FNQ’s best junior rugby league players to keep an eye on
Some of these names are already on the Cowboys’ radar, and many more aren’t far off. They’re just a few of 60+ players under 18 dominating in the region. SEE THE LIST HERE
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Aussie rules, soccer and basketball all have their followings, but rugby league remains king when it comes to FNQ sports.
This is backed up by the immense junior following the code has across Cairns and its surrounding towns, with high levels of representation from a club, school and professional level.
Both the Northern Pride and NQ Cowboys provide a pipeline for league hopefuls – of which there are many – looking to carve out a name for themselves in the NRL.
We’ve spoken to coaches and junior club presidents from across the Far North to bring you the top names gracing the fields in the region.
Don’t be surprised to see any of these names donning the Maroons jersey one day.
Cohen Emmi
Club: Tully Tigers
Age: 16
Position: Hooker
Emmi leads the Tigers under-16 team, and took to the field with the Cowboys development squad in April this year.
Coach’s comments: “He’s another one of those boys who are doing pretty well, he was captain of the Pride under-16s Mal Meninga team too.”
Ezelle Matautia
Club: Kangaroos
Age: 15
Position: Front rower, second rower, centre
Coach Philemon Johnston’s comments: “Ezelle is a hard running, hard tackling forward.”
“He has exceptional hands for a front rower. Ezelle is a very raw talented Footy player but can be a devastating forward once he finds his full potential.”
Taakoi Benioni
Club: Brothers
Age: 15
Position: Five-eighth
There’s no stopping this human highlight reel once he gets into open space.
The under-15s Brothers whizzkid is already signed on to the Cowboys.
Sian Matane
Club: Ivanhoes Knights
Age: 13
Matane is a relative newcomer to Leisure Park Road, but has already had an impact in the Knights under-13s.
He was named to the Peninsula rugby union team that represented the region in Toowoomba, which yielded a selection to the Queensland Country team which will play later in 2022.
Coach Matty Tebbit’s comments: “His passion for footy was noticed right away, with his hard running of the ball and his line of defence.”
“It didn’t take long for him to be a key part of our footy team.”
“Sian is one of those naturally talented kids and he turns up to every training session and
game with the right attitude and ready to go with whatever you give him.
“He is definitely a kid to watch over the next few years which makes myself as a coach and also a footy fan very excited to see.”
James Frazer
Club: Edmonton Storm
Age: 18
Position: Half back, five-eighth
Frazer’s talents have him currently playing for the Ipswich Jets while attending school in the area.
The Storm under-18s player, however, returns regularly to Farmer Street to lend his top notch aggression on both attack and defence.
Coach’s comments: “James Frazer is the name everyone needs to remember, he will go onto
bigger and better things as he progresses in rugby league.”
“James’ attacking ability as a natural half back/five eighth is matched by his defence which puts him in a league of his own, where James can open up a game at will end and close one out when needed.
“He is the only remaining player from the 2021 Edmonton Storm premiership winning team.
“James has the respect from his peers and is one of the most coachable young men around and he will be one player which should progress onto either State league or the NRL.”
Aerielle Hobbler
Club: Mareeba Gladiators
Age: 18
Position: Front rower, second rower, lock, halves
You’d be hard pressed to find a player as young and accomplished as Hobbler.
Nicknamed ‘May-May’, the 18-year-old plays for the Gold Stars, and has played for the Queensland Sapphires in the National Women’s Championships.
Hobbler was also the only player from the region to play for the Sunshine State in the School Sport Girls Rugby League to play in an inaugural State of Origin-style three game series against a NSW and ACT squad.
Coach’s comments: “Her versatility and great football ability have her recognised as a player to watch for the upcoming National Women’s competition in 2023.”
“She was part of the Pride team. She is also part of the tablelands Women’s team.”
Leon Bianchi
Club: Ivanhoes Knights
Age: 16
Position: Halves
One of the smaller players in the under-16 comp, but don’t let that fool you, Bianchi plays like he’s the biggest player on the field.
Coach Alphonse Bulkua’s comments: “Doesn’t shy away from the contest and tackles anything that runs from him, has the biggest tikka for a small fella.”
Kairo Walsh
Club: Brothers
Age: 13
Position: All rounder
Coach’s comments: “Loves to do what is needed for his team, very raw but works on little things he can control for now, tackles the house down & plays his role.”
“Turns up & listens at training. Can always trust in him week in week out to give me his best. Has challenges in life but uses football to become a better person.”
