effort off ball. He’s good on the ball and has great energy and a big engine.
CHAYSE GEROS: From St Augustine’s College on Sydney’s northern beaches and an ISA player tackling No.9. He has an ability to run and control play. His running game has impressed coaches and selectors. Said to have X-factor of a Will Genia.
CREIGHTON MEAFOU: From Edmund Rice College and the CCC rep team. His coach says he has the athleticism of a Joseph Suaalii or Israel Folau in a major rap.
Meafou has great ball skills and will be a handful in attack. A “big, fast unit’’.
QLD SCHOOLS MAROON
1. Tyrece Herniman - Met East
2. Cyrus Suniula - Met East
3. Gavin Wilson-Tyers - Darling Downs
4. Tannar Baker - Met West
5. Luke Thornton - Met East
6. Jesse Maugatai - Met East
7. Lane Edmonds - Met West
8. Tremayne Patelesio - South Coast
9. Kobi Nouanrasy - South Coast
10. Elijah Breen - Met North
11. Brock Coombes - Met West
12. Jeremiah Patea - Met East
13. Max Bolton - Met East
14. Quinn Timperon - Met East
15. Angus Tagicakibau - Met East
16. Malaki Lemalu - Met East
17. Denzel Savelino - Met North
18. Owen Heathwood - Sunshine Coast
19. Oliver Rauchle - Met North
20. Tadhg Lyons - Met East
21. Koby Kelland - Sunshine Coast
22. Rohan Nichol - Sunshine Coast
23. Dermott Arthy - Sunshine Coast
CLASS ACTS
ANGUS TAGICAKIBAU: Was with the Queensland white side in 2024 where he grew in confidence and was later selected in the Australian Schoolboys rugby 7s side. Will pull on the number 15 jersey next week where he’ll have plenty of opportunities to show off his great footwork, communication and roaming ability.
CYRUS SUNIULA: A talented hooker that made the Australian Schoolboys side in 2024 and is returning for his third straight stint in the Queensland side. Will no doubt be leading from the front.
TREMAYNE PATELESIO: The key number eight was absolutely immense for South Coast at the State Championships and brings with him some exposure in the Queensland Reds under-18 academy. Has a great rugby IQ paired with solid power and a huge workrate.
JESSE MAUGATAI: A dynamic ball runner that will add a different and dynamic layer to the Queensland maroon forward pack. The Met East talent is a strong runner of the ball, feeding off big collisions which he generally wins.
NSW SCHOOLS II
1 Tyson Burden Endeavour Sports High
2 Matt Harrison Barker College / CAS I
3 Keegan Daly Barker College / CAS I
4 Daniel Muir Newington College / GPS I
5 Sione Lua Trinity Grammar / CAS II
6 Oscar Cleary ISA
7 Selestino Mainakavika St. Stanislaus’ College/ISA I
8 Noah Rylands St Augustine’s College / ISA I
9 Jeremy Rath Barker College / CAS II
10 Max Prykiel Knox Grammar / CAS II
11 Reilly Caswell Knox Grammar / CAS I
12 James Archer Barker College / CAS I
13 Rory O’Connor St Josephs College / GPS I
14 Cooper Morrison Edmund Rice College / CCC
15 Payton Tarau Waverley College / CAS I
16 Harper Shaw Kinross Wolaroi School / ISA I
17 Illiyaz Viliamu Newington College / GPS III
18 Ewan Coates St Augustine’s College / ISA I
19 Casey Bray St Augustine’s College / ISA II
20 Bradley Patterson The Hills Sports High / CHS
21 Ewan Moody Parkes High School / CHS
22 Keone Anitelea-Tsioussis Newington College / GPS I
23 Beau Alexander St Augustine’s College / ISA I
CLASS ACTS
TYSON BURDEN: One to watch now and in the future. A big loose head prop with a massive presence on the field and great communication. Hardworking and aggressive and one who has his coaches excited.
SELESTINO MAINAKAVIKA AND NOAH RYLANDS: The No. 7 and No. 8 for NSW Schools II are great together. They bring aggression and physicality and a high work rate. Will be hard on their rivals.
