They’re the next generation of recruits pressing their claims for rugby league greatness
They’re the young guns making their mark in the Cyril Connell Challenge, Mal Meninga Cup and the Harvey Norman under-19 women’s competitions. SEE WHO MADE THE LIST HERE.
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Central Queensland has produced more than its fair share of rugby league stars.
Many of them have laid the platform for their careers in the ranks of the CQ Capras.
We profile the latest generation of players making their mark in the QRL’s statewide competitions - the Cyril Connell Challenge (under-16 boys), the Mal Meninga Cup (under-18 boys) and the Harvey Norman under-19 women.
Five of the Capras under-19s - Alenna Whipp, Antonia Hendry-Ratima, Lillian Yarrow, Luca Howarth and Olivia Cave - were on Wednesday named in the Queensland Sapphires team which will compete at the Harvey Norman Women’s National Championships.
Meanwhile, a host of the Capras’ boys have been invited to take part in the Queensland Rugby League’s positional skills days during the school holidays.
They will rub shoulders with Former Origin Greats, while learning the intricacies and specific demands of their playing positions.
CQ Capras under-16 boys
Seth Carpenter (Rockhampton)
Play-making fullback with a dangerous running and passing game to match.
Cody Sanewski (Sarina)
Lightning fast winger who is also one of the defensive outside backs in the Cyril Connell Challenge.
Rydell Tyrrell (Yeppoon)
Big powerful centre who is nearly impossible to stop close to the try line.
Banjo Walker (Clermont)
Very skilful and athletic centre who can find the try line from anywhere on the field. Also has a great kicking game.
Kya Turner (Blackwater)
Athletic and talented winger who can just about play in any position in the backs.
Clancy Hohn (Rockhampton)
Freakishly talented and athletic, one of the most dangerous attacking players in the Cyril Connell Challenge this year.
Isaac Walker (Rockhampton)
A perfectionist with the ball in hand but incredibly talented with the boot, has amazing goal kicking and 40/20 stats this season. Currently the third-highest points scorer in the competition, having landed 13 goals for 26 points.
Baylee Meilland (Rockhampton)
Hard-running, hard-hitting front rower. One of the workhorses in the under-16 statewide competition.
Braelan Marsh (Yeppoon)
Very dangerous and very skilful hooker, always keeps the opposition guessing. Has one of the best long passes in the comp. Following in the footsteps of his dad, former Queensland Maroons and NRL star PJ Marsh.
Tavita Penaia Te‘o (Emu Park)
Inspirational captain of the CQ Capras under-16 team who shows maturity beyond his years. Big, strong and always leads by example.
Jett Day (Yeppoon)
Very strong and athletic second rower who is destined to have a very successful career in rugby league.
Zac Bateman (Rockhampton)
At just 14 years old, he has shown everyone what an amazing competitor he is during this year’s Cyril Connell campaign for the CQ Capras. Definitely one to watch.
Dylan Neden (Rockhampton)
One of the most improved players in the CQ Capras under-16 squad this year. Pushed his way into the starting side through hard work and dedication to his game.
Simon Green (Emu Park)
Very talented and versatile utility player who has a dangerous running and passing game.
Curtis Brierley (Gladstone)
Tipping the scales at over 110kg and standing nearly 190cm tall, he is nearly impossible to stop when at full speed.
Tawhirirangi Taurima (Rockhampton)
The crowd favourite and good news story of the CQ Capras under-16 campaign this year. Proves hard work and dedication will always move you in the right direction.
Carter Ford (Capella)
Rough, tough front rower who is freakishly fit and fast for a player in the middle. Another one to watch coming through the ranks.
CQ Capras under-19 women
Lillian Yarrow (Rockhampton)
Front row. Great game awareness and leadership. Superb defence and attack. For a front rower, Lilly has great speed and footwork. Could play any position. Starred for Queensland Country under-17 team which beat City last year.
Antonia Hendry-Ratima (Gladstone)
Front row/second row. Hard-hitting forward with great work ethic and vision. Also has a massive kicking game.
Olivia Cave (Emerald)
Halves. Versatile player who is a great organiser. Solid in defence and possesses an impressive attacking and kicking game.
Alenna Whipp (Emerald)
Hooker/lock. Great defence and vision out of hooker but can also do the hard yards and run great lines as a lock. Scored two tries this season. Was a standout for the Queensland Country under-17 team last year.
Jessica Olsson (Wowan)
Tough utility who can play in the halves, at hooker, centre or fullback. Awesome defensively and a good organiser. Was co-captain of The Cathedral College team that contested the inaugural girls competition at the Confraternity Carnival last year.