Beckett Fry
Club: Malanda Eels
Age: 13
Position: Halfback
A crafty No. 7, Beckett has been on the Peninsula under-12s side for both Rugby Union and touch footy last year.
In 2022, the halfback has been a part of the Pride’s Rise program.
Coach Dean Coutts’ comments: Beckett has skills beyond his years … is currently playing in the 14’s competition as a 13 year old.”
Ezekiel Ivey
Club: Tully Tigers
Age: 15
Position: Second rower
Ivey was recently in Redcliffe with the First Nations Goannas for the ASSRL National Championships.
Coach’s comments: “There’s no under-15s in Tully, so he’s been playing up an age group which has done him the world of good.”
“As a 14-year-old, he was playing in the Pride under-16s and doing well in the back row.”
Tchiaku Makaku
Club: Ivanhoes Knights
Age: 15
Position: Five-eighth
Makaku’s family is heavily ingrained in the Knights’ culture, with his older brother playing in seniors, and his younger brother lining up alongside him in under-15s.
Coach Shaun Henley’s comments: “(A) big strong body that can play front row to centre, loves the aggression involved in rugby league, always good for a strong carry and always plays team-first footy.”
Jack Norton
Club: Redlynch Razorbacks
Age: 15
Position: front rower
Just missing out on the Peninsula under-16s by a whisker, Norton’s balance of skill on both ends of the game will hold him in good stead going forward.
Coach’s comments: “Great team player and leader in our forward pack with a big engine.” “He’s been one of our best forwards this season and has a big future ahead of him.”
Jason Hallie
Club: Innisfail Leprechauns
Age: 17
Position: Front row lock
A Tully junior’s product that’s played for the Pride under-16 and under-18 teams in back-to-back years.
The youngster also participated in the Cowboys Academy last year and is playing for the Leprechauns A-Grade squad.
Coach’s comments: “(A) strong fit player who works hard off the field to give himself every chance of achieving his goals.”
“Capable of playing big minutes for a kid his size, very humble, eager to learn.”
Braithan Ketchell
Club: Tully Tigers
Age: 17
Position: Five-eighth
Plays A-grade for the Tigers, and with the Cowboys juniors program.
In his A-grade debut on his birthday, Ketchell picked up the two game-winning points for the team earlier this season.
Coach’s comments: “He’s a pretty impressive young fella … he’s a bit of a utility at the moment.”
“We had a bit of a problem with our number six position, so we threw him in there.”
“Consistency is something young guys struggle with, but he’s been in our top three every week through the five games he’s played.”
Sam Michael
Club: Ivanhoes Knights
Age: 16
Position: Second rower
Coach Alphonse Bulkua’s comments: “(He) has come a long way with his game, every week he was improving game in attack and defence.”
“He’s very dangerous in attack with his ability to run a good wedge line for his halves and very reliable in defence with his tackle tech.”
Luke Magnanini
Club: Innisfail Leprechauns
Age: 17
Position: Hooker
The Peninsula league is a talented tackler, further demonstrated by Magnanini’s skills in judo.
The 17-year-old won titles in Australia before heading to Europe this year to compete on behalf of his country.
Coach’s comments: “(I) coached him last year when he should have been
playing Under 16, always played above his weight and never missed many tackles.
“He was always in our top 3 players each week and picked up our player with the most potential award for the season.”
Tom Cuda
Club: Atherton Roosters
Age: 18
Position: Fullback, wing
A player with his fair share of A-grade experience with the Roosters in 2022, Cuda will likely have a more regular spot in the list in the future.
Coach’s comments: “Tom’s size and strength, along with his safe set of hand at the back and his ability to attack in the broken play as well as diffuse kicks with strong returns, are some of his biggest assets.”
“Tom can produce a quick play with the ball and has a great awareness of when or where to run in the back line on attacking raids.”
Leroy Kingsburra
Club: Yarrabah Seahawks
Age: 14
Position: Prop
Coach John Yeatman’s comments: “(A) raging bull and power house. Leroy has some fancy stepper with a fancy tip top dummy half run that can out step anyone.”
“A comedian off the field and a raging bull on the field, he’s focused on going forward.”
Elsiyah Laumatia
Club: Brothers
Age: 15
Position: Forward
Coach’s comments: “A leader of the team, not with his words but more so his actions on the field.”
“A hard running forward with the ball skills of a halfback. His defensive attitude is infectious within the team.”
