Queensland’s top 10 NRL prospects for 2024: Broncos, Titans, Cowboys, Dolphins
The future of rugby league in Queensland is about to arrive. From a 205cm prop to a hat-trick hero, we profile the kids ready to explode in 2024 for the state’s four NRL clubs.
Meet the two-metre tall Broncos giant and Chad Townsend’s long-term halfback successor at the Cowboys.
The 2023 season unearthed some rising stars in Queensland with the likes of Blake Mozer (Broncos), Alofiana Khan-Pereira (Titans) and Jack Bostock (Dolphins) getting their first taste of the NRL.
These are the next generation of rugby league superstars at Queensland’s four NRL clubs that are in line to make their first grade debuts in 2024.
BRISBANE BRONCOS
BEN TE KURA, PROP, 19
At a towering 205cm, ‘Two Metre Te Kura’ is on track to make his NRL debut for the Broncos in 2024. A Queensland under-19s representative for the past two years, Te Kura was a standout in the Hostplus Cup this year with Souths-Logan and is expected to graduate to the top league next year following the departures of props Tom Flegler (Dolphins) and Keenan Palasia (Titans).
ISRAEL LEOTA, WING, 19
Leota is one of those freakish talents that has excelled in just about every sport he has played. A former junior volleyball star, Leota was a promising product in rugby union and Australian rules before being lured to the Broncos. With speed to burn, Leota is another Maroons under-19s representative who will be keeping the likes of Selwyn Cobbo, Jesse Arthars and Corey Oates honest.
THE DOLPHINS
JAMES WALSH, BACK ROW, 19
Poached from the Dragons last year, Walsh played six Hostplus Cup games in 2023 and is the Dolphins’ top NRL debutant prospect for 2024. Is coming off shoulder surgery and will be behind the eight-ball in pre-season training.
RYAN JACKSON, PROP, 19
A Queensland under-19s Origin starting prop, Jackson played 16 games in the Hostplus Cup last season for Redcliffe. He is on track to make his NRL debut in 2024-25.
GOLD COAST TITANS
JOSIAH PAHULU, PROP, 19
Coming off an injury-ravaged 2023, the former Ipswich State High schoolboys star is on track to make his NRL debut in 2024. The Titans have solid front row depth and he may have to bide his time.
TONY FRANCIS, WINGER, 20
Talented finisher who scored a hat-trick in the Hostplus Cup grand final for Burleigh to score a new contract with the Titans.
OSKAR BRYANT, HOOKER, 20
A rising hooker who flourished in 13 Hostplus Cup appearances last season and will be pushing for an NRL debut in 2024. Younger brother of Brisbane Heat slogger Max Bryant.
NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
TOM DUFFY, HALFBACK, 20
Earmarked as North Queensland’s next long-term playmaker to succeed Chad Townsend, Duffy made 20 appearances for the Townsville Blackhawks in the Hostplus Cup last season and will be pushing for an NRL debut in 2024.
JAMAL SHIBASAKI, LOCK, 19
A Queensland under-19s Origin representative, Shibasaki played for the Blackhawks last season and is closing in on an NRL debut.
WILL SULLIVAN, BACK ROW, 19
Another Maroons under-19s starter, Sullivan will spend more time with the NRL squad next year and push for a first grade debut.
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