OSCAR CLEARY: This ISA young gun will be a No.6. He played at this carnival last year and will bring good experience to the side. He is an excellent ball carrier and fantastic in lineouts.
REILLY CASWELL: He is a young star of the CAS system and will have a big point to prove at this event. From Knox Grammar, he has a great turn of pace and reads the game well, Has a calming influence and is a great communicator.
PAYTON TARAU: Is another CAS player who attends Waverley College in Sydney. A fullback and young at only 16. He is an exceptional kicker and communicator and has some silky skills.
KEONE ANITELEA-TSIOUSSIS: From Newington College, he has a very good kicking game and offered some great contributions to GPS. He will also off offer a lot at the Australian schools when injected.
NSW JUNIOR RUGBY UNION
1 Jerome Pongi Eastwood / CCC
2 Mattius Tuipulotu Sydney Uni / CHS
3 Isaac Elliott West Harbour / Sydney
4 Oliver Ryan Gordon / Sydney
5 Blake Gill West Harbour / Sydney
6 Flynn Hyndman Mid North Coast / NSW Country
7 Ilikaya Turagavukica West Harbour / Sydney
8 Soul Tuiletufuga Camden / CCC
9 Matavius Petaia Two Blues / Sydney
10 Max Jordan Warringah / Sydney
11 Jaziah Swann Two Blues / Sydney
12 Josh Barr Southern Districts / CAS II
13 Glassie Glassie Illawarra / NSW Country
14 Riley Donohoe Randwick / Sydney
15 Tyler Birnie Eastwood / Sydney
16 Sonny Raravula West Harbour / Sydney
17 Louis Prior Gordon / Sydney
18 Marcus Mastro Randwick / CAS II
19 Isileli Lisala-Moli Sydney Uni / CHS
20 Noah Lemusu Two Blues / Sydney
21 Phillip O’Hare Manly / CCC
22 William Trostel West Harbour / CAS II
23 Owen Bell Central Coast / CCC
CLASS ACTS
ISAAC ELLIOT: Hails from the West Harbor, a club known for its tough guys. Different from many of his rivals as he has been playing Under 20s in the Illawarra comp. south of Sydney. This prop is a real menace around the field.
BLAKE GILL: A teenager is associated with West Harbour. He missed making an assortment of rep sides in the past and flew well under the radar. This is his chance to shine with the front-rower a real workhorse. Went from 3rd to 1st Colts at his club in a matter of weeks.
GLASSIE GLASSIE: Played NSW country at recent trials and was close to making the Australian schoolboys team last year. An awesome contributor and a physical and hard-running centre with the ability to create space. Something special.
ILIKAYA TURAGAVUKICA: Another West Harbour player who made it to the team via Sydney Juniors after moving to Sydney for his rugby. Known as Junior, he has been described as a “man child” on the pitch he is an open side flanker with a big presence not usually seen at this age.
SOUL TUILETUFUGA: The No. 8 who attends St Patrick’s Fairfield, a school well known for turning out a stream of top rugby and league players. He also plays in the 1st grade men’s competition at Camden and rugby league.
QLD SCHOOLS WHITE
1. Tyler Riddell - Met West
2. Lincoln Payne - Sunshine Coast
3. Kafoa Miaile - Met East
4. Patrick Edwards - Sunshine Coast
5. Owen Myers - Northern
6. Robert Piutau - Met East
7. Harry Cohen - Met West
8. Malachi Figota - Met West
9. Harvey Kachel - Peninsula
10. Indygo Keir - Northern
11. Micah Figota - Met West
12. Samu Afoa - Met West
13. Flynn Corbett - Met East
14. Malakaih Beals - Met East
15. Isaac Fidock - South Coast
16. Daniel Braney - Northern
17. Caleb West - South Coast
18. Marcus Harris-Pomare - Sunshine Coast
19. Oliver Sharpe - Darling Downs
20. Ryker Smith - Sunshine Coast
21. David Nunn - Darling Downs
22. Oliver Kennedy - Met West
23. Cooper Knowles - Met North
CLASS ACTS
ISAAC FIDOCK: From the Gold Coast in the south of the State, Isaac dazzles with blistering pace and sharp footwork. A constant threat on counter-attack, he will evade defenders with ease and spark game-changing breaks from deep. Safe under the high ball and solid in defence, his flair and speed make him an exciting prospect.
