60 Meninga Cup Players to Watch this season as explosive regional and south east derby’s loom
Players to watch: Who were the rising stars of the the Mal Meninga Cup under-19s club league competition? Here’s 60 of the finest across all 14 teams ahead of round one this Saturday.
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The Mal Meninga Cup will feature a series of mouth-watering derbies this Saturday as the elite junior representative club competition springs to life across South East Queensland.
After a soft season launch last weekend when Burleigh Bears hosted Ipswich as part of a split round one, glittering matches will be played this weekend.
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On Saturday Capras hosts the Blackhawks, the Cutters will be at home to face the Pride while the Falcons will host the Clydesdales.
Around the south east, sensational Wynnum Manly and Souths Logan encounters loom at Kougari Oval, while the Tigers will test Norths and Tweed Seagulls will lay in wait, ready to ambush Redcliffe.
Who were some of the players to watch across all 14 teams this year? Read on to find out.
FOOTNOTE: As part of News Corp’s coverage of junior reps league, watch for Wednesday’s Connell Cup Players to Watch, followed by Harvey Norman 19s on Thursday and Harvey Norman 17s on Friday.
MENINGA CUP PLAYERS TO WATCH
BURLEIGH BEARS
Marley McLaren
After a breakout campaign with Palm Beach Currumbin’s Langer Trophy outfit last season, McLaren is shaping as a leader and key figure within this Burleigh side.
The crafty halfback, signed by St George Illawarra, will take on an organising role but can let rip himself with his quick feet and change of direction.
Disharne Tonihi
Rangy right centre Disharne Tonihi threatened often last season with Burleigh and will have plenty of opportunities again this year to get his team on the front foot.
A Marsden State High product, Tonihi is a prolific tryscorer who will be a staple week-in-week-out in jersey No.3.
Antonio Verhoeven
The commanding left centre has made the move from New Zealand where he grew up playing rugby. It seems he is a quick learner, Verhoeven a two-try performer in Burleigh’s gritty 28-12 win over Ipswich last weekend.
He is a determined character, raw, with plenty of potential. His round one performance put a down payment on the No. 4 jersey but he could move into the back row, such is his versatility.
IPSWICH JETS
Lachlan Coburn
A glue player, No. 13 Coburn is the type of bloke every coach would welcome into his squad. Coburn, the youngest son of Ipswich jet great Danny Coburn (the most capped Jet player ever), is tough, skilful and humble. His older brother Tyler has been named vice-captain of Souths Logan’s Queensland Cup team.
The St Peter Claver College old boy can play hooker if Harrison Hill is unavailable.
Isaiah Pene
The Jets Meninga Cup will lose a bit of backline firepower in the absence of Amaziah Murgha and Junior Saifiti but they gain plenty in fast-footed fullback Isaiah Pene.
The headgear wearing Ipswich State High talent was as big a threat as any in the Langer Reserves competition last year and will loom as a big danger for Ipswich.
Safe under the high ball, Springfield Panthers junior Pene is in his element on the counter.
Marlon Frost
A Coffs Harbour product, Frost broadened his horizons last year when he moved into the dorms at Ipswich Grammar School where he went on to be a First XV winger.
A high-class performer on the rugby 7s pitch, Frost has speed, finesse and a strong pass across both ways which will come in handy when he has to link up with his inside men.
Tayshon Foley
Foley, a returning centre of the Jets team that made it to the preliminary finals last year, returned to league in style last season after missing 2023 with a shoulder injury.
Great in the air and slippery in tight spaces, right centre Foley was a fine performer for Ipswich SHS, who cruised through the Langer Trophy unbeaten before missing out on a third successive grand final berth in 2024.
He is a genuine cross-field kick option for Nathan Fraser but unfortunately won’t be back for at least a fortnight after sustaining a head knock in Saturday’s match against Burleigh.
TOWNSVILLE BLACKHAWKS
Sean Weir
A former Australian Schoolboys rugby union player, Weir can cover a variety of positions and will undoubtedly come in handy across the season.
A tough defender with vision in attack, Weir is shaping up as Townsville’s right centre.
Jye Olsen
Olsen made his Townsiville A-grade debut for the Burdekin Roosters in 2024 and quickly became a favourite for coach Steve Lansley.
The five-eighth’s kicking game was one of his greatest strengths but he’s also incredibly tough for his age (18).
A tone-setter at training.
Riley Whitfeld
Whitfield, the younger brother of Cowboys NRLW star Jakiya, has shown great promise after reaching out to the Blackhawks for an opportunity.
Whitfeld was a standout rugby union player last year, starting at halfback in St Stanislaus’ College’s First XV.
“He’s one of the only young fellas we’ve brought in from outside the region, the rest are all pretty well homegrown,” coach Whittington said.
