Brisbane Tigers look to build on an improved campaign
Meninga Cup countdown: Key recruits add snap, crackle and pop to the Brisbane Tigers U19s in 2025. Full squad, key players to watch here.
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The Brisbane Tigers will march into the 2025 Meninga Cup season buoyed by a number of key additions this season.
Mackay Cutters recruit Jaffahl Skillington, elite junior VJ Vialau and Redcliffe SHS Langer Trophy halfback Grady Payne were some of the key new players who give some snap, crackle and pop to the Tigers.
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The strike both centres Skillington and Vialau bring cannot be under estimated, with both impressive pre-season campaigners.
There is also high potential in the halves and at hooker, with the organisation of No.9 Kayliss Brown and halfback Payne a nice blend to the running and skill of five-eight Elijah Breen.
The Tigers will ramp up its preparation for round one against the Devils on February 15 with a trial on Saturday against the Clydesdales.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Jack Tuite
A St Laurence’s College premiership winner in rugby, Tuite’s leadership on and off the field is a godsend. A returning player from the 2024 Meninga season, he is a year older and will mix it with the best in the competition.
Kayliss Brown
Another proven campaigner who played in the Meninga Cup last season, Brown will be even better this season with experience under his belt. He is a decorated hooker from the Stretton State College program who loses little in comparison with rival No.9s.
Grady Payne
Payne really stood up and was counted during his debut season in the 2024 Langer Cup 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. He will be jumping out of his skin to prove himself in this company.
Jaffahl Skillington
Skillington played in the Meninga Cup for the Mackay Cutters last year and has been a great pick up for the Brisbane 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. He played in the Connell Cup last year for the Tigers.
Wildcard watch
Will Bloxham
If he makes it onto the field this season, watch for his pace to threaten. Bloxham is a late bloomer who rose from the thirds to produce some absolutely sensational moments with the ball for Churchie in First XV rugby last year.
Bloxham has devastating pace but commits his body in defence. He is a genuine wildcard talent.
Harry Armstrong
Armstrong’s athletic prowess stands him out from the pack. He is a slightly raw talent who is still gaining league knowledge, but with more experience there is plenty of upside to his game.
Jack Pascoe and Pat Pankanham.
Both boys were a part of the all-conquering Iona College First XVIII rugby league side last season and will look to rise to the challenge in a higher class competition this season.
Pascoe has speed for a back row forward while No.13 Pankanham has sparkling foot work for a big bloke.
Levi Rusin
Middle forward Rusin doesn’t care about the reputation of an opponent - he just rips and gives absolutely everything he has to the cause. Rusin had a big role in Marsden SHS’s surge into last season’s Langer Trophy grand final.
Cooper Benvenuti
An old favourite, local junior Benvenuti is another middle forward with a big motor who will churn through the summer heat. He has nice footwork for a prop and angles his runs cleverly.
Jackson Connor
The towering Connor comes from across the road at Villanova College, so he has no excuse for being late to training.
He is a big, athletic kid with plenty to work with.
Tigers squad: Pouakai Williams, Joe McGahan, Quinn Timperon, Monte Betham, Jaffahl Skillington, Ryder Koia, Jahziah Maulio-Gillan, VJ Vialau, Will Bloxham, Elijah Breen, Grady Payne, Jackson Connor, Levi Rusin, Jack Tuite, Jakyea Tehuia, Reefton Adams, Kayliss Brown, Cooper Benvenuti, Moto’otua Kia, Clay Andrews, Tayvius Peo, Boston Cochraine, Dom Ierome, Tipene Cooley, Pat Pankanham, Stirling Cockatoo-Collins, Bailey Kelsey, Jacob Cook-Wera, Jack Pascoe, Harry Armstrong, Karsen Leota, Jackson Emmert.
Meninga Cup, round 1
Feb 8: Bears v Jets
Feb 15: Blackhawks v Capras
Tigers v Devils
Falcons v Clydesdales
Tweed v Redcliffe
Cutters v Pride
Wynnum Manly v Magpies
Originally published as Brisbane Tigers look to build on an improved campaign
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