Bryce Fincham
Club: Mareeba Gladiators
Age: 15
Position: Second rower, Lock
Fincham is the captain of the Pride under-16 squad, and is well-known for his respect from his teammates both on that squad and the Gladiators under-16s and under-18s.
Coach’s comments: “Bryce is a player others follow. He is in year 10 and has a bright future in front of him.”
“He will be somebody that Mareeba SHS will build a team around in the future.”
Dexter Mimi
Club: Edmonton Storm
Age: 18
Position: Fullback
An explosive Storm under-18s player who moved to the club from the Kangaroos juniors.
Mimi’s versatile skillset has made him a vital piece of the Storm’s defence and push schemes.
Coach’s comments: “Dexter Mimi is a freak that cannot be tamed and only getting better with each game he plays.”
“Dexter has been able to play out of his comfort zone and evolve in his role as fullback and he too continues to develop and increase his skills.”
“We believe Dexter has the ability to be a ‘dynamite’ fullback.”
Aiden Carson
Club: Atherton Roosters
Age: 18
Position: Halfback
One of the more talented halfbacks in the under-18s competition, Carson’s showcased his quality decision-making under pressure through his handful of A-grade outings.
Coach’s comments: “Aiden is one of the form halves in the competition.”
“He is highly skilled in attack and has the ability to play eyes up footy and plays what’s in front of him.”
Bernard Sabadi Jnr
Club: Brothers
Age: 13
Position: Lock, second rower, halves
Coach’s comments: “Very direct runner of the football with a great hunger for defence.
“He’s versatile and hard working, a very committed young footballer with a good attitude.”
Jack Rix
Club: Ivanhoes Knights
Age: 16
Position: lock
Rix has himself well positioned for a prosperous career thanks to his listen and take directions as good as any junior league player.
Coach Alphonse Bulkua’s comments: “I can play him literally anywhere on the field and he will say yes and go out there and give his everything.”
“He never complains about where he’s playing, just gets in there and gets the job done.”
Leon Wood
Club: Mareeba Gladiators
Position: Forward, back rower
A towering force on the field who forms a one-two punch with teammate Tyrone Williams as the under-18 comp’s leading men when it comes to try scoring.
Philip Kua
Club: Brothers
Age: 13
Position: Prop, front rower
Coach’s comments: “Always turns up to training & games, plays anywhere you tell him … strives to get better every week, always shows respect to staff, officials and players.”
Hezekiah Royee
Club: Edmonton Storm
Coach’s comments: “Hezekiah is a quietly spoken young man off the field but once he puts that Edmonton Storm jersey on, he grows into a totally focused player.”
“Hezekiah is another player that has come through the Storm junior ranks
and his speed, attacking brilliance and tough defence has everyone talking.”
His kicking ability is second to none, very skilful. He is a no fuss, no argument player, he just goes about and gets the job done.
“Hezekiah is a player every coach would want in their team, polite, respectful, willing to learn and doesn’t get his ambition mixed up with his ability.”
Cooper Bersinski
Club: Redlynch Razorbacks
Age: 16
Position: Second rower
A player with an endless supply of fuel and an equally endless supply of stamina.
Coach’s comments: “An extremely hard working backorder with no fear.”
“Tackles hard and runs even harder. Always gives 100 per cent every week.”
Caesar Yeatman
Club: Yarrabah Seahawks
Age: 15
Position: Centre
Yeatman has represented the Seahawks well in his young career, playing for the Pride as well as for the Green Hornet Cowboys development squad.
At a school level, he’s also played for the Peninsula squad and was named to the Australian School Boy Championship Indigenous team this year.
Coach John Yeatman’s comments: “Caesar is a leader on and off the field. A fast dynamic player in both attack and defence.”
Riely Chang
Club: Kangaroos
Age: 15
Position: Front rower, second rower, centre
Coach Philemon Johnston’s comments: “Riely is a hard running, hard tackling forward/back.”
“He has exceptional passing skills and is a real workhorse when playing in the second row.
“Although not the regular build of a forward, Riely makes up for it with his big heart and hard tackling. Riely a very raw talented footy player who has a bever give up attitude.”
Beau Stevens
Club: Southern Suburbs
Age: 17
Position: Prop, lock
Stevens is the co-captain of the St Augustine’s First XIII, helping lead the squad in its 2022 Confraternity campaign.
He also represented the Peninsula schoolboys team at the secondary school championships on the Gold Coast.
