Group 9 Rugby League: 20+ players to watch across five divisions on grand final day
Group 9’s biggest day is upon us with five divisions in action at Wagga. We take a look at the 20+ players who can make an impact and lead their team to grand final glory.
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It’s grand final time in the Riverina-based Group 9 competition.
One of the strongest country regions in NSW, there will be plenty of star talents strutting their stuff across five grades.
We take a look at a few players who are set to make a big impact.
JUMP TO:
Under 16s - Under 18s - League Tag - Reserves - First Grade
UNDER 16s
JUDE CATTLE
Wagga Kangaroos
Front Row
Jude is the captain and a true leader both on and off the field. He exemplifies grit and footy smarts, consistently setting the standard for effort and determination. His leadership and strong presence in the front row make him an invaluable asset to the team.
DIEZEL WATSON
Wagga Kangaroos
Halfback
Diezel Watson - Diezel is one of the fiercest competitors on the team, driven by a strong winning mindset. Week in and week out, he takes charge, steering the team around the park with precision and confidence, making him a crucial playmaker in our squad.
KAI STANMORE
Wagga Kangaroos
Second Row
Kai Stanmore - Kai is a powerful, ball-running back-rower with a bright future in the game. His relentless work ethic and physicality on the field make him a standout player, consistently making an impact in both attack and defence.
TYLER JORDAN
Wagga Kangaroos
Lock
Tyler is a ball-playing lock who combines toughness with intelligence on the field. He leads by example, consistently demonstrating strong decision-making and physicality, making him a key figure in the team’s forward pack.
ETHAN HAYWARD
South City Bulls
Centre
Brings a level of enthusiasm and passion that every teams needs. Willing to run the hard line and is strong in defence. Always dangerous.
JYE PARKER
South City Bulls
Fullback
Brings the X-factor to the team. Is always looking to attack and has a strong ball return. Uses his football knowledge to know where be.
ANDREW PEARSE
South City Bulls
Centre
Has had a strong season with the boot. He is committed and always well prepared. Has the potential to break the game open with his attack.
UNDER 18s
DETROY MCKELLER
Wagga Brothers
Fullback
Detroy is a key asset to the team, excelling both as a strong defender and a dynamic attacker. His ability to deliver under pressure and rise to the occasion in crucial moments gives him that X-factor. He’s the go-to player when they need to make a game-changing impact and get on the scoreboard.
JACKSON CLARKE
Wagga Brothers
Second Row
‘Jacko’ is the backbone of the forward pack, consistently setting the pace with his powerful attacking runs and commanding defence. His physicality and relentless determination makes him our go-to player when we need that extra surge of power on the edge. A constant threat to opposition defenders, Jacko applies relentless pressure, creating opportunities and opening up the game for the team.
RUSTY KENNINGALE
Wagga Brothers
Lock
Rusty is a key player in the team, consistently putting his body on the line by fearlessly taking the ball up and breaking through even the toughest defences. Opponents steer clear of running straight at him, knowing his tackles are punishing and not easily forgotten. A true leader on the field, Rusty leads by example, both through his powerful play and his words, setting the standard for the entire team.
LACHIE COLE
Wagga Kangaroos
Five-eighth
A player who leads from the front, is light on his feet and can make things happen from any part of the field with a pinpoint kicking game. Look for Lachie supporting his hard-running forwards.
MAL CHARLES
Wagga Kangaroos
Prop
A hard-running, hard-hitting front rower with all the skills and a great offload. Look for Mal running through the middle.
JOEY CHARLES
Wagga Kangaroos
Centre
A tough and gritty player, who loves to hit hard and not afraid to do the hard yards coming out of his red zone.
LEAGUE TAG
BROOKE WIGGETT
Wagga Brothers
Fullback
Brooke is an outstanding player, excelling in both attack and defence with exceptional footwork and a deceptive style of play. Her ability to remain calm under pressure, coupled with her relentless effort throughout the game, makes her a standout performer. In recognition of her consistent and inspirational contributions, she was named the 2024 Group 9 Best & Fairest.
MAISIE FREEMANTLE
Wagga Brothers
Seconds Receiver
Maisie has evolved into a powerful ball runner, consistently hitting strong lines with the right mindset. She’s equally impressive in defence, where very little gets past her, showcasing her all-round strength on the field.
BRIDGET HORSLEY
Wagga Brothers
First Receiver
Bridget is a versatile player who can excel in any position on the field. With a strong passing and kicking game, she consistently leads by example, demonstrating her skill and leadership.
RESERVE GRADE
CHRIS MANLEY
Albury Thunder
Halfback
Will again be a key player for the Albury Thunder. He has been consistently the team’s best player all season. Chris has great vision, and an accurate kicking game. He is an elusive ballplayer, who has crossed for eight tries this season, in his season tally of 120 points. He scored a try and landed two goals in the Thunder’s 12-10 semi-final win over the previously unbeaten Gundagai Tigers.
ETU UAISELE
Albury Thunder
Centre
A former Panther, Eel and Tongan World Cup rep is the captain/coach of the team. He has played a huge part in the resurgence of his team in the last two months. Etu spent four weeks on the sideline with a broken finger, during which time his side never won a game. However, upon his return, the club has won its past five games and will be looking to make it six wins in a row in the decider. Etu leads by example and can lift his team by producing a big hit in defence, or a charging run.
BRODIE FORD
Albury Thunder
Prop
Brodie Ford has developed this season into a player with the ability to ‘off-load’ in traffic and will be required to match the powerful Gundagai Tigers front row. Ford has surprising pace for a big man and will be looking to create opportunities for the running forwards.
FIRST GRADE
ZEIK FOSTER
Wagga Kangaroos
Five-eighth
Zeik offers great communication on the field as well as an experienced football IQ. Zeik has the ability to get the best out of his teammates by leading by example with his courageous defence and creative running half play. The Foster boys are an essential ingredient for success and club culture.
BOWIE FOSTER
Wagga Kangaroos
Bowie - Second Row
Bowie is the ultimate competitor and the quintessential Kangaroo. Bowie’s tough carries and leg speed make him a handful to contain and his defence is ruthless and uncompromising as well as his adaptability to most forward positions.
Originally published as Group 9 Rugby League: 20+ players to watch across five divisions on grand final day
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