Parramatta Eels vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs: Top 19 juniors coming through the ranks

Western Sydney foes Parramatta and Canterbury dominated junior reps in 2023, but who has the best rising talent? We rank the top 19 youngsters poised to the NRL rivals into the future.

From Blaize Talagi, a Parramatta junior on the cusp of NRL selection, to Mitchell Woods, the Canterbury local considered one the best rugby league prospects in the country, the western Sydney rivals are banking on the fruits of their pathways systems.

The Eels reigned as SG Ball (under-19s) champions while the Harold Matthews Cup (under-17s) and Jersey Flegg (under-21s) titles went to the Bulldogs in 2023 as fierce NRL foes dominated the junior representative seasons.

But who has the best crop of up-and-coming talent to take the clubs into the future?

The Bulldogs also have high hopes for the crop of forwards like Harry Hayes and Lipoi Hopoi who impressed coach Cameron Ciraldo over the summer and were rewarded with selection in the trials.

“Harry is one to keep an eye on for sure, he’s unbelievably fit,” Bulldogs back-rower Jacob Preston said.

Some of the exciting Parramatta Eels and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs juniors coming through the ranks.

“Up there with the top in the squad. He can run for days. He’s up there with the fittest at the club. They are pushing the NRL boys to catch up to them fitness-wise.

“A lot of these young boys, it’s a credit to them, they brought a lot of intensity at training. They have stepped up to where they need to be.”

At the Eels, Talagi is on the cusp of an NRL debut, while Matt Arthur is