“He’s out of Bathurst, a high-level rugby union player and he’s probably been in our top five trainers for the whole pre-season.
“Very professional young man, so I can’t fault him,” Whittington praised.
Kyle Bader
Bader was a surprise-packet player who shone for the Kirwan Bears last year.
The fearsome middle forward refused to take a backwards step and prides himself on competing hard.
“Just watching his Kirwan High games back and even the games he got for the Blackhawks, he just competes on every play,” Whittington said.
“He’s really set the standard across the whole squad to be honest and he’d be in that top three or four trainers for the whole pre-season.
“A really positive young man with his actions and his chat on the training park.”
Sitiveni Afu
Afu, who is completing a pre-season with the Cowboys Young Guns, is one of the brightest rugby league prospects in North Queensland.
The middle forward enforcer captained Ignatius Park College in 2024 as a year 11 student and he led from the front as a regular standout, playing big minutes and stepping up in the big moments.
“He’s always been one of the best young men coming through the grades, so I’m looking forward to working with him,” Whittington said.
“From all reports, he’s training really well over there, and he’s a leader within their Young Guns group. So I’d say nothing will change when he transitions over to us.”
REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS
Cody Starr
Redcliffe State High’s Cody Starr’s 2024 season was disrupted by injury, but he remains a prop of extreme promise.
Tall and agile, he has the ability to win the ruck and generate a quick play-the-ball for his dummy half.
Nate Berrigan
Like Starr, Berrigan had a frustrating 2024 when he missed the school season. The son of former Bulldogs and Broncos NRL hooker Barry, and the nephew of former Maroons utility Shaun, Berrigan is a little like Cowboys’ Reuben Cotter with his speed, intensity and agility around the ruck. He can play at No. 13, second row or hooker.
Jac Finigan
Finigan, a two-time Langer Trophy premiership-winning edge forward, is a fine defensive brute who is not afraid to take his game to the brink.
He is also a good ball runner, but he has a sky-high reputation for his defence around the edge.
WESTERN CLYDESDALES
Jake Durie
Durie, who recovered well from an ACL injury, returned to form late in the 2024 Toowoomba Rugby League season where the playmaker was a game-changer when at his best.
His ball-running and tendency to take on the line while creating opportunities for his teammates is sure to create overlaps aplenty for his outside backs.
Tait Cameron
The Southern Suburbs pivot enjoyed plenty of A-grade experience in Toowoomba Rugby League last year and should benefit from playing against men.
The Clydesdales are without boom teen Braithen Scott (Wynnum Manly) but will be in safe hands with Cameron orchestrating the attack.
Shaun Elara
The destructive Elara was one of the breakout players of the Cyril Connell Cup last year, influencing matches for the Clydesdales with his carries.
The Clydesdales lock earned a call-up for the Queensland Country side and was consistently scoring tries or creating them with his charges from just about anywhere.
Elara, a workhorse in attack and defence, is eager to make a profound impact again in 2025 with his damaging right-to-left step.
NORTHS DEVILS
Michael Hunisett
A hard working prop or edge forward, Hunisett is quietly spoken but will lead by example.
The Redlands talent is tough and has played his way into the squad after impressing during the pre-season.
Every team needs a middle like this prop who loves to tackle.
Carter Welfare
Welfare, a poised playmaker out of Nudgee College, is calm under pressure and will steer the Devils to the right parts of the field.
A premiership winner in GPS First XV rugby with Nudgee last season and a title winner with Redcliffe, Welfare knows how to get the job done.
He possesses a nice short and long kicking game and seems to be in support more often than not.
Keyarn Pene
An impressive leader from the Wavell SHS stable, former school captain Pene brings lots of energy and excitement to the group with his carries, whether it be from centre or in the halves.
He is an outstanding defensive player on the edge and leads by his actions.
Robertson Tusi-Tofu
Robertson Tusi-Tofu, a utility forward, is a seasoned campaigner with Norths who will take on leadership responsibilities within the playing group.
A Wavell SHS alumni, he has always been an impressive player but will this year be his breakout year?
There is plenty of competition for spots but Tusi-Tofu would have hit the ground running after a strong 2024 Langer Trophy campaign with the Warriors.
MACKAY CUTTERS
Tavita Panai
A premier Meninga Cup forward last year, Panai is hoping to take his play to another level this year.
Coach Andrew Battaia, who envisions a professional career for Panai, has appointed him captain of the squad.
Travis Larner
One of the Cutter’s unsung heroes from last year, Larner’s work horse behaviour always shines through when the going gets tough.
The former Central Burnett Brumbies rookie has bulked up in the off season and is sure to ruffle feathers as a middle forward this season.
Jack Thorburn
Thorburn was outstanding last year in what was his first representative-level experience.
