Darling Downs best junior league stars ready to tackle grand finals

REVEALED: With dreams of premiership glory the Darling Downs best junior league players will put their bodies on the line this weekend. Find out who from your club cracked our list of 75 grand final stars to watch.

Nevaeh Horswood scores a try for Dalby against Valleys during a Walker Weekend Challenge match at John McDonald Sports Complex earlier this year. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Toowoomba and the Darling Downs’ best young league players have grand final fever.

Clive Berghofer Stadium is booked out Saturday with the ground playing host to a full day of finals.

It has been a simply phenomenal campaign for Valleys and Southern Suburbs, with both clubs having six sides in this year’s deciders.

“We couldn’t be happier, it has been an awesome year,” Valleys junior club president Chris Hillman said.

“We set a couple of records internally, all juniors qualified for the finals, all nine of nine and our senior teams were all in finals as well.”

After such an incredible season for both the senior and junior club, the Valleys community has been hit by finals fever.

“It is buzzing, it is a credit to the families, the coaches, the committee, it is the whole club, we are really proud,” Hillman said.

Hillman said building strong foundations off the field has been a key pedestal for success.

“From the committee, it’s about setting standards that apply to everyone,” he said.

“That’s what builds our culture, regardless of whether it’s under-6s to under-17s, it’s the same across the board.”

Nine Southern Suburbs sides lined up in the first round of finals this season with six qualifying for grand finds.

“It’s absolutely amazing, we’re very proud,” Souths president Cameron Wuersching said.

“We started with nine teams in finals and six made it into grand finals.

“It’s a great achievement not just for the club but everyone involved with it, the coaches, players, volunteers everyone.

“I think we have a great coaching director in Matt Gainey, his work shows in the development of our players, our (player) numbers and the development of our coaches as well.

“As a club we’re really focused on that development and too see it coming togheter is great.”

Ahead of the finals we’ve run the rule over the star players to watch.

Allie Egel takes the ball downfield for Dalby. Picture: contributed

13 Girls Dalby vs Souths

Dalby

Allie-Parker Egel: The inspirational captain has been one of the elite players in the competition this season. Egel has been a superstar in the halves, helping the Devils go undefeated throughout the season and Dalby officials are excited to see what she can do on the big stage.

Indi Hayes: Hayes is a beast on the field with superb stamina, you can always count on her to run the ball hard or take down the harder running players. Her commitment to the team has shown throughout the season as they have developed greatly and she has impeccable ticker.

Montaya Dohmjahn: The vice-captain has thrived in the role of vice-captain and has played a key role in the development of her teammates. Dohmjahn is a fierce forward who helps drive the girls up the field.

Nevaeh Horswood: Horswood has only just returned from an injury but is playing like she never left. The lock is capable of changing the game in an instant and has been pivotal to the Devils’ minor premiership charge.

Charlotte Colquhoun: Colquhoun has found her feet playing at five-eighth, navigating the girls into position. She has shown time and time again her attacking prowess with some exceptional tries and try assists.

Coach’s comments: “The Dalby girls have a fair chance of taking out the grand final against our competition Souths this Saturday and will show what the Dalby girls are really capable of,” coach Storm Egel said.

“The atmosphere of the grand final will be like we haven’t seen before and we want our girls to really take this experience in and take advantage of this opportunity.

“No matter the outcome we are really proud of how far the girls have come this season.”

Souths

Kahlari Prince: Kahlari plays halfback and directs the team around so well. Her strong point is her defence. We have lost count of how many crunching tackles she has put on.

Ava Henry: The great thing about Ava is she’s awesome in both attack and defence. Constantly putting girls down twice her size and scoring tries at will, a natural dummy half.

Matilda Crothers: Tilly plays lock and it suits her to a tee. Great in defence and attack, often leading to some awesome tries being scored.

Georgie Pengilly: Georgie has been one of our best all year. Very strong in attack leading to plenty of tries and putting on some big hits in defence.

Amy King: Amy plays second row and is one of our best defenders. She also does plenty of work in attack, gaining us metres and getting the team on the front foot.