HARVEY KACHEL: From Cairns in the far north of Queensland and returning from 2024, Harvey brings composure, leadership, and sharp tactical awareness to every match. Known for precise passing, smart kicking, and cool-headed decision-making, he will guide the team’s attack and control game tempo. A proven leader on and off the field, his experience will be crucial in high-pressure situations.
TYLER RIDDELL: Tyler had an exceptional Queensland Championships and is known for his powerful ball carries and physical presence. He will be a key force in set piece and open play. He is expected to break tackles, gain hard metres, and energise the forward pack. His strength, endurance, and aggression will set the tone upfront, anchoring both scrum and attack.
PATRICK EDWARDS and LINCOLN PAYNE: Both Sunshine Coast players will relish playing on their home deck after starring for their Maroochydore Swans A-Grade club side this season. Despite his age, Edwards has shown he can match it with the best of them, competing really strongly against the likes of former Wallaby Blake Enever just weeks ago. Payne is a damaging rising hooker that has risen through the Queensland academy systems and continues to grow in confidence.
VICTORIA
1 Ramsey Sefo Wyndham City Rhinos Rugby Club
2 Angus Hay Xavier College
3 Lincoln Vuna Xavier College
4 Jacob Bush Melton Secondary College
5 Sebastian Elia Keysborough Secondary College
6 Ukarau Zahvid Tariu-Simonis The Grange P-12 College
7 Halaliku Lauhingoa Scotch College
8 Felix Lauofo Haileybury
9 Finley Ward Brighton Grammar School
10 Noah Jury Brighton Grammar School
11 Ratu Ifereimi Tuibua Point Cook Secondary College
12 Kirirakau Loffley Sunbury Secondary College
13 Sonix Aiga Bacchus Marsh Grammar
14 lan Tunufa’i Lilydale High School
15 Parish Hunt Footscray Rugby Club
16 Kornel Lelei-Lambert Tarneit Senior College
17 Ioata Tuiletufuga Shepparton High School
18 Campbell Tagaloasa Highvale Secondary College
19 Tyde Nikau-Roderick Manor Lakes P-12 College
20 Elye Morris-Setefano Box Hill Rugby Club
21 Emanueli Drodrolagi Padua College
22 DiZyiah Sciascia Wyndham City Rhinos Rugby Club
23 Louis McLaughlin Xavier College
CLASS ACTS
ANGUS HAY: Country gun who only started to play rugby a few years ago. A hooker and tight head, he is from Xavier College. Brings something special to the Victorian side. Fights for everything, tackles hard and his coach is hoping selectors are impressed.
RAMSEY SEFU: A real talent who played Under 16s last year. A dynamic player who is strong on the ball and carries very well. A loosehead prop who is fantastic in the scrum and has a great attitude.
UKARAU ZAHVID TARIU SOMONIS: A very elusive player and a No. 6 from The Grange College. Powerful, smart, a great line jumper and good in scrummage. He’s a workaholic in the gym and has a great attitude.
FELIC LAUOFO: Is the Victorian No. 8 and a great player according to his coach. Missed selection last year, asked for advice and addressed all areas to make the team. A good leader who others looks up to. Has a great rugby IQ, good defender, ball carrier and handy in the lineout.
NOAH JURY: The younger brother of fellow rugby gun Jackson Jury, Noah has plenty of people talking. He has an innate ability to read a game and will be playing at No10 despite being younger than his teammates.