He is a damaging ball runner and his first-up contact in defence is jarring at times.
SUNSHINE COAST FALCONS
Koby Brown
A crafty halfback, Brown will captain the Falcons this season after years of experience in the Sunshine Coast rugby league system.
Brown’s footy IQ and skill set give reason to believe the Falcons can pile on plenty of points this season.
Jesse Bender
A tough, brutish centre that has been likened to Broncos star centre Kotoni Staggs.
The Falcons vice-captain leads by example and will be a key focus point for a number of opposition defensive edges.
Tyson Knight
A big, barging Maryborough talent, Knight sought an opportunity in representative rugby league and has found a home in the Falcons nest.
The Maryborough Wallaroos product will be a bottom age player in 2025 but has been exceptional through the pre-season trial matches which indicates a big season is in store.
Nate Thompson
Thompson, who signed a Canterbury Bulldogs contract over the summer, is making the switch to rugby league after the quicksilver rugby winger represented the Australian Schoolboys rugby union side in 2024.
He will bring plenty of pace and flair to the Falcons outfit.
Charlie Coates
An impressive middle forward prospect aligned with the Melbourne Storm, Coates has skyrocketed in recent years and shapes up to be one of the more damaging forwards of the competition in 2025.
Ellyjah Birve
Birve is back in Falcons colours this season after a year off in 2024 and the Caloundra State High utility back, originally from Cairns, is an excitement machine.
Birve can cover multiple positions in the backline as his skill and vision on or around the footy is unmatched.
Blink and you might miss him.
Myron Taupati-Campbell
Taupati-Campbell, a newcomer to the statewide competition, looms as a key forward having slotted into the Falcons side with ease.
The Caboolture league product was a key back in St Columban’s College’s TAS First XV rugby premiership squads of 2023 and 2024 and is growing in confidence each session in the 13-a-side format.
An aggressive forward on both sides of the ball, Taupati-Campbell cannot be underestimated this season in the yellow and black.
TWEED SEAGULLS
Zane Harrison
Destined to be the Gold Coast Titans’ NRL halfback, Harrison has won a plethora of best-on-ground honours and is coming off a sensational 2024 season where he steered Tweed to the Meninga premiership and PBC SHS to the national schoolboys title.
PBC SHS First XIII coach Tim Maccan summed up Harrison’s influence after the national schoolboys final when he said “you just give him the keys and let him drive the thing”.
The highly-touted conductor was elevated to a Titans development contract last season and has a superb kicking game, is solid defensively, and has a track record of rising to the occasion.
Isaac Harrison
Isaac, the twin brother of Zane, has been making his name at lock.
He is a glue player, and while he doesn’t kick goals or assist on tries like his brother, he is often equally crucial, getting through a mountain of dirty work at lock.
He will be a leading tackler and carrier for the Seagulls.
Sam Stephenson
The Australian Schoolboys select was so dominant at centre in last year’s exhibition match against France’s Under-19s that coach Tim White dubbed him one of the best defensive centres he had come across.
While defence is what underpins Stephenson’s game, he is powerful and provides plenty of attack.
Zac Kumbamong
The Queensland Schoolboys (2024) prop represented the PNG Prime Minister’s XIII Junior Kumuls against the Australian Schoolboys last year and was impressive.
But that was just the beginning for the Keebra Park SHS old boy who spent pre-season training with the Titans.
Powerful and unrelenting.
BRISBANE TIGERS
Jack Tuite
Tuite, a St Laurence’s College AIC First XV rugby premiership winner, is a born leader who is just as important off the field as he is on, as an edge forward.
A returning player, Tuite is a year older and wiser. Watch for him to rise up against the competition’s best in his position.
Kayliss Brown
Brown, another proven campaigner who played in the Meninga Cup last season, will be even better this season with experience under his belt.
He is a decorated hooker from the Stretton State College program who could go all day.
Has x-factor about him.
Grady Payne
Payne really stood up and was counted on during his debut season in the 2024 Langer Trophy school season with Redcliffe SHS. He really learned how to run a side and those attributes, coupled with his work ethic and commitment, make him a great addition to the Tigers’ den.
He will be jumping out of his skin to prove himself in this company.
Jaffahl Skillington
Mackay District Rugby League under-20s star Jaffahl Skillington played in the Meninga Cup for the Mackay Cutters last year and is another top notch pick up for the Tigers.
He has flair - he shone as a fullback in club football last season - and will be a threat with the ball as a centre or No.1.
VJ Vialau
Like Grady Payne, Vialau broke into the Langer Trophy last season (Marsden SHS) and, as an under-age talent, will be better for the experience entering his first season in the Meninga Cup.
