2025 Peter Mulholland Cup: The 40 young guns you need to watch this season
An already NRL-contracted rookie and a NSW Cup-starring teenager headline a list of the players you need to watch in the Peter Mulholland Cup in 2025. See who made the LIST.
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There is no denying the future has come early in the Peter Mulholland Cup.
The elite schoolboys rugby league competition has long been a breeding ground of the best talent across the NRL – and this year’s crop of exciting athletes shows it is not stopping any time soon.
The spread of talent right across the schools of the Peter Mulholland Cup is a testament to the competitive nature of the competition.
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But there are a couple of school drowning in a rich pool of talent with reigning champions Patrician Brothers Blacktown and Endeavour Sports High both holding a number of aces up their sleeves.
We have broken down the best players set to take the field in the Peter Mulholland Cup season below.
Leave a comment to let us know if there is anyone you think was unfairly overlooked.
CAMERON BAMBLETT
Patrician Brothers College, Blacktown
The Cowra Kid is tipped to be one of the standouts of the Peter Mulholland Cup in 2025.
Bamblett played a role in Patties run to the national final last season, but will step up in the halves off the back of a strong SG Ball Cup campaign for the Eels.
Bamblett is a prototype fullback-cross-five-eighth, with a game-breaking running game and a slick set of hands.
But it is the desire to compete on every play, whether in attack or defence, that sets the dynamic playmaker apart from his rivals.
PHEONIX GODINET
Bass High
A damaging second-rower, Godinet will be looking to convert strong form in his first SG Ball season with Wests Magpies into the schoolboy campaign.
The 17-year-old, who is signed with the Tigers until the end of 2027, is a hardworking edge forward whose play has caught the eye of scouts.
Represented NSW CHS at last year’s ASSRL Nationals.
CHASE BUTLER
All Saints’ College, Maitland
There was no bigger statement made in the opening round of the competition than the one by All Saints halfback Butler.
The 16-year-old playmaker starred, setting up several tries and scoring one of his own with a hand in everything good for his school as it crushed Holy Cross 40-14.
Butler also recently led Newcastle’s Harold Matthews side to the grand final where they lost to the Warriors.
There will be plenty of eyes on the well-rounded talent as All Saints look to have an improved campaign.
THOMAS DELLOW
Endeavour Sports High
Named at lock in our NRL Schoolboy Cup team of the year in 2024, Dellow has picked up right where he left off.
The Cronulla Sharks junior led the charge in a 40-4 demolition of Farrar as he ran riot over the opposition pack and displayed the workhorse qualities that have him so highly rated.
Also part of last year’s Australian Schoolboys team, Dellow will be crucial for Endeavour’s bid to return to the Peter Mulholland Cup grand final.
HUNTER BELL
St Dominic’s College
The St Dominic’s College speedster has been on the radar of many scouts since making his way through the junior grades in St Mary’s.
Equally adept at most positions right across the backline, Bell will play plenty of fullback for his school side, but is likely to revert to the centres for representative duties.
Played most of the SG Ball Cup campaign for the Panthers this season, and has a knack of finding his way across the tryline.
LINCOLN FLETCHER
Hills Sports High
Paramatta Eels-signed talent Fletcher will be the key piece this season as Hills Sports attempts to rebound.
An Australian Schoolboys rep last year, the talented halfback and goal kicker’s flexibility will prove valuable after he lined up at fullback in the season-opener.
Was a prolific performer during the Eels’ SG Ball campaign.
DAYNE JENNINGS
Central Coast Sports
The “Dayne Plane” was a walking highlight reel for Central Coast last year and will look to guide the surprise-packet school to another strong season.
Jennings just missed out on selection at centre in our 2024 team of the year and looked the goods once again in his school’s win over Hills Sports.
The Rabbitohs prospect will be one of the stars in a dangerous Central Coast outfit alongside halves Carter Mareko and Isaac Fotu-Moala plus winger Joshua Fesolai.
KRUGER ROACHE
Erindale College
Highlighted as a player to watch by co-coach Rourke O’Sullivan prior to the season, Roache has the X-factor to compliment Erindale’s gritty work up front.
The fullback found holes all over the field in the school’s first up win over Illwarra Sports as he scored once and caused general havoc throughout.
A Raiders SG Ball talent, his best moment came with a double show-and-go to set up Peila Siale for an excellent try.
