Meninga Cup Dolphins’ derby special: Meet every Redcliffe and Norths player ahead of a round 9 special this Saturday at Bishop Park
Dolphins derby special: Meet every player from Redcliffe and Norths’ Meninga Cup squad, many of whom are Dolphins’ NRL Academy aces, ahead of Saturday’s Bishop park showdown.
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Saturday’s Meninga Cup showdown between Redcliffe and Norths at Bishop Park will provide a glimpse into the future of the NRL Dolphins, with countless of the club’s academy weapons on display.
Already both teams have secured a finals berth, with the Tweed Seagulls, Mackay Cutters and Burleigh locked, loaded and ready for finals action.
The last remaining semi-final berth will come down to who wins on Thursday when Souths (6th, 10pts) take on Clydesdales and Ipswich (7th, 8pts) take on the Falcons. If Souths lose and Ipswich win, it will come down to point differential.
If both teams win, Souths will go through as the sixth seed.
Saturday’s skirmish between Redcliffe and Norths is also sure to deliver countless highlights with both teams littered with Dolphins’ academy talent.
Detailed below is every footballer who has worn the boots for either the Devils or Dolphins this season.
NORTHS DEVILS TEAM LIST
1. Adaquix-Jeramiah Watts-Luke
One of the Dolphins’ plum NRL academy signings, Watts-Luke’s explosive acceleration down the middle of his forwards will cause Redcliffe damage this weekend.
It is just a matter of how much the damage is contained. Watts-Luke is a Marsden SHS product whose father is NRL and New Zealand champion Issac Luke.
Watts-Luke’s progression and understanding in defence has been evident this season.
2. Ruben Webb
The highly underrated winger from Wavell State High has topped his season by starting and finishing in the First XIII.
The older brother of Roosters rookie halfback Charlie, Ruben plays a completely different role for his side but works hard and has pace to burn either as a finisher or cover defender.
An x-factor player who Norths just need in their team despite wing not being his primary position, Webb has fullback or halfback written all over him moving forward.
3. Keyarn Pene
Recently dubbed by this organisation as the best unsigned Meninga Cup player from South East Queensland, the Albany Creek junior has been swung between centre and second row this season.
The vigorous running from dummyhalf and effectiveness in defence has been elite all season long from a player capable of covering various positions. His best asset: Finding the play and being in the right place at the right time when Norths need it.
The 2024 Wavell school captain leads by doing rather than speaking.
4. Robertson Tusi Tofu
It is almost a case of simply cut and paste the description above for Pene. Also a Wavell SHS product, Tusi Tofu has been a powerhouse with his dummy half scampers and his rugged, in your face defence.
He has come into his own on the edge, maturing into the senior player he was destined to be when he had his first Meninga Cup campaign in 2023.
Confidence is at an all-time high.
5. Kurt Jones
A long striding Wavell SHS winger, Jones is somewhat of a bolter who was snapped up by the Dolphins academy scouts after impressing during the early rounds of the competition. He has speed to burn and a willingness to take ruck runs from the defensive end.
A bloke who has jumped out of the ground to be a regular starter at Norths, Jones has the frame to build out and cause damage moving forward.
Has plenty of toe and has emerged as Norths’ most accurate goalkicker.
6. Carter Welfare
A highly fancied junior from Yeppoon, Welfare has lived up to his reputation in both school (Nudgee College) and club football (Norths).
He’s have a bumper season, taking advantage of Norths speed through the middle to find opportunities with either outside or inside passes.
Last weekend against Ipswich Welfare scored the game-defining try with a gorgeous show-and-go before beating defenders on the outside.
He played in Redcliffe’s 2024 Connell Cup premiership winning side and has continued to mature with his game-management and ability to direct and unlock teammates.
7. Jahrel Iselin-Jansen
It is no coincidence the Devils have clicked with Iselin-Jansen playing in the halves alongside Carter Welfare.
An Aspley junior from Wavell SHS, Iselin-Jansen initially had a hiccup when he failed to make the 2022 Redcliffe Connell Cup side until the last game - when he played wing.
But he fought back strongly in 2023, helping Redcliffe win the Meninga Cup premiership before switching to Norths last season where he developed nicely after taking himself out of his comfort zone by switching from Redcliffe to Norths.
A very capable runner, Iselin-Jansen will be as dangerous as any when finds the perfect balance between playing flash and playing progressive footy to get the best out of his peers.
8. Jasper Barry
He’s no mug this kid.