WYNNUM MANLY
Braithen Scott
Scott, a playmaker signed by the Brisbane Broncos, hails from St Mary’s College in Toowoomba. It is the old school of champion Queensland and Australian halfback Johnathan Thurston.
Scott had played Connell Cup footy for his local side, the Toowoomba Clydesdales, but has made the move to the big smoke as he looks to continue his development closer to Red Hill.
He is classy. One of his best seasons in junior football came when he played fullback for one Connell Cup season (2023).
Cohen Jackson
Jackson, from the stronghold of St Patrick’s College, Mackay, is a true-blue forward and also a goal kicker.
He is a valuable recruit for Wynnum Manly, Jackson an impressive pre-season trainer with his toughness and effort-on-effort performances.
Levi Hawea
Local junior Levi Hawea was in the top echelon of players in the AIC First XIII rugby league competition last year.
He is a real general who will lead the team around the park.
Has the kicking game down pat having spent three years in Iona College’s First XV program.
Cooper Day
Mabel Park State High old boy Cooper Day, a middle forward battleship, is the type of player that leads by example with his tenacity taking the ball forward.
He is back at Kougari after playing strongly for the Seagulls last season.
Oscar Donovan
Physical and aggressive, Donovan is a powerhouse mobile forward who was one of the more dominant players in the GPS First XV rugby competition last season playing for Brisbane Boys’ College.
Donovan, a No. 8 or prop front rower in rugby, is also a part of the Queensland Reds Under-18s squad after bursting onto the scene in 2024.
Jared Horne
Watch for another Broncos’ signing, No. 13 Jared Horne, to advance his game this season.
Horne is arguably the leading player in his year level (Year 12), having played two seasons of Langer Trophy and Connell Cup footy already at a very high level.
Horne, who at times resembles an outside back when running the ball, will be hard to miss with his rugged defence, footwork near the line, and ball-playing influential in the past.
SOUTHS LOGAN
Lehi Thomas
Thomas, who will play in the middle this season, has Magpies DNA all over him.
He grew up attending school at multicultural Our Lady of Fatima primary school, just a stone’s throw from Souths Acacia Ridge headquarters.
Thomas then went to Mabel Park SHS in Slacks Creek where he rose to perform with distinction for the school in the Langer Trophy competition, as a barnstorming centre.
Thomas, who finished 2024 playing for Beenleigh’s under-21s, can make a difference with his powerhouse running around the ruck.
Harlem Tata-Paki
Winger Tata-Paki is returning after being a part of Souths Logan’s 2024 Meninga Cup campaign.
Like Thomas, mentioned above, Tata-Paki attended Mabel Park SHS but is originally from Western Australia.
He has a splash of x-factor about his game, which features sharp footwork, controlled playmaking and vision.
Sam Martin
Souths Logan will be well served with hooker Sam Martin, an Ipswich local, handling the ball more than anyone else in the side.
He is a fine player who tackles like a man possessed when the time is right.
Pale Feaunati
A tall prop, who like Martin is in the Broncos Academy, was elite for the Magpies last season in the Connell Cup.
He has an enormous workrate which will compliment his partner in the middle, Dirhys Sefo.
Diryhs Sefo
Sefo, a 2025 Under-19 Emerging State of Origin squad member, is a towering middle forward who just keeps turning up.
He got better as the season progressed in 2024 and bolsters an imposing Magpies pack that will be hard to stop in its tracks.
Xzavier Timoteo
The relentless Timoteo is a new face in the Magpies nest, a fine product from the ever-strengthening Ipswich SHS rugby league program.
Timoteo was outstanding in school age football in 2024 and made the Queensland schoolboys side as a result.
Watch for his clever running angles.
CQ CAPRAS
Jake Oberhardt
A powerhouse middle forward, Oberhardt plays at full blast every minute he is on the field.
Hard-hitting and physical in the tackle, Oberhardt is an equally effective ballrunner with deft handling skills.
Cruz Beazley
A genuine workhorse, Beazley will play plenty of big minutes for the Capras this season.
The consistent and reliable forward he is someone his teammates won’t take for granted.
Isaac Walker
Walker’s leadership qualities were to the fore in pre-season and he will lead in every way he can as the team’s halfback this season.
The quick-between-the-ears playmaker is not unfamiliar with a 40-20.
Northern Pride
Cayde Miller
Miller is a young gun coming through the Pride with his speed and agility, the bottom ager is one to keep a close eye on through the middle.
Despite being one of the youngest in the group, Miller’s leadership is something that holds him above and will be a key reason they push for the finals in 2025.
Cooper Mearse
Another bottom ager, will be a strong leader for his fellow bottom agers this season as the Pride look to return to finals.
The second rower is a key player in their defence and will play a vital role for their push for the premiership.
Originally published as 60 Meninga Cup Players to Watch this season as explosive regional and south east derby’s loom
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