Southern Suburbs Georgie Pengilly tries to break through the defensive line. Picture: Kevin Farmer

13 Boys Highfields vs Souths

Highfields

Nate Gill: The skipper leads by example in the second row. He runs the ball hard and his teammates tuck in behind and take advantage of the havoc he creates in opposition defences.

Trey Gamberini: A massive presence in defence who tackles and plays hard. When he links up with Gill the Eagles are hard to stop.

Darcy Sutton: A solid and reliable fullback. Sutton rarely drops a ball and makes plenty of metres on his run returns.

Trey Gamberini in action for Highfields.

Ethan Marris: The big forward always gets his team on the front foot with tough runs.

Where the game will be down: “The boys really pride themselves on their defence and we will looking to continue that in the grand final. We’ve gone through (the season) undefeated so far because they really play and work hard for each hard,” coach Chris Gill.

Souths

Zac Garner: Big fast and skilful backrower who has the rare ability to change a game in one play either in defence or with the ball. One of his plays could be the difference late in the game.

Harry Ruhle: Mr consistent the first player on the team sheet playing on the left edge our defensive rock and will carry the ball all day. What he lacks in size he makes up in heart and is as tough as they come.

Taylor Wann: Playing a new role at centre putting the team first and has been very impressive with his defence. He is outstanding In attack and his speed with the ball will trouble the defence.

Jackson Reis: Jackson has spent time in almost every position this year and has found a home at fullback where he is safe fielding any kick and has added another dimension to the attack.

Cooper Bidgood: Can’t play due to a broken arm but attends training and is still committed to the group The inspiration he provides off the field will partly help cover his loss on the field.

14 Boys Souths vs Dalbys

Souths

Hunter Tate-Roche: This kid is all class! Dynamic with the ball and can blow any team off the park in his age group and the age group above. His passion for the game is second to no one. His successes are the reward for his hard work. Leads with his actions.

Nate Goulding: Nate is our co-captain along with Hunter. Nate has an outstanding work ethic and a willingness to do whatever it takes to get the job done. Nate has an all around game and

higher levels of footy are just around the corner. Loves his Tigers.

Lachie Weston: Westo is our organiser and gets the boys around the park. Had a late season setback after an injury suffered from a ski trip. His presence last game was noticed. Westo is the ultimate team man.

Harrison Parsons: Diesel as we know him is a workhorse. This kid has been killing it this season. Best play the ball in the game and leg speed that enables him to win his tackles. Bleeds orange and black.

Kingston Mua: Kingi is the team clown. Loves a joke but when he enters the field things soon change. Kingi is an absolute beast with the ball and has the ability to fold the opposition. Managed to get a few games this season in the U15s and was one of the best. Kingi is in red-hot form.

Ryker Filewood breaks through the line for Dalby.

Dalby

Ryker and Jasper Filewood: The Filewood twins bring elite speed, ball skills and football IQ.

Joe York: The Dalby captain is a natural leader who rallies the troops out on the field.

Where game will be won and lost: Coach James Galligan believed the game will be won and lost in defence.

15 GIRLS Brothers vs Valleys

Brothers

Keelie Hilt: A massive player in defensive the young second rower has a great tackling technique and is a strong ball runner.

Bree Renouf-Dowdle: An eyes up attacking playmaker who works well with her forwards and backs.

Miah Drennert: An all rounder at halfback who is exceptional in attack and defence and has a good kicking game.

Tiahna Dean: An aggressive player who runs the ball hard and makes her presence felt all over the park.

Where the game will be won: “We’ve been the underdogs most of the season but have come good in the last few weeks. We’ve been working on our forward play to create space for our backs which is important because it will be tough in the middle this game. Valleys are a really good team who can shift the ball well so we’ll need to be on top of that,” coach Adam Drennert.

Valleys

Sedeequa Clevin: A halfback who is important to the Roosters’ structure and strong both in attack and defence.

Tayla Thompson: A very strong runner who can break through tackles and gain crucial metres through the field.