JEZIAH PAPA
Patrician Brothers Fairfield
The classy outside back is coming off an incredible junior representative season, and will take on more responsibility in the Peter Mulholland Cup after being named Patrician Brothers College captain.
While he proved himself as the best centre in the Harold Matts competition this season, Papa will come closer to the ruck at five-eighth for Patties.
He has a killer left-foot step and surprising upper-body strength, but it is Papa’s sheer desire to compete which makes the biggest difference on field.
CHRISTIAN TAUPAU-MOORS
Patrician Brothers College, Blacktown
Look up explosive in the dictionary and there’s a hole in the shape of Christian Taupau-Moors blown right through the book.
The Patrician Brothers forward is a man mountain, but he has grown a football smarts well beyond his intimidating size over his years in the PMC and SG Ball Cup.
The front rower, the nephew of former NRL player Junior Moors, signed a long-term NRL contract with the Wests Tigers which will have him join the top 30 NRL squad in 2027.
CHARLIE XUEREB
Patrician Brothers Blacktown
Talk about making an impact.
Xuereb started on the bench in round one but it didn’t take long for Xuereb to make his presence felt, coming on and charging through Matraville.
The Panthers-contracted forward will be one of the younger players in the Pats line up this season – but expect him to be key in their chances of going back-to-back.
TALMAGE BROWN
St Dominic’s College
Brown – Penrith’s Harold Matthews player of the season – showed a flash of brilliance in round one which should have Panthers fans taking notice.
Collecting a loose ball, the prop wrong-footed four Bass High defenders on his way to charging over the line for one of the tries of the day.
CHRIS PETRUS
Patrician Brothers Blacktown
The Blacktown nursery has become one of the premier production factories for elite backrowers, and Petrus is just another off that impressive line.
The hard-running left-edge backrower strikes comparisons to Bulldogs enforcer Viliame Kikau with his elite athleticism, skilful ballplay and hole-punching carries.
Scored tries for fun during Parramatta’s SG Ball Cup campaign this season, including a double in the grand final loss to the Roosters.
ANDES ‘AJ’ JOHANSSON
Patrician Brothers Blacktown
The physically gifted centre was a mainstay of Patties’ Peter Mulholland Cup-winning campaign last season, and will look to take on more leadership in the outside backs.
He has the size that gives him an immediate advantage over his opposite number, but don’t be fooled into thinking he can’t match them for pace.
Johansson played in all-but one game of the Eels SG Ball campaign which finished in dramatic fashion in the grand final.
LUI LEE
Matraville Sports School
The Matraville speedster might not have had much opportunity in the school’s season opener, but he will be a key piece to the puzzle if they are going to advance to the finals.
The brother of former Queensland Origin bolter Brenko Lee, the big-bodied centre has been locked up long term by the Roosters.
He was part of the Tricolours SG Ball premiership campaign in 2025, possesses a killer left-foot step and isn’t too shabby under the high ball.
JAMIE COWLING
Erindale College
The Erindale halfback has been in the Peter Mulholland Cup system for a number of seasons, and has taken the reins this season.
Will direct the Erindale side around the park with precision, possesses a strong kicking game and will always be sniffing around the ball looking for opportunities to support his teammates.
The Goulburn product has played his way through the junior grades at the Raiders, and was recently locked into a long-term development deal with the Green Machine.
TOBY WINTER
Hunter Sports High School
The blistering speed of the Hunter Sports High outside back is enough to have him blaze a trail onto our list despite not suiting up for his side in the opening round.
Winter will represent NSW CHS at the ASSRL Nationals for the second-straight year in July, and is coming off a strong season at the back for the Knights SG Ball side.
Hunter Sports High will be determined to get him on the park for them if they are to turn around a slow start to the season.
JASAIS AH KEE
Patrician Brothers Blacktown
Coach Noah Meares has put the onus on Ah Kee to guide the reigning premiers around the park this season.
The halfback turned the Peter Mulholland Cup grand final on its head last year with a cracking second half to propel Patties to victory.
Another standout performance to open the campaign against Matraville – including a brilliant chip and chase – showed that Ah Kee will not wilt under the pressure of being the main man.
LIAM BELL
Hills Sports High School
The Roosters-contracted hooker will have a big impact on the Peter Mulholland Cup this season.