SONIX AIGA: A player his coach has described as “special’’ and like a “wizard with his feet’’. Has a X-factor Victoria are hoping they will see him make it into a an Australian squad. Playing No. 13.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
1. Charles Cairns / Wests Scarborough Rugby Club
2. Luke Megson / Associates Rugby Club
3. Zane Wesley / Wanneroo Rugby Club
4. Cruise Morrison / Baldivis Secondary College
5. Dorzion Fepuleai / Thornlie Senior High School
6. Reuben Sulusulumaivasa / Swan View Senior High
7. Apakuki Tehiko / Armadale Senior High School
8. Bareek Ausage / Byford Secondary College
9. Hugh D’Allesandro / Hale School
10. Gideon Weleilakeba / Southern Lions Rugby Club
11. Leeson Tiakia / Yanchep Secondary College
12. Cassius Dougal / Ridge View Secondary College
13. Felix Cooper / Trinity College
14. Joel Ockenden / ARKS Rugby Club
15. James Aleni / Nedlands Rugby Club
16. Tama Tunui / Wanneroo Rugby Club
17. Cruz Remi / Cottesloe Rugby Club
18. Matua Reedy / Aranmore Catholic College
19. Kaiawha Heke / Aranmore Catholic College
20. Ross Prinsloo / Hale School
21. Michael Turukawa / Baldivis Secondary College
22. Peni Naqau / Southern Lions Rugby Club
23. Chase Bunce / St Mark’s Anglican Community School
24. Fatani Fatanitavake / Aranmore Catholic College
25. Iziah Lolohea / Nedlands Rugby Club
CLASS ACTS
LUKE MEGSON: Appointed captain of the travelling side, Megson is a damaging hooker that displays exceptional qualities on and off the field. Megson brings with him Force under-20s experience where he showed he is a huge asset at the set piece but also very solid and mobile across the park.
IZIAH LOLOHEA: His raw skills have simply been a joy to watch in recent years and the threatening fullback will be out to catch the attention of opposition players, coaches and scouts once again. He is almost unstoppable in open space and will happily punish teams that kick the ball his way with a poor defensive chase. Will be a key vocal point on both sides of the ball.
FELIX COOPER: Another Force under-20s prospect, Cooper is a talented flanker that has endured a rapid rise in the past 12 to 18 months. He will be a handful at the breakdown and in attacking support.
ACT U18S
1. Isaac Foster- St Eddys College
2. Fletcher Burrows- Marist College
3. Henry Fool - St Eddys
4. James Hall- Marist
5. Magnus Dafta - Canberra Grammar
6. Charlie Taylor - Marist
7. Colton Mansfield- Queanbeyan
8. Blake Bretton- Marist
9. Marley Nagati - Vikings
10. Lachlan Smith - Marist
11. Benny Martino- Vikings
12. Tom Jensen - Marist
13. Denzielle Veikenne - Daramalan
14. Aiden Wunsch- Daramalan
15. Cam Kirsten - Marist
16. James Martens- Eddys
17. Gabrielle Elliot- Marist
18. Israel Gautusa- Erindale College
19. Lucas Quester- Wests
20. BJ Pumpa- Daramalan College
21. Baxter Sicily- Radford College
22. Joe Phillips- Marist
23. Max Furness- Queanbeyan
CLASS ACTS
MARLEY NAGATI: From the well known Canberra Viking’s club but originally from Queensland. A smart and clever scrum half with superior game understanding and very coachable. He leads the backline.
TOM JENSEN: A Marist product and the No. 12. He has good rep experience as part of the Australia U16s. Has the potential to make a real mark at the tournament on the Sunshine Coast.
CAM KIRSTEN: An electric player for the AC. He contributes well and his coach says he has great full field vision. From Marist and the No. 15 for this ACT side.
BLAKE BRETTON: Another Marist player expect to have an impact. Bretton
is smart, and as tough of nails - usually a winning combination in rugby. The coaches believe he is poised for a breakout tournament.
FLETCHER BURROWS: A schoolmate of Bretton, he is the hooker and a class act at the set piece. He is also crisp at the lineout and a good understanding of the game. Expected to turn heads - and hopefully catch the selectors eye.
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Originally published as Top players, rising stars to watch at Australian schools rugby championships 2025, team lists
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