Standout players from 2024 SCGRL under-19 Men’s competition named

The Sunshine Coast under-19s rugby league season has uncovered a number of rising stars, standout performers and could-be-anythings. See the players from every club plus what the coaches had to say.

Sunshine Coast rugby league top under-19s players of 2024. Pictures: Tegan Schefe Photography, Abby Kite and Yvonne Packbier.

The Sunshine Coast under-19s rugby league season is drawing to a rapid close with just one round remaining until the first round of finals.

The 2024 season has experienced plenty of unpredictable results and dominant victories but most importantly it’s showcased a number of the region’s top rising stars.

Before the teams battle it out for premiership glory, we caught up with each side’s head coach to gauge how their season has gone and their aims for the run home whilst also shedding a light on each club’s top teenage talents.

A few players in our list have already featured in the A-grade competition, others will return to the under-19s in 2025 and some are on the cusp of breaking into the senior men’s scene.

The list focuses on players that have played majority of the 2024 season in the under-19s competition, making others that are mainstays in their club’s A-grade sides ineligible.

U19 MEN

CABOOLTURE SNAKES

Current position: 1st (15 wins, 1 losses, 1 draw)

Head Coach: James Fruean

The Snakes sit outright top of the table before the final regular season match where they enjoy a bye week following a 50-0 victory against Coolum.

“I’m definitely proud, we’ve got a big group but really happy with the direction we’re heading,” he said.

“One of the goals is to finish as minor premiers which is really special and we get to enjoy a week off before finals.”

Fruean has been coaching the majority of his side since under-13s but said it would be tough to say goodbye to a number of his players at the end of the season.

“Majority of our boys are under-19s, there’s probably about five or six bottom age guys but they all gel and get along really well together.”

Caboolture Snakes rising talent Adam Khan. Picture: Yvonne Packbier.

Adam Khan

Just seems to know how to break a game open with a quick run, fast footwork or nice link-up play.

The talented outside back has plenty of speed to burn, is the tied top try scorer with 15 four pointers after 17 rounds and will no doubt look to continue his standout form into the finals.

Bayden Hales

A good rising hooker that gets through plenty of work in the middle of the park and isn’t afraid of taking the game on when close to the line.

The Snakes captain makes plenty of tackles, organises his middle forwards well and strikes well out of dummy half when an attacking opportunity presents itself.

George Taualai

The Snake’s halfback always seems to have plenty of time when he gets his hands on the footy and steers his side around the park with ease.

Taualai keeps the ball moving, has a strong kicking game and communication skills.

CALOUNDRA SHARKS

Current position: 2nd (15 wins, 2 losses, 0 draws)

Head Coach: Darren Hoffman

The Sharks sit second by two points on the table but have shown they can go all the way after only dropping points in two matches this season against Gympie and Caboolture.

Hoffman, who has coached majority of the Sharks 19s for close to 10 years, said he was proud of how they were progressing as a unit.

“We’ve had a good season so far but it makes my job a lot easier when it’s coaching and working with a good bunch of boys and there’s good numbers at training,” he said.

“Our squad is about half 19s and half 18s or 17s but there’s three guys at the moment that are playing A-grade and are still eligible to be playing in our competition.

“It’s good to know there’s still a fair chunk of players that will most likely return next season.

Caloundra Sharks player Malakye Blow in action. Picture: Tegan Schefe Photography

Malakye Blow

A damaging runner of the footy that slots in at second row and has a real knack for finding the tryline.

The Caloundra SHS vice-captain is the tied top try scorers after 17 rounds with 15 tries.

Always finds himself in the right spot, has a want to get better and learn as much as he can and is tough to stop.

Ben Waters

New to the club this season after relocating from Chinchilla, Waters is a talented fullback who has a sharp footy IQ.

Is always safe under the high ball, returns the footy with aggression and orchestrates the Sharks attacking shape extremely well.

Waters had some experience in the Falcons Mal Meninga set-up earlier this season and has continued to grow at club level.