From Marist College Ashgrove, Barry’s got character from head to toe which matches his considerable ability.
If you make the final squad of a Norths Connell Cup or Meninga Cup squad you can play. Barry, after raising eyebrows with his trial form under torrential rain and shocking conditions, has been Norths’ find of the season.
The tall, athletic prop has shown his big motor regularly playing 50 minutes a game.
9. Lachlan McCall
A hooker, McCall started the season off the bench before establishing himself in the starting side as the season wore on.
The plucky dummyhalf is just a footballer who will put his head in nasty places, a tough little rooster in defence who has lovely service from the ground to his halves.
The Marist College Ashgrove old boy can also take advantage of a man down around the marker when the opportunity arises.
Norths have had four top-notch hookers in defensive terrier McCall, Fynn Dalton (currently recovering from an MCL strain), Sonny Herdegen and Flynn Madders - all players good enough to start.
10. Laurie Lupematasila
Lupematasila was also a member of Norths’ 2024 campaign, but 2025 has been a breakout year for the Brighton Roosters middle forward.
He has started in every match this season, playing a big role in Norths rising with the tide after starting the season with a loss and a draw.
Another big improver from the Wavell SHS cradle, Lupematasila has got better and better the more his confidence has grown.
Played a season-high 53 minutes in round 8 where he continued to burst out of his shell.
11. Montgomery Betham
Don’t be confused with his namesake across the river at the Tigers called Monte Betham. Although, like Monte, Montgomery is a tireless forward whose best footy lies ahead.
Betham is growing in confidence the more he plays after returning from injury earlier in the season.
The Stretton State College enforcer is sure to take plenty of learnings from the rise in grade this season from Connell to Meninga Cup footy when he returns bigger and better in 2026.
12. Duquan Talaepa
A Moreton Bay Raiders junior, Talaepa is a second-row tearaway who uses his build to win tackles when he carries, and to hit and stick in defence.
Mabel Park State High’s Langer Trophy captain, the softy-spoken Talaepa can clean up an opponent with brutal defence.
The 2024 Connell Cup premiership-winner with Redcliffe has levelled up.
13. Charlie Dickson
One of the more likely players to eventually crack the big time for the Dolphins was Dickson and Redcliffe second rower Zac Garton.
Dickson, a Wavell SHS past student from the Moreton Bay Raiders catchment, is a No.13 improver who last season won the Justin Hodges Medal for the Langer Trophy’s best player.
His strength allows him to dominate tackles, hit, spin and wriggle at the last moment to ensure he lands on his stomach.
Dickson, another premiership winner with Redcliffe, has a nice passing game before the line.
14. To be determined
15. Zac Reader
Plucked from Tigertown heartland, the Carina junior with wonderful natural ability has added variety to the Devils’ side when used this season off the bench.
A former Brisbane Grammar School First XV captain, Reader has the vision of a half or lock and the speed to impact tired defenders around the ruck.
The skilful Reader is still working his way back after a bad run with injuries and a long, hard season like this will serve him well moving forward.
16. Michael Hunnisett
This bloke would impress any coach with his worth ethic.
Hunnisett is a hard-yakka prop who hits and spins and goes again, someone who gets down and dirty on both sides of the ball.
His hard work has been rewarded with a big role in this Norths squad after he first took coach Kevin Neighbour by surprise with a terrific trial match.
17. Nate Clark
You get the sense the composed Clark could come off the bench for the Broncos and just do his thing.
An unflappable character who few could get under the skin of, Clark has been reliable as Norths’ interchange edge forward.
A respected underachiever out of Padua College.
Other squad members from 2025 included:
Sonny Herdegen
It is little wonder Herdegen is well groomed to play hooker after growing up playing backyard footy with older brother Zac and sister Jayde.
Originally a Bribie Island boy, the youngster has done a great job when called upon as a starting or reserve rake.
Herdegen was a Redcliffe 2024 Connell Cup premiership winner.
Emerson Jackson
A tall, rangy centre from the Maroochydore club, Jackson used his long stride to get on the outside of opponents earlier this season before calling stumps to return to the Beerwah club for Sunshine Coast A-Grade footy.
Noah Blooranta
From the beautiful Atherton Tablelands region of Mareeba, Blooranta was a valuable member of the Norths squad this season who played both centre and five-eighth.
A head knock against Souths in round 6 has kept him on ice but you get the feeling his best is yet to come at the Devil’s Lair.