Has a sharp turn of foot and likes to get over the advantage line when he has a quick play the ball, Bell will drag his players into the action.
Was part of the Roosters SG Ball Cup-winning squad this season and will line up for NSWCHS at the national titles in July.
JOSHUA FESOLAI
Central Coast Sports
Fesolai was on fire in last year’s preliminary final and almost helped Central Coast get over the line in a one-point defeat to Patrician Brothers Blacktown.
The Central Coast Roosters winger scored three tries and had a huge chase-down tackle in that match.
Showed his versatility to line up at centre in round one against Hills Sports.
LACHLAN METCALFE
Hills Sports High
A cool and calm halfback, Metcalfe will captain Hills this season and looks set for a promising future.
The Roosters-signed talent is skilful by foot with a strong running and passing game, which he displayed with a burst of speed to set up lock Strantz Schaumkel in the season opener.
Was previously named player of the tournament at the ASSRL U15 Nationals in 2023 as skipper of NSW CHS.
PAUL JOHNSON
Bass High
If opposition schools weren’t aware of Johnson heading into round one, they definitely are now.
The Bass winger formed a lethal combination with fullback Ali Hicham Karnib to cross for a remarkable four tries in the captivating win over St Dominic’s.
Johnson is an old school finisher who looks like he could step past defenders inside a phone booth.
CHRISTIAN AZZI
Holy Cross College, Ryde
The young playmaker is the most-experienced player in the Holy Cross set-up, having started in the Peter Mulholland Cup as a 15-year-old two years ago.
Embedded in the Wests Tigers junior system at Balmain, Azzi is a game managing half, who should control the tempo one off the ruck.
He has assumed captaincy this season and will look to lead from the front.
CARTER MAREKO
Central Coast Sports
Just days after being named the Harold Matthews player of the series for his dominance with the Central Coast Roosters, Mareko dominated in his Peter Mulholland Cup opener.
The halfback had the ball on a string alongside five-eighth Isaac Fotu-Moala as they guided their side to an impressive 28-18 victory over Hills Sports.
Mareko’s playmaking was on full display as he set up a number of brilliant Central Coast moves while also scoring the opener in a length of the field team try.
HUDSYN FROST
Endeavour Sports High School
The young Kiwi is ready to make waves after moving across the ditch to complete his schooling in 2025.
The explosive and highly-skilled prop has been picked up by the Sharks on a long-term deal after spearheading the Warriors Harold Matts premiership campaign in 2024.
Frost adds an immediate tackle-breaking, line-bending strength to what was already arguably the best forward pack in schoolboys league. Talk about Endeavour loading up the canons.
ZAIN ALAMEDDINE
Westfields Sports School
Watching Alameddine dazzle a defensive line is the closest thing we’ve seen to a prime Benji Marshall in some time.
Alameddine looks like he is dancing a tango while those around him are doing the funky chicken such is the sharpness of his footwork.
He also has the pace to outstrip most rivals and a long ball that appears like its been fired out of a cannon. If Westfields are a chance to returning to the glory of a few years ago, Alameddine will be at the heart of the revival.
BLAKE WATMAN
Endeavour Sports High School
He is the size of a Mack truck but has the wheels of a Maclaren.
The left edge backrower is back for another season of Peter Mulholland Cup and has only gotten bigger and better.
Locked up on a three-year deal at Cronulla, Watman was part of the Sharks SG Ball Cup side which made the finals this season. He will be hard to contain on an edge this season.
GLASSIE GLASSIE
Patrician Brothers College Fairfield
The young Cook Islands back rower has the potential to be a cult hero in the Patrician Brothers College side as they look to fight their way back into finals.
He is a big body in the back row and only knows the one gear when charging into the defensive lines.
Has been part of the Wests Tigers pathways system for a number of years, earning players’ player honours with the Macarthur Tigers Laurie Daley Shield side this season.
KYRAN BLAIR
Hunter Sports High
The enigmatic playmaker made an early statement in Hunter Sports High’s opening round win over Patrician Brothers Fairfield.
His sharp footwork at the line defies his strength, while he uses his hefty frame to push through defenders when he spots half a gap.
Blair plays in the halves for Newcastle’s Laurie Daley Cup side, and will be the focal point for Hunter Sports in attack.
SIDNEY TRUONG
Endeavour Sports High School
The exciting backrower missed the school’s season opener but he won’t take long to make a massive impact on the Peter Mulholland Cup this season.