Coach’s comments: “Beau plays under-18s and also A-grade for Suburbs. This year Beau has (also) played in the Northern Pride under-18s and under-21s.”
Zamien Gilbert
Club: Atherton Roosters
Age: 17
Position: Centre, wing
An under-18 Pride player with seniors aspirations, almost definitely with the Roosters A-Grade team.
Coach’s comments: Zamien’s size and strength are his assets with a wrecking ball running style.”
“He is hard to contain, good under the high ball and a great finisher.
“Zamien is good one-on-one.”
Iszak Keller
Club: Redlynch Razorbacks
Age: 15
Position: Front rower
As well as standing out with the Razorbacks, Keller has also proven himself with the Pride under-16 team.
He also represented the Peninsula at the Queensland Junior Rugby League tournament in April.
Coach’s comments: “One of the most talented and exciting young players in our competition.” “Currently plays as a front row but could play anywhere in the forward pack or out in the centres.”
“Has the size, speed, and skills that make him such a devastating ball runner and very good defender.”
Mosiah Lui
Club: Southern Suburbs
Age: 17
Position: Fullback, centre
Jumping between Suburbs’ under-18s and A-grade sides, Lui has also notched runs with the Pride under-18s.
This year, the St Mary’s Catholic College student played with the Peninsula side at the secondary school championships on the Gold Coast, and played in the Confraternity Shield.
Jonty Coutts
Club: Malanda Eels
Age: 13
Position: Hooker
Coutts plays in the under-14s despite being a year younger and has shown his skill in league, union as well as touch football and cricket.
Coach Dean Coutts’ comments: “Jonty is a very skilful and tough player … he is currently participating in the Rise Pride Rugby League Program.”
Blake Dorahy
Club: Redlynch Razorbacks
Age: 16
Position: half back
A talent not only recognised in FNQ, but NSW after picking up a contract with the Newcastle Knights junior program.
Coach’s comments: “Great vision and natural abilities to control the game.”
Travis Drinnan
Club: Redlynch Razorbacks
Age: 16
Position: Centre
A dual athlete who’s succeeded both on the rugby field and basketball court.
Coach’s comments: “Runs into gaps on the edges using his strength and speed. Loves to find the try line.”
Cody Robson
Club: Ivanhoes Knights
Age: 15
Position: Hooker
Coach Shaun Henley’s comments: “Strong, fast running hooker with good skill set, always leads by example and lets his actions do the talking, comes from a great family who would do anything for this club.”
Ira Yeatman
Club: Yarrabah Seahawks
Age: 14
Position: Five-eighth
Yeatman is a shadow player for the Peninsula’s under-15 squad.
Coach John Yeatman’s comments: “Number one organiser, kicks in general play and a wizard with his hands when attacking.”
“Ira demonstrates good vision and he is the General.”
Jhiden Dikes
Club: Atherton Roosters
Age: 17
Position: Half back
Suiting up for both the Roosters and Pride under-18s, Dikes’ a workhorse with few equals.
Coach’s comments: “Jhiden’s hard work and attention to detail paves the way for (a) bigger and better future.”
“Jhiden has excellent catch, pass and communication skills.
“He is a very confident player and has the ability to read numbers in attack and defence.”
Trashann Matthew
Club: Edmonton Storm
Position: Second rower
A former Kangaroos player who joined the Storm in 2022; Matthew is a utility who has proven to play well at both hooker and lock as well.
Coach’s comments: “He is perfecting his skills as a no fuss, hard running second rower.”
“Trashann’s ability to learn new skills on the run gives him the upper hand over other players his age and he will definitely be one to watch in the future as he develops to his full potential.”
Ben Roebuck
Club: Tully Tigers
Age: 16
Position: Fullback, five-eighth
One of a few under-16s Tigers to establish a name for themselves after a premiership winning campaign in 2021.
Coach’s comments: “He’s all but a done deal to sign with the Cowboys juniors.”
Ronald Bero
Club: Edmonton Storm
Age: 16
Predominantly playing in the under-16s, Bero’s skill also lands himself in Storm under-18 matches.
Coach’s comments: “As Ronald gains more experience, he will become the versatile player that all teams will be wanting amongst their playing stocks.
“Ronald’s ability in both attack and defence is well beyond his age and he has the potential to be both a leader on and off the field.”
Jackson Fahlstrom
Club: Atherton Roosters
Age: 17
Position: Core, edge
Fahlstrom is a committed Rooster under-18s player, who’s solid technical and tackling skills make him a prime candidate for A-grade lists in future.