Zahn Greenhalgh

The Caloundra captain is the type of player that every team wants in their forward pack.

Predominantly playing at lock, Greenhalgh works extremely hard on and off the ball despite being a smaller middle forward.

Can also slot in at hooker or the halves when needed and doesn’t look out of place.

Liam Smith, Jack Philp and Tyrell Hopkins

Have each shown they have what it takes to match it at the top level this season with each player being rewarded with starting spots in the Caloundra A-grade side.

Hopkins has slotted in at centre, Philp in the halves and Smith on the wing for the back half of the season.

Hopkins and Smith played in the top division last season amid the Sharks A-grade injury crisis.

COOLUM COLTS

Current position: 3rd (7 wins, 9 losses, 0 draws)

Head Coach: Marcus Roberts

Like the majority of the competition, it’s been a rollercoaster season for Coolum who have put together some great team efforts but also failed to fire on some occasions.

“We’ve had a few ups and downs all season really,” he said.

“We’ve just been trying to claw our way back as it’s really tight in that middle part of the table.

“We’ve got majority younger players and then a few older guys and some of those players have made their A-grade debut this season which has been great to see.”

Coolum Colts under-19 players Cooper-Jay Roby and Koby Brown. Picture: Eddie Franklin

Koby Brown

A talented number seven that made the move from Kawana this season in order to follow in his brother Jayden and dad Dan’s footsteps.

Brown was elevated to captain early in the season after the Colts original captain and was ruled out with an injury at the beginning of the year.

Has led his side around well all year, kicks well and controls the pace of the attack with ease.

Mitch Bebbington

Was a key player for the Falcons at the start of the season before returning to club footy and finding his feet in the under-19s competition.

The talented lock forward was rewarded with an A-grade debut midway through the season and has continued to shine on both sides of the footy.

Rising Coolum Colts star Mitch Bebbington. Picture: Cordelia Turner.

Cooper Jay-Roby and Ethan Gannon

Both players had their season struck short in 2024 due to injury problems but were both clear standouts throughout the opening rounds.

Jay-Roby, the Colts captain is a talented second row forward that uses his long, gangly limbs to the best of his ability.

Gannon is a sharp five-eight that offers plenty of flair, pace and footwork in the middle of the field which create top try scoring opportunities for his outside men.

BEERWAH BULLDOGS

Current position: 4th (8 wins, 9 losses, 0 draws)

Head Coach: James Poole

The Bulldogs were without a team in 2023 so their aim for 2024 was simple, don’t be a walkover.

“I think Beerwah hasn’t been known for having a very successful under-18s, now 19s for a while,” he said.

“Our main focus this season was just about being competitive, sticking it to every team and earning some respect amongst the competition.

“I’d say from where we’re sitting at the moment we’ve done that so I’m really impressed and proud of the boys.”

Poole said with the final regular season match approaching, he hoped his side could sneak into the finals.

“It’s a nightmare for us looking at the final round because anyone can finish third, fourth, fifth but it’s also a well deserved congratulations to Caboolture and Caloundra for their performances all year,” he said.

“They’ve been very consistent which has probably been the big hurdle for the rest of us as we’ve shared wins and had some slip up losses here and there.

“It puts everyone in the same position at the end of the season but that’s footy sometimes and the boys have all enjoyed it.”

Beerwah Bulldogs player Caiden Ahsee in action. Picture: Abby Kite.

Caiden Ahsee

Was a new recruit from Maroochydore this season who started in the halves before shifting to fullback and is the competition’s leading point scorer after 17 rounds.

Has great footwork and the uncoachable ability to create something out of nothing anywhere on the field.

Ahsee, who is still eligible for the under-19s next season, is a great attacking weapon that would be a benefit to any side.

Tait Coghlan

Is new to the Sunshine Coast this season and was a standout recruit for the Falcons Mal Meninga Cup side before returning to club land with Beerwah.

Coghlan, a talented versatile player, rose through the ranks with the Northern Pride and brought with him plenty of spark in attack and great chop tackles in defence.