Luca Howarth (Rockhampton)
Fullback/centre. Massive stride with deceptive speed. Great defence has good hands under the high ball and is calm under pressure. Finished the season with two tries.
Kyah Szepanowski (Rockhampton)
Centre/lock. Versatile player who always leaves nothing in the tank. Great goal kicker as well.
Summer Nicholls (Rockhampton)
Centre/fullback. Solid defender with great attacking ability. Happy to play in the forwards as well. Was the Capras’ leading points scorer this season with 12, courtesy of three tries which also made her the team’s top try scorer. Made the Queensland Merit under-18 team after a standout performance at the 2021 Queensland Murri Carnival.
Laynie Sweet (Yeppoon)
Utility. Pocket dynamo who plays well above her weight. Great work ethic, defence and speed to burn.
Sophie Davison (Gladstone)
Second row/lock. Great defender with plenty of attacking ability. Work horse and can also play hooker.
Ihndara McLeod (Rockhampton)
Second row/lock. Solid all-rounder with great leadership and game sense.
Pania Tane (Rockhampton)
Second row/centre. Good vision with solid defence and attack. Very versatile across the field.
Tiaan Harbin (Rockhampton)
Second row. Ever-reliable in attack and defence. Always looking for work.
Lalekqua Songoro (Rockhampton)
Second row/centre. Happy to play anywhere on the field. Solid defence and attack.
Chloe Tipman (Yeppoon)
Second row. Solid defensively and good footwork in attack. Loves the contact.
Teearna Cora (Rockhampton)
Front row/second row. Potential to go as far as she wants. Great defence, attack and vision.
Tamika Little (Rockhampton)
Wing/fullback. Solid defender with speed and ability to boot.
Capras under-18 boys
Matt Hill (Katherine, Northern Territory)
Has tremendous strength and speed for a fullback. A genuine competitor in attack and defence. Unfortunately lost to injury in Round 2 of the Mal Meninga Cup. Will be an important player for St Brendan’s College First XIII in 2022. Will join the Brisbane Broncos at the end of the year.
Iziah Broome (Rockhampton)
Strong, fast winger. One of the youngsters in the side.
Liam Nebauer (Emerald)
A hard-hitting centre who has speed and strength.
Mutua Brown (Cairns)
A strike weapon at centre or fullback. A real team man who also possesses speed, strength and agility. Another genuine competitor.
Mack Nixon (Emerald)
A highly talented centre or winger.
Callan Campbell (Emerald)
A talented half with strong defence. Puts his body on the line every game.
Jackson Miller (Barcaldine)
A relaxed half with a good kicking game and play-making skills. Currently the Capras’ highest points scorer with 18 (two tries and five goals).
Tomas Powell (Gracemere)
Strong and competitive, he’s a representative prop who takes great pride in his work in the middle. Unfortunately lost to injury in Round 2 but will be another player back for the Capras’ 2022 Hastings Deering Colts’ campaign. Tough as nails, doesn’t take a backward step and his defensive effort is first rate. Played with the Queensland Country under-17 team last year. Contracted by the Canberra Raiders for 2022-23.
Owen Pattie (Monto)
A tough hooker, and one of the fittest players in the Capras’ under-18 squad. Th ex-St Brendan’s No.9 causes plenty of havoc around the ruck. Unfortunately, was lost for the Mal Meninga Cup competition due to an injury in the team’s first trial. No doubt will be back to help the Capras’ 2022 Hastings Deering Colts’ campaign. Considered the ultimate competitor, he has the complete arsenal of skills. Signed by the Canberra Raiders after he sealed the 2022 Aaron Payne Cup decider with a field goal on the buzzer against Kirwan State High.
Kelly Shadlow (Rockhampton)
Front rower who is a tough middle forward with a strong competitive drive. Another player lost to injury in Round 1 of the competition. His leadership and hard work is sorely missed.
William Lewis (Rockhampton)
Strong, mobile edge forward. Effective and reliable in defence and attack. Work rate is second to none.
Kurt Fisher (Gunnedah)
A centre or backrower. A naturally athletic type with great skills. A great competitor.
Bailey Cavanough (Gracemere)
A middle forward who brings plenty of energy and presence to the Capras’ forward pack.
Carter Wight (Blackwater)
Thrown into the dummy half role through injury and has taken every opportunity. Strong in defence and quick around the ruck. Has a good kicking game.
Jaiden Green (Rockhampton)
Middle or edge forward. Hard-hitting defender with a powerful carry.
Selemaia Taungahihifo (Emerald)
Hard-working front rower who has impressed as the season has progressed. A strong ball runner and a dominant middle forward.
Luke Callanan (Clermont)
The team’s ‘Mr Fix It”. Can play a number of positions and never lets the team down.
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