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Unearthed: The rugby league young guns making waves in North Queensland

The North Queensland Cowboys are always on the look out for the next Johnathan Thurston or Jason Taumalolo, so which unheralded players from up north do fans need to keep an eye on?

Aaron Payne Cup at Jack Manski Oval. Holy Spirit against St Augustine College. Saints' Cooper Meares. Picture: Evan Morgan
Aaron Payne Cup at Jack Manski Oval. Holy Spirit against St Augustine College. Saints' Cooper Meares. Picture: Evan Morgan

The North Queensland Cowboys are always on the look out for the next Johnathan Thurston or Jason Taumalolo, so which unheralded players from up north do fans need to keep an eye on?

We’ve unearthed some of the young guns that you need to know.

KYLE BADER (Townsville)

The bullocking forward was one of Kirwan’s top schoolboys in 2024, earning him a place in the Townsville Blackhawks’ Mal Meninga Cup team, establishing himself as first-choice lock.

Despite being park of the younger cohort, the powerful ballrunner has been great for the North Queensland Cowboys in the NRLQ under-20s series.

Meninga Cup Blackhawks against Souths Logan Magpies at Jack Manski Oval. Blackhawks Kyle Bader. Picture: Evan Morgan
Meninga Cup Blackhawks against Souths Logan Magpies at Jack Manski Oval. Blackhawks Kyle Bader. Picture: Evan Morgan

D’ARTANYAN CONNOLLY (Cairns)

The halfback has been a stalwart of Trinity Bay SHS’s Aaron Payne Cup program, praised for his efforts as both a playmaker and as a defender.

With the likes of Jeremiah Nanai and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow forced to leave the school before they had an elite rugby league program, could Connolly be the future face of TBay?

LACHLAN BROWN (Mackay) 

A fleet-footed fullback who has impressed in both the Mal Meninga Cup for Mackay and for St Patrick’s College in the Aaron Payne Cup, earning himself multiple nominations to teams of the week.

Lachlan Brown Mackay Cutters vs Northen Pride Cyril Connell Cup Saturday 15 February 2025 Picture:Michaela Harlow
Lachlan Brown Mackay Cutters vs Northen Pride Cyril Connell Cup Saturday 15 February 2025 Picture:Michaela Harlow

COOPER MEARES (Cairns)

Another big-bodied prop who has been a mainstay at both St Augustine’s and the Pride, Meares shows a lot of promise with both his physicality and skill.

His outstanding work with the ball in hand is matched by his strong defence, where he relishes the opportunity to crunch unsuspecting ballrunners.

Cooper Meares Mackay Cutters vs Northen Pride Mal Meninga Cup Saturday 15 February 2025 Picture:Michaela Harlow
Cooper Meares Mackay Cutters vs Northen Pride Mal Meninga Cup Saturday 15 February 2025 Picture:Michaela Harlow

RILEY CARBONE (Townsville)

The Kirwan Bears halfback and co-captain is a terrific talent who possesses the full package with the ability to kick, pass, run and even slot goals.

The tough playmaker has been integral to Kirwan’s undefeated start to the Aaron Payne Cup in 2025, steering the ship on a lethal right-edge.

Kirwan High Bears Quentin Ofahulu, Eneliko Savelio, Riley Carbone and Mathew Blyla. Picture: Evan Morgan
Kirwan High Bears Quentin Ofahulu, Eneliko Savelio, Riley Carbone and Mathew Blyla. Picture: Evan Morgan

BRAITH CLUBB (Innisfail)

The fullback/winger has impressed in his stints with both the Northern Pride and St Augustine’s College, and was earmarked by schoolboy coaches as one to watch if they’re going to put points on the board.