Alara Williams: A player who likes to take the line on and digs deep throughout the clash.

Mikaela Blades: Blades is an exciting hooker who directs the team on the field with her forward moving and is a pivotal member of Valleys’ spine.

Where game will be won and lost: “Just sticking to our structure and playing our style of footy,” coach Junior Chong-Nee.

13/14 Boys Souths Black vs Valleys

Souths

Will Fogarty: Our captain and number 13. Impressive runner of the ball who leads by example and relishes the opportunity to look out for his teammates and take the game by the scruff of the neck.

Seth Jordan: Wearing the number 7 jersey, is the general out in the middle and responsible for ensuring our formation is on point.

Deegan Woolfe: What he lacks in size, he makes up in heart. Our fullback has the ability to bamboozle much bigger players with his speed and agility around the ruck.

Noah Betros: One of our speed men who plays out wide and knows how to find his way to the try line. Is always on hand to backup and create space for his wingers.

Ryder Moore: In his first year of rugby league, Ryder is a passionate player who only knows one way – hard running, harder defence and always looking to be on the front foot.

Valleys

Tony Lazarus: A big, mobile front rower who can make some barnstorming runs.

Lawson Slater: Slater is an ever-improving lock who leads by example as captain. He rallies the troops and is a hard defender who never gives an inch.

James Morcom: Morcom is a smart halfback who is good on his feet and is an impressive playmaker.

Where game will be won and lost: “Just playing as a team and getting the job done,” coach Jade Parkinson.

15 Boys Souths vs Valleys

Souths

Jake Kimmince: Hard-working number 9 who always is at the top of the tackle count. He is always working hard on improving his game, and to his credit, he has become one of, if not the best, dummy halves in the U15 Competition.

Carter Middleton: With speed to burn, this fullback is one to watch out for. Carter is extremely safe at the back and his ability to push on the ball in support, this is one of his greatest attributes.

Fletcher Choyce: With fantastic vision and beautiful hands, Fletcher is a player every team wants. Being able to cover and perform well in a number of positions, Fletcher’s versatility is one of his strengths.

Kaedyn Prentice: Extremely talented in both defence and attack, Kaedyn never misses a tackle and scores plenty of points. What Kaedyn brings to this team does not go unnoticed and he is a key part of this team’s success.

Tom Hiscock: Hardworking second rower, Tom never complains and just quietly goes about getting the job done. A strong country boy who won’t shy away from the tough stuff, he thrives on the big games and is an asset to any team.

Touch football and league star Lachie Hillman has been a key player for Valleys this year. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Valleys

Lachie Hillman: Hillman is a rising star in Queensland rugby league and will be one to watch this weekend. The Broncos development gun is an exciting leader who will be sure to take the game on.

Leroy Malone: The Hillman/Malone two-punch combo is a game-changer for Valleys. Malone is another Broncos development gun and brings elite talent and speed in the centres.

Will Fedrick: A front rower who loves to make runs up the middle and defends strongly.

Xavier Newton: With Newton’s size and speed, he is a dynamic force at fullback who can make game-winning plays out of nowhere.

Where game will be won and lost: “We’ll just have to be on our mark and play to our shape and structure defensively,” coach Scott Brunner said.

16 Boys Brothers vs Valleys

Valleys

Taj Batty: A second rower who comes alive in the big games.

Alastair MacLachlan: A lock known for his powerful tackling and elusive movement and brings Clydesdales junior rep experience.

Jackson Winnett: A dynamic fullback who is a superb natural athlete.

Jackson Winnett in action for Valleys.

Chevy Ryan: A big, strong centre who is a powerful runner with a big motor and is not afraid to do all the hard work.

Charlie Barnes: The ideal five-eighth, Barnes steers the team effectively and has pinpoint kicking accuracy.

Where game will be won and lost: “It will be our discipline and controlling the ball and sticking to our plan. If we play our game, we’re a good chance,” coach Ned Murphy

17 Girls Souths vs Pittsworth

Pittsworth

Angie Robertson: When Roberston is at the top of her game she inspires her teammates to step up as well. A tough, hard running prop who trucks the ball forward all day.