Is one to watch for A-grade next season.

Beerwah Bulldogs player Tait Coghlan in action. Picture: Abby Kite.

Leyland Hempsted

A Redcliffe Dolphins Mal Meninga Cup prodigy, Hempsted is a damaging prop forward that returned to the club this season.

Has had a few injuries this season but when he’s been healthy and charging off the back fence, there’s no handbrake.

Another that made his A-grade debut during the season.

Beerwah player Jared Jackson. Picture: Facebook.

Jared Jackson

The Bulldogs utility has snuck under the radar for the past few seasons but has really made his mark in 2024 as a talent to watch.

Jackson’s fitness is a step above the rest and his running work around the ruck is crucial when setting up attacking opportunities.

GYMPIE DEVILS

Current position: 5th (7 wins, 9 losses, 1 draw)

Head Coach: Michael Buckley

Buckley, a Devils stalwart, was proud of his team's efforts this season and said it was nice to reflect on a competitive under-19s competition.

“It’s been a good year overall for the entire competition I think,” Buckley said.

“The two top sides have done really well to earn their spots at the top, the next four have battled it out all year, Maroochydore have come good at the end and unfortunately Bribie had too many players leave the area.

“I think it’s still been a very good competition and my boys have done well.”

A 28-all draw against Caboolture in round nine showed Buckley and his side they could match it with the best but inconsistent performances have unfortunately been the downfall of the Devils this season.

“For a lot of our players it’s their first year out of school so it’s a big shift and shock in working all day, coming to training and playing on the weekends,” he said.

“Consistency is the biggest challenge I think but when they’re on the field and having fun it’s great to watch.

“I know we can beat any side, it’s just a matter of if we turn up on the day.”

Gympie Devils rising star Tajh Crompton-Noy. Picture: Tegan Schefe Photography

Tajh Crompton-Noy

The Devils number nine plays with the heart of a lion week-in-week-out.

Despite his size Crompton-Noy punches above his weight in attack and defence, making big tackles, showing his non-stop workrate and going back for me every play.

Is a smart footballer and directs his forwards well.

Blaine Watson

A dynamic middle forward who has continued to rise through the ranks after being touted as a youngster.

Watson, who represented the Falcons Mal Meninga side earlier this season, has been a standout in the under-19s competition with his hard running style, big defensive hits and passing skills.

Gympie Devils utility Harry Sippel. Picture: Tegan Schefe Photography

Harry Sippel

A talented sporting junior that excels on the cricket pitch for the Sunshine Coast Scorchers before taking his talents to the league field during the winter.

Sippel fills a multitude of positions but excels as an outside back with his good ball playing ability and footwork.

Ben Anderson

Has been strong at the back all season for the Devils.

Anderson excels when slotting into the attacking line in the red zone but also produces great defensive reads to keep his side in the game.

KAWANA DOLPHINS

Current position: 6th (7 wins, 10 losses, 0 draws)

Head Coach: Joel Fitzgerald

After winning the under-19s competition in 2023, Kawana have somewhat found it tough to string together any consistent form in 2024.

New coach Joel Fitzgerald said the season has had its challenges but was proud of his team’s efforts.

“Our season has been a bit inconsistent and that’s a reflection of our results, player availability and performances,” he said.

“Some weeks have been unreal with some great team efforts and then others have been a bit slack which hurts a bit come the end of the season.”

The Dolphins sit four points outside of the top four but Fitzgerald, a former A-grade stalwart, said he had taken plenty of positives from the season.

“We didn’t get a heap of guys back from the Falcons Mal Meninga competition but we had a few guys return to playing footy after a few years off and we’ve been helped as well by our under-17s which has been really special,” he said.

“We’ve had about six players make their A-grade debut this season and then another handful that have helped out with reserve grade pretty regularly so the circumstances haven’t been perfect considering the senior injury list but it’s definitely been pleasing in seeing the club’s younger guys get a crack.”

Fitzgerald said he was excited to see how the finals would play out.