Braith Clubb plays the ball in the Aaron Payne Cup schoolboy rugby league match between St Augustine's College and Kirwan State High School, held at West Barlow Park, Cairns. Picture: Brendan Radke
Braith Clubb plays the ball in the Aaron Payne Cup schoolboy rugby league match between St Augustine's College and Kirwan State High School, held at West Barlow Park, Cairns. Picture: Brendan Radke

PAT IRWIN (Townsville / Warrington)

The wily halfback came to Townsville to chase an opportunity with the Townsville Blackhawks, earning himself a short-term with the Cowboys for the NRLQ under-20s series.

The ex-Warrington Wolves Academy player made his senior Queensland Cup debut in round 2 this year, making two appearances for the club before Bayley Biondi-Odo took over in the halves.

Hosplus Cup game between the Townsville Blackhawks and the Northern Pride at Jack Manski Oval. Blackhawks Patrick Irwin. Picture: Evan Morgan
Hosplus Cup game between the Townsville Blackhawks and the Northern Pride at Jack Manski Oval. Blackhawks Patrick Irwin. Picture: Evan Morgan

BEN WALKER (Cairns)

Was awarded co-captain duties for St Augustine College’s Aaron Payne Cup side, with the talented five-eighth helping them to a pair of wins in their campaign so far.

A great heads-up player with an eye for finding weaknesses in defensive lines.

St Augustine's Ben Walker carries the ball deep into the defensive line in the Aaron Payne Cup schoolboy rugby league match between Trinity Bay State High Sschool and St Augustine's College. Picture: Brendan Radke
St Augustine's Ben Walker carries the ball deep into the defensive line in the Aaron Payne Cup schoolboy rugby league match between Trinity Bay State High Sschool and St Augustine's College. Picture: Brendan Radke

COHEN DITTMANN (Bloomsbury)

The fiery Cowboys under-20s winger has been in incredible form in the newly minted NRLQ series, scoring a try in all three of North Queensland’s games this season.

The versatile outside back made waves as a standout schoolboy centre, drawing the attention of the Sydney Roosters – where he played Harold Matthews Cup in 2024 and S.G Ball in 2025.

Cementing his position on the wing, Dittmann’s five tries through the opening three rounds is only matched by Dolphins centre James Walsh – who impressively managed the feat in just two appearances.

Cohen Dittmann of Kirwan State High School bumps off Jay Marsh of St Brendan's College Yeppoon in the Phil Hall Cup Semi-Final on August 22, 2024. Picture: Michaela Harlow
Cohen Dittmann of Kirwan State High School bumps off Jay Marsh of St Brendan's College Yeppoon in the Phil Hall Cup Semi-Final on August 22, 2024. Picture: Michaela Harlow

TAVITA PENAIA TE’O (Mackay)

Penaia Te’o led the Mackay Cutters to the semi-final of the Mal Meninga Cup this year, with the prop praised for both his maturity and talent on the field by Cutters coaches.

Tavita Penaia Te'o Mackay Cutters vs Townsville Blackhawks Mal Meninga Cup Saturday 22 February 2025 Picture:Michaela Harlow
Tavita Penaia Te'o Mackay Cutters vs Townsville Blackhawks Mal Meninga Cup Saturday 22 February 2025 Picture:Michaela Harlow

JYE OLSEN (Burdekin)

The Burdekin Roosters five-eighth is an outstanding young talent who starred for the Townsville blackhawks in this year’s Mal Meninga Cup.

Olsen’s biggest strength is his heads-up play and sharp kicking game and he is also no slouch in defence, managing to put on big shots in the defensive line.

Mal Meninga Cup game between Townsville Blackhawks and Dolphins at Jack Manski Oval. Blackhawks Jye Olsen. Picture: Evan Morgan
Mal Meninga Cup game between Townsville Blackhawks and Dolphins at Jack Manski Oval. Blackhawks Jye Olsen. Picture: Evan Morgan

Originally published as Unearthed: The rugby league young guns making waves in North Queensland

Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/queensland/mackay/sport/unearthed-the-rugby-league-young-guns-making-waves-in-north-queensland/news-story/d47010b7c6a578b073efde34adac31df