Footnote: Other squad members used this season were Tyrese Tovao, Ryan McPherson, Siosifa Filipe, Daniel Gray, Wavell SHS’s Flynn Madders and Fynn Dalton, a gutsy No.13 or dummyhalf who played in Padua’s 2024 First XV premiership side.
REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS TEAM LIST
1. Reeco Kirk
Classy and creative, this Ipswich product has added plenty since returning from injury to inject more attack into the Dolphins starting side.
He will have his hands full given Welfare’s kicking game but can throw plenty of traffic back Norths’ way.
2. Callum Bowles
A Langer Trophy premiership winner with Palm Beach Currumbin SHS, Bowles was a Mr Everywhere man who could cover fullback and centre - which he has done with distinction in the past.
He started the season at fullback but played wing last weekend, which emphasised his versatility.
Has been ultra-consistent for the Dolphins in 2025.
3. Seth Carpenter
Carpenter is one of a number of Central Queensland rookies who were early inductees into the Dolphins’ Academy.
Carpenter emerged from the Capras and his school Emmaus College as an eyes-up fullback with classy touches and a sixth sense for the ball.
He still has those skills, but has worked on his defence and last weekend made his first appearance as a centre for Redcliffe.
4. Elijah McKay
The towering, raw-boned centre runs with the gusto of a second rower and tackles like one as well.
He is from the Dolphins’ adopted nursery of Central Queensland where he played so well, he made the 2024 Queensland Schoolboys side from The Cathedral College.
His big frame is the perfect build for a centre in an era where back five runs from the defensive end means so much to teams. He is an aerial threat as well.
5. Jeremiah Patea
A gutsy, athletic left winger, Patea is first-class on the kick returns where he uses his long frame to chew up yards.
He is also an outstanding finisher with an ability to get his arms free in a tackle and unload to supporting players.
Patea comes from a rugby background, having played for the Brothers club in the past. He has fit wonderfully in the elite under-19s competition which, to be frank, is a different beast.
6. Lachlan Buchbach
This Logan Brothers quiet achiever continues to blossom the further up the food chain he progresses.
Originally he was stuck playing Langer Reserves at Marsden SHS, but moved school to Mabel Park SHS where he was the discovery player of the 2023 school season.
So respected is he on the Peninsula, Buchbach captains the team and runs a highly-successful left hand side of the field.
7. Noah Fien
A revelation since arriving in Brisbane alongside his family, the Nudgee College student and Redcliffe halfback seems to attract success.
A Redcliffe 2024 Connell Cup premiership winner, halfback Fien has been a sensation swinging left and right where his leg speed has carried him through disorganised defences.
Fien, whose dad Nathan is a former Dragons premiership winner and New Zealand Test hooker, has X-ray vision with his passing and is prepared to back himself.
8. Kinkade Conlon-Carson
A former Roosters Harold Matthews Cup representative, Kinkade Conlon-Carson has been an institution on the Peninsula for the last two campaigns.
He is an excellent middle forward returning from a shoulder injury. The big-hitting Conlon-Carson has been a fixture in the side since round three when he came off the bench to support Redcliffe’s best starting pack of the season - Starr, Marsh, Ford, Garton, Finigan and Berrigan.
Conlon-Carson is getting better and better the more miles he gets under his belt.
9. Braelan Marsh
An elite hooker, Marsh was scooped up by the Dolphins when talent scouts looked north to St Brendan’s College in Yeppoon hoping to establish an outpost recruitment ground outside the club’s traditional catchment of northern Brisbane, the Stanley River and Caboolture regions.
He has been arguably the best No.9 in the competition this season.
Marsh’s dad is PJ, a former Queensland State of Origin series winning hooker.
10. Carter Ford
Like Marsh, McKay and Seth Carpenter, Ford was recruited from country territory where, playing alongside Marsh at St Brendan’s Yeppoon, he played his way into a Dolphins’ academy contract.
Ford is the real deal as a middle forward which comes as no surprise given his pedigree.
His dad is the late Carl Webb, a wonderful Broncos and Cowboys player who is cherished by Queensland State of Origin supporters.
11. Patrick Kailahi
All the way from Hamilton in New Zealand, Kailahi finished the 2024 season arguably Redcliffe’s best Meninga Cup forward.
Redcliffe’s depth has been tested with Jairus Halahala, Cody Starr, Zac Garton and Nate Berrigan unavailable at times, so having someone like Kailahi in the squad was a godsend for coach Scott Murray.
The Marsden State High old boy has maintained the rage, that is for sure.