Chloe Thompson: Another hard runner who inspires her teammates and hits hard in defence.

Ella Hollis: An talented with great all around skills who loves to compete and works hard with and without the ball.

Pittsworth Danes player Chloe Thompson (left) and Bella Challenor of Southern Suburbs in action in 2021. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Orla Balmain: The talented centre locks down her side of the field with amazing defence. Balmain is also willing to step in and take the tough runs to ease the pressure on her teammates.

Where the game will be won: “Defence is really important and we will need to shut down their attacking threats. We’re at our best when we keep it simple, complete our sets and play consistent smart footy,” coach Grant Trott.

Mia Byrnes (pictured in action for Western Clydesdales) has been a key player for Souths this season. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Souths

Mia Byrnes: The halfback and captain is a player that you can rely on game after game. Mia is very quick on her feet and she is always creating great lines for her forwards to run through. Mia is always in support waiting for that offload that results in points being scored.

Sophia Wright: The best words to describe the front rower are strong, fast and unstoppable. Sophia runs great lines and she runs at pace and more than not she can get the offload away. In defence you know Sophia will tackle hard and each tackle will be perfect. It is great watching Sophia from the sideline.

Ella Byrnes: Ella is a player that every team needs on their side. Ella if asked will play in any position if needed and when she does play in a different position she does not let her team down. Ella is a player every coach needs, she has speed, and determination and she has no fear. Ella is built like a centre but she has the heart of a front rower.

Sienna Carr: Sienna gives wonderful service from dummy half and Sienna is great at eyes up footy, in saying this she knows when to run or what side of the ruck to attack. Sienna will not back away in defence either, she will take on the big forwards with ease. Sienna is also brilliant at keeping the team calm if things are not going to plan.

Caitlin Wiggins: Caitlan is a player that shines in any position on the field. Caitlin is a natural runner with the ball and she does this so effortlessly. In defence, you do not want to run at Caitlin as she has strength and technique that put’s the biggest players on their back with force.

15/16 Boys Valleys vs Brothers

Valleys

Ty Robinson: A leader at halfback who organises the troops.

Jack Eyles: The hooker and captain of the team, Eyles is a strong defender who gives his all every single game.

Ezra Cubby: A exciting centre who is very elusive and tough to handle.

Ash Cubby: Plays next to Ezra on the wing and is a player who can create something out of nothing. He never dies wondering and is always exciting to watch.

Billy Thompson: A front rower who has been a standout for the Roosters this season with his hard tackles and damaging runs.

Where game will be won and lost: “I think our biggest thing will be turning up to the game and tyring to execute our defence. We’re very good defensively, got some real good young player coming through,” coach Jason Frederick.

Braithen Scott will be a key player for Valleys this weekend. Picture: Erick Lucero/QRL

17 Boys South Burnett vs Valleys

South Burnett

Shamus Cobbo: The younger brother of Broncos star Selwyn, Shamus Cobbo is a game-changer in the second row and represented the Indigenous Goannas at the 2022 Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League Championships.

Tito Bligh: The Wide Bay Bulls Cyril Connell rep gun is a danger man in the second row.

Rory Crumpton: A player who thrives in the big games and is one of the most underrated halves in the competition.

Dustin Ramke: The captain is an unsung hero at lock who goes through an incredible workload.

Sebastian King: King is a front rower who has been magnificent all year and always brings the energy to boost hist side.

Where game will be won and lost: “Just gong to be the will to win, the team who wants it more is going to win,” team manager Carl Braithwaite.

Valleys

Braithen Scott: A halfback who is contracted to the Broncos and was a star for the Western Clydesdales in the Cyril Connell Cup team this year. He is a strong leader and can turn a game in an instant

Joe Litidamu: Another player with Clydesdales junior rep experience, the powerful centre is a great defender and hard to stop near the line.

Where game will be won and lost: “They got to turn up for the game, be ready, be keen and eager to take the ball forward and defend,” coach Andrew Clem.