Coach’s comments: “Jackson has the size and strength that gives him the ability to dominate the ruck and find his front for quick-play balls.”
Mahana Tai
Club: Brothers
Age: 16
Position: Left back rower.
Coach’s comments: “Let’s his actions do the talking at training and game day as he competes on every play.”
“Plays 60 minutes consistently and locks up our left edge.”
Jake Russo
Club: Ivanhoes Knights
Age: 14
Position: Second rower, lock
One of Ivanhoes’ toughest players despite being in the under-14s, Russo comes from a line of Knights with his father a former first grade player.
Coach Simon Morris’ comments: “He is one of the most powerful ball runners pound for pound which is why he is currently our leading try scorer.”
“I am sure it is only a few years from seeing this young man follow in his father’s foot steps.”
Ray Marama
Club: Mossman Port Douglas Sharks
Position: winger
A young and talented winger who’s shone so far in the Sharks’ reserves.
Coach’s comments: “He is a eager learner and puts in 100 per cent playing well above his size and weight.”
Dorick Gela
Club: Edmonton Storm
Position: Front rower
A vocal leader among the Storm juniors, Gela is a valued piece on the front line as he progresses his playing career at Edmonton.
Coach’s comments: “Dorick Gela is an Edmonton Storm junior, coming through the ranks as a notable no fuss front rower.”
“He demands perfection from his peers … his leadership and direction each week is expediently week in, week out.
“Dorick inspires others to better themselves with each game.”
Caylen Hunter
Club: Redlynch Razorbacks
Age: 15
Position: Fullback, wing
Another Pride under-16s player who’s excelled with the program, as well as at a school level representing the Peninsula Schoolboys squad at the state junior league tournament earlier this year.
Coach’s comments: “He is an exciting young talent who is naturally gifted with great vision and electrifying speed.”
Cain Hastie
Club: Mareeba Gladiators
Age: 17
Position: Second rower, five-eighth
A Cowboys development player who recently made his A-grade debut with the Gladiators, Hastie has plenty of strings in his bow with a big future ahead of him.
The 17-year-old also played for the Peninsula side that represented FNQ at the state championships on the Gold Coast in May this year.
Coach’s comments: “He is a player with great talent who can cover a number of positions.”
“He is the captain of the school Aaron Payne Cup team. He was part of the Pride under-18 team.”
Kimberley Bryant
Club: Innisfail Leprechauns
Age: 17
Bryant is already quite accomplished, but has the chops to take her craft even further.
The 17-year-old Leprechaun is a part of the women’s Cowboys Academy and Pride under-19s, and has been a region and North Queensland rep in the last two years.
Coach’s comments: “Kimmy always plays her heart out.”
“She is small, but when she is out on the field she is a handful.
“Every game she would tackle anyone that came her way big or small, always chasing players down and running it hard like she is a big forward.”
Dorick Gela
Club: Edmonton Storm
Position: Front rower
A vocal leader among the Storm juniors, Gela is a valued piece on the front line as he progresses his playing career at Edmonton.
Coach’s comments: “Dorick Gela is an Edmonton Storm junior, coming through the ranks as a notable no fuss front rower.”
“He demands perfection from his peers … his leadership and direction each week is expediently week in, week out.
“Dorick inspires others to better themselves with each game.”
Jai Sinclair
Club: Ivanhoes Knights
Age: 13
Position: Lock
A Knights player through and through since the under-8s, Sinclair has grown his craft tremendously since joining up with the club after moving to FNQ from Sydney.
He has made a lot of his progress through the Pride’s Rise program.
Coach Matty Tebbit’s comments: “Coming from Sydney, already having played footy there, you could see he knew what to do on the footy field.”
“Over the past three years I have seen a change in him each year - from a stocky little kid to a kid that has worked to slim up and work on his fitness.
“The change has meant his footy is just getting better. He now plays footy like he understands what footy is about.
“He attacks the ball with great skill and determination, he leads from the front- not just in attack but in defence as well.
“I believe he is someone to watch in the coming years.”
Tyrone Williams
Club: Mareeba Gladiators
Age: 17
Position: Front rower, second rower
Williams is a versatile player who has played for the Peninsula multiple times in his youth, and currently plays for the Pride under-18 team.
Coach’s comments: “He possesses great attacking skills for a big man along with speed that could have him play in the backs.”