“The top two teams have been the clear standouts but it’s been a good tight competition between everyone else,” he said.

“Each team has been able to pick up shared or split wins against each other which makes things interesting and the boys have really enjoyed it.”

Mitch MacFarlane in action for the Kawana Dolphins. Picture: Tegan Schefe Photography.

Mitch MacFarlane

A dominant prop forward who has gone from strength to strength this season in what has been a breakout year.

Has developed his overall confidence well showing he can be a strong runner of the footy and key defender.

Was rewarded with an A-grade debut in recent weeks as a bottom age under-19.

Kaden Humphris

Is a strong running fullback that thrives in open space and holds his own in defence.

Has picked up a few A-grade appearances this season off the back of his hard work.

Ethan Mackay

A talented outside back who has set up a number of try scoring chances this season for his side.

Shows great effort all game and is another who made his A-grade debut this season on the wing

Jaelym Hohaia in action for the Kawana Dolphins. Picture: Tegan Schefe Photography.

Jaelym Hohaia

Was solid for the Falcons Mal Meninga cup side earlier this year before returning to the Dolphins and playing above his weight once again.

Hohaia has shown he can perform strongly in the centres and at second row and made his A-grade debut in May this season.

MAROOCHY/NAMBOUR

Current position: 7th (4 wins, 12 losses, 0 draws)

Head Coach: Stephen Wedd

The Swans combined with the Crushers at the beginning of the season as the competition age change caused some teething problems for both clubs.

“We’ve had a struggle with numbers and injuries, a few were early in the year and were season ending which is always tough,” he said.

“Our numbers were always low which is why we combined with Nambour to get an under-19s team and now that Bribie have folded we’ve had a few players come up and finish the season with us.

“It’s been a week-to-week battle but when we have had a full team we’ve been competitive and been able to string a few wins together which has been good.”

Wedd was confident his side wouldn’t be losing too many players to the senior divisions next season.

“From our core 13 or 14 players there’s probably only three guys that will be moving to seniors, the rest will be sticking at under-19s and we know there’s a good group of under-17s coming through which is exciting,” he said.

Wedd, who began his coaching tenure at Maroochydore as their under-18s coach, took up a role as the Caloundra Sharks reserve grade coach from 2021 before returning to the Swans this season.

“That first year I coached the under-18s side was similar to this season but after that we made the grand final three years in a row,” he said.

“That was a big turnaround but that’s what we’re hoping for next season and in the years to come.”

Jack Baumgart

The Swans captain and five-eight has risen to the challenge of playing some A-grade footy this season but when he’s been back with his under-19s he’s shown just how important he is.

Has been a sensational leader for the junior players from a club perspective and lets his skills on the field do the talking.

Jono Schmidt

A Crushers player who has been very impressive this season in the centres.

Schmidt is a strong runner of the ball, has good rugby league knowledge and is a huge asset defensively.

Was rewarded with a well deserved A-grade debut in round 17.

Maroochydore Swans hooker Dan Foley stands in front to make a tackle. Picture: Facebook.

Daniel Foley

Another Crushers player who plays at hooker for his side, Foley is a rock solid defender and surprised everyone with his goalkicking abilities in recent weeks.

Is a consistent dummy-half that produces plenty of effort plays, makes plenty of tackles and attacking strike.

Brandon Gray

A player that doesn’t have a whole heap of a rugby league background but has slotted in really well this season and is a consistent performer in the middle of the park.

Gray is a strong prop that has shown he can match it against big opposition forward packs.

BRIBIE WARRIGALS

Current position: 8th (2 wins, 13 losses, 0 draws)

Head Coach: Michael Hearn

Bribie unfortunately withdrew from the competition after round 11 due to a lack of player numbers.

Despite being unable to finish the season, honourable mentions go to Michael Reid and Will Beasley for their performances throughout the opening rounds.

Hopefully we see the Warrigals back in the under-19 division next season!

Originally published as Standout players from 2024 SCGRL under-19 Men’s competition named