12. Brian Pouniu
An outstanding edge forward, the North Lakes Kangaroos’ junior remains one of the Dolphins’ top academy talents.
Pouniu is a tremendously-strong athlete with strength in contact, speed and an uncanny ability to release a pass while being tackled.
He’s another kid who is Dolphins to the core and adds so much in attack it is not funny.
13. Amare Wynyard
Redcliffe from the bottom of his boots to the tip of his head, Wynyard is a great competitor and leader.
His prime position is dummyhalf where his leg speed in the defensive line is a great asset, but he has at times this season played as running No.13 where his mobility and passing game has helped speed up the game for Redcliffe.
The impressive Redcliffe State High senior and Langer Trophy skipper has forced his way into the starting lineup after being stuck behind Marsh earlier this season.
14. Xavier Kirk
A livewire walking.
Utility back Kirk has been here, there and everywhere over the past 12 months playing for Ipswich SHS, Wynnum Manly, St George Illawarra and now Redcliffe.
Wherever the light-footed Kirk goes, he is a huge threat.
15. Taufa Taulani
Taulani, somewhat of a secret weapon, is an outstanding middle forward who roars off the bench and gives Redcliffe a lift with late footwork at the line, strength in contact and leg drive.
The dynamic Redcliffe SHS product has been a fixture in the side this season.
16. Mathias Santo-Hero
A Charters Towers junior, Santo-Hero is a crowd pleasing No.9 who can change a game off the back of quick ruck ball.
With Marsh and Wynyard in the squad competition has been intense, but Santo-Hero made every post a winner when given game time at the weekend.
He has helped fill that quick-footed forward role in the absence of Berrigan.
17. Kaleb Teu
Powerhouse middle forward Kaleb Teu, one of Redcliffe’s hand picked New Zealand recruits, hails from the Ellerslie Eagles club in Auckland.
A No.13 or prop with a noted big motor, the powerful Avondale College product uses his leg speed as a point of difference.
He came into play during round five after Redcliffe had lost Nate Berrigan and Cody Starr.
Other squad members from 2025 included:
Cody Starr
The towering Starr, a local junior, is an elite front-row prospect.
For a big man he rises to his feet to play the ball quickly, a skill which means everything in this era. When he goes forward, his team goes forward.
His dad Adam, played for the Balmain Tigers in the late 1990s.
Zac Garton
Somehow the Dolphins beat the astute Melbourne Storm talent scouts to Garton’s signature after the rookie came through playing juniors in Gympie and on the Coast.
A second rower, Garton has NRL written all over him and last season was one of just three Queenslanders to make the Australian schoolboys side.
Garton is built low to the ground, a little like Bromwich, and was a punishing defender and powerhouse runner on the left edge this year.
Jake Carsburg
A local junior, Carsburg enjoyed a boom junior career on the Peninsula.
A centre or winger, he can finish a movement with dash and grace, but can also play tough with his scurries from the defensive end.
He has a splash of class about him and made the 2024 Connell Cup team of the Season.
Nate Berrigan
Injury again curtailed this Reuben Cotter-type forward from playing more matches, but rest assured when he’s on the field, he is a tremendous asset to the side with his leg speed around the ruck off quick play the balls.
Jac Finigan
Second rower Jac Finigan, another Palm Beach Currumbin SHS premiership winner, also had his first season on the Peninsula halted by injury.
The Dolphins’ Academy enforcer and former Queensland schoolboy representative is a rib-rattling defender.
Logan Hudson
From Redcliffe SHS, Hudson was a Mr Utility who did a job on the wing but can play in the halves or at centre with ease.
He was just a reliable type, someone who knows coach Scott Murray’s systems well having been coached by him in Langer Trophy football last season.
Hudson, a 2024 Connell Cup premiership winner, is a valued member of the squad.
Lucas Miller
Miller is a Redcliffe kid, but he attended Wavell SHS before his local high school, Redcliffe, were promoted into the Langer Trophy competition.
One of the Meninga Cup’s big improvers, the prop or No.13 did a fine job filling in off the bench this season for a star-studded Dolphins outfit.
Footnote: Other squad members used this season included Murgon magician Christian Simpson, The Southport School wrecking ball Kilarney Lavender, former Burleigh half and Marymount hooker Jimi Pedlow and good old Brighton Roosters’ product Jacob Morton.
Originally published as Meninga Cup Dolphins’ derby special: Meet every Redcliffe and Norths player ahead of a round 9 special this Saturday at Bishop Park
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