NT rugby sided perform in 2024 Southern States Junior Championships

The next generation of NT rugby stars showed the rest of the competition what they’re made of as they claimed medals and wins over national heavyweights. Read how they performed.

NT Rugby’s junior stars showed their talent with each of the four sides bringing home a medal, with the under-18s pulling off an impressive win against a competition heavyweight.

Each of the under-18s, under-16s and under-14s Mozzie boy’s sides claimed bronze in the Adelaide-based 2024 Southern States Junior Championships.

The under-16s girl’s side, the Goannas, matched their counterpart’s efforts, bringing home a third place of their own.

A combined Barbarians outfit comprised of Territorians, Victorians and Tasmanians rallied to beat hosts South Australia in the under-18 girl’s two-match series.

But it was the under-18s 19-12 defeat of an impressive Victoria side that will leave those down south with a strong impression of what the NT is made of.

The side completed their tournament 3-1 on their way to a bronze medal, with the pre-tournament favourites among their scalps.

Tomasi Eaton wins a lineout against Tasmania for NT Rugby in the 2024 Southern States competition under-18s final.

Judah Te Whaiti, James Watt and Setefano Cakaunivalu all crossed the white paint in a match that rocked Victoria, who fell in the gold medal decider to South Australia.

The side’s only loss came in a 22-5 defeat to South Australia, which left their hopes of going to the gold medal match in fourth place finisher Tasmania’s hands.

Meanwhile, the remaining Territory sides got plenty of wins of their own on their way to bronze, each completing an even 2-2 record for their respective divisions.

Rugby Australia national pathways manager Nic Henderson said he was impressed with the Top End talent on display.

“Particularly across that 16s and 18s age group, there’s a lot good players and good skill levels,” Henderson said.

“It goes to show the importance of our national pathways across Southern States and that’s something that should never be overlooked.

“There’s a great enthusiasm to run that ball and show that attacking mindset and I really enjoyed the willingness and intent to take collisions and force contact.”

Henderson said “there were a few players in the NT team that caught the eye” in terms of future prospects for the young group.

Under-14s claim bronze in tough comp

The next gen stars of NT Rugby made an early impression with the under-14s claiming bronze at the 2024 Southern States Junior Championship in Adelaide.

The young Mozzies went 2-2 in their 2024 campaign to finish third overall off the back of two thrashing defeats of Tasmania.

They were stung early by tournament hosts South Australia before rallying late in a 22-5 defeat, with try-scoring number eight Latelle Robertson a standout.

Captain Reef Smith in action for the U14 NT Mozzies against Tasmania at the Southern States Junior Championship. Picture: NT Rugby

The Mozzies bounced back in their second game with Robertson, Oscar Peake, Ryder Stanton, Malakai Tonson and Khy Pattemore all crossing the chalk in a 54-5 smashing of Tasmania.

However, a showdown with competition favourites Victoria to round out the round robin proved a bridge too far.

Backrower Latelle Robertson in action for the U14 NT Mozzies against Tasmania at the Southern States Junior Championship. Picture: NT Rugby

The Rebels ran out the 38-0 winners, but the NT put on a brave performance to limit their scoring potential.

The NT railed strongly in the bronze medal playoff to roll over Tasmania once more in a 64-0 rout, which the under-16s and 18s will take some inspiration from.

The Mozzies were met with stiff resistance early as Tassie locked down their tryline before the dam wall burst with Robertson and Tremaine Haynes (two tries apiece) leading to the huge score.

NT Rugby are also fielding teams in the under 16s and under 18s with games to be played Thursday and Friday.

Games are free to watch via livestream - visit rugby.com.au/videos to tune in.