Truong is an exciting hole runner on the edge, and has an impressive top speed when he makes it into the clear – which is often.
He was voted the Sharks Harold Matts player of the year this season, and has already locked down the left edge role for the NSW CHS side at the nationals in July.
LIAM CHALLENOR
Endeavour Sports High School
The younger brother of Australian schoolboys front rower Alex Challenor, Liam is a crafty halfback quickly rising through the ranks in the Shire.
Possesses a strong kicking game and an even better passing game, with his deceptive short ball close to the line likely to cause havoc for opposition sides.
Clearly spent time being beat up in the backyard as the halfback isn’t afraid of the contract and rarely shirks his work on the defensive end.
ISAAC FOTU-MOALA
Central Coast Sports College
The livewire playmaker is into his second season at the helm of a sensational Central Coast Sports College side.
Has footwork that would make some NRL-level halves blush, and also has a connection with his outside men that will produce plenty of points this season.
He had a strong Laurie Daley Cup campaign this season for the Central Coast Roosters and will be determined to carve out a spot in their SG Ball side next season.
JACK SCHUMACHER
Endeavour Sports High School
The fleet-footed five-eighth was one of Endeavour Sports High’s real bright spots last season.
He possesses a cracking left-foot step, impressive acceleration and an ability to sniff out weaknesses in the defensive line.
Was part of the Sharks SG Ball Cup squad this season but stuck behind some impressive playmaking prospects. Will be itching for opportunity to prove himself on the PMC stage.
MATTHEW BARAKAT
Bass High
An impressive halfback coming through the ranks, the Bass High playmaker struggled for opportunity in 2025 parked behind the Bulldogs impressive SG Ball halves.
He has an impressive kicking game and possesses the full gamut of passes to unlock the players around him.
Barakat will step up as captain of the Bass High side and will play the conductor role as they look to make a strong charge toward the finals.
MACE SCOFIELD
Illawarra Sports High
The front rower comes into the Peter Mulholland Cup off the back of a strong Harold Matts campaign with the Illawarra Steelers.
The Koori U17s representative gives them plenty of muscle in the front row and doesn’t have a reverse gear.
ALI HICHAM KARNIB
Bass High School
Elite footwork and soft enough hands to set up the players on his outside, Karnib is already a star in the making.
The fullback is into his third season of Peter Mulholland Cup for Bass High and his second as captain of the school – and he has really shown an aptitude for leadership.
He has good acceleration from a standing start and a cracking right-arm fend to get separation from defenders. The Wests Magpies junior makes those around him better players.
DUSTY WYRZYKOWSKI
Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School
Complicated by name, uncomplicated by nature.
The tough as nails back-rower has a simple mindset on the football field and it shows in his sheer efficiency.
The Northern Tigers Laurie Daley Cup representative runs hard, tackles harder and leads by example. He will captain Farrer in the NRL Schoolboys Cup this season.
FILIPE FAKAUHO
Matraville Sports High School
The flashy finisher will be one to watch despite struggling to make an impact against a top tier Patrician Brothers side in Matraville’s opener.
The Tongan flyer is signed to the Roosters and was part of their Harold Matts side which charged to the finals earlier this year.
Has good size and strength for the tough carries, and will be part of the NSW CHS side at the national titles in July.
BEAU HILL
Hunter Sports High School
The hard-running backrower out of the Hunter has been in and around representative football for a number of years and will be determined to go to the next level after he was named in the NSW CHS squad last week.
Hill got several opportunities with the Knights SG Ball squad this season and will look to convert that into a strong year for Hunter Sports High.
GEORDIE AMAIU
Erindale College
The powerful Papua New Guinean ballrunner has made a home on the edge for Erindale College, and made some incisive runs in their big Round 1 win.
The Raiders-contracted back rower captained the Green Machine in the Harold Matts this season and has shown he possesses game-breaking potential with his size and explosiveness.
BROCK ACHURCH
St Gregory’s College
Crisp service out of dummy-half and isn’t afraid to carry the ball out of the ruck to get his side on the front foot.
The St gregory’s College dummy-half also possesses a strong workrate in defence working hard out of marker to pressure halves.
The versatile hooker has spent time in the Wests Magpies Harold Matts squad this season and played a fair bit of his junior footy in the halves.
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