Zak Rookwood
Club: Southern Suburbs
Age: 17
Position: Hooker, half
Rookwood is the captain of the Suburbs under-18 side, and plays for St Mary’s Catholic College whom took part in the Confraternity Shield in June.
Kye Pease
Club: Malanda Eels
Age: 12
Position: Fullback
An Eel since he was 7 years old, Pease was named to the district team in 2020 followed by the Vic Jensen squad in 2021 for the state championships.
This year, he played fullback for the Peninsula squad for rugby league.
Coach Phil Cuda’s comments: “If he isn’t playing on the footy field, he’s watching tackling or grand final clips on YouTube.”
“Kye played for Tully in the Shane Muspratt cup in Ayr, where he was selected to play in the
merit team under lights. This was such a great experience for him.
“Kye says he loves his footy and ‘lives and breathes it’. He hopes to play for the cowboys in
the future.”
Robert Stafford
Club: Yarrabah Seahawks
Age: 15
Position: Half back
Coach John Yeatman’s comments: “Competitive, fast not afraid to run and tackle. Small in stature with a big heart.”
Lachlan Salecich
Club: Brothers
Age: 16
Position: Right back rower
Coach’s comments: “Lock’s up our right edge of the field with his tireless, tenacious defence.
“Strong work ethic both on and off the ball and offers inspiration to his teammates with consistent on field encouragement.”
“He will take the defence at any challenge.”
Kyan Sheppard
Club: Mareeba Gladiators
Age: 17 years old
Position: Centre, fullback
A quality Pride under-18s and Peninsula player who was recently brought down by injury.
Coach’s comments: “He is the fittest player in the club and leads the positive culture for the team.”
“He is looking forward to coming back into the team as soon as possible.”
Vincent Schrieber Jnr
Club: Yarrabah Seahawks
Age: 15
Position: Full back
Coach John Yeatman’s comments: “Safe under the bomb, all-rounder if given the chance and opening and won’t back away in any defence and challenge.”
“Willing to work hard at all levels and cost.”
Cameron Nelson
Club: Innisfail Leprechauns
Age: 17
Position: Lock, 2nd Row, Hooker
Another Leprechaun to play in the Pride under-16s and under-18s in 2021 and 2022, this Innisfail under-18s player stood out among his teammates as one of the more vocal teen players.
Coach’s comments: “Cameron is a great leader, and has been a massive asset to our club.”
“He is someone that the whole team looks up to and leads by his actions on the
field and at training.
“He is one of the toughest kids I have coached and always does the best he can for
our team.
“He is a great club man who helps with the juniors when he can either before under-18 training or running the water on game day.
“He is the kind of person you could build a club around.”
Jaraine Crathern
Club: Edmonton Storm
Position: halves, five-eighth
A Storm player who’s developed solid on-field rapport with teammate and fellow list maker James Frazer.
Crathern is a talent in his own right, however, with tremendous down field vision and decision making.
Coach’s comments: “What Jaraine lacks in confidence he makes up with willingness to learn to better himself for the team.”
“Jaraine plays for his team, his work ethic is strong and he versatility to play anywhere on the field from hooker to fullback.”
Degan Shaw
Club: Brothers
Age: 13
Position: Hooker
Coach’s comments: “Degan is great all rounder. … his runs from dummy half have punished opponents this season.”
He’s also a very useful goal kicker who practises hard after training on this area of his game.”
Solomon Stewart
Club: Ivanhoes Knights
Age: 14
Position: Hooker
Another Knight who’s considered extremely coachable and versatile on both attack and defence making him a valued member of Ivanhoes’ under-14s and has the makings of a future A-grade player.
Coach Simon Morris’ comments: “This solid little hooker reminds you of the block of cheese from Melbourne.
“He is tough and determined.”
Marley Helion
Club: Tully Tigers
Age: 16
Position: Halves, second rower
A player contracted with the Cowboys for two years, who’s also played with the Pride in the Mal Meninga Cup.
Coach’s comments: “He’s a big, tall and rangy kid … he was playing halves but moved into the back row this year.”
Graham Cavanagh
Age: 12
Club: Malanda Eels
Position: Lock
Last year, Cavanagh played in the under-11s Peninsula league team as well as the under-12 touch footy squad.
This year, the 12-year-old will line up at both lock and a second rower for the region at the state championships in Maroochydore with the long term aspiration of being named to the national Queensland squad.
Coach Phil Cuda’s comments: “He has a great work rate on the field.”
“He is a proud Malanda boy, from the Atherton Tablelands and wants to do all his local
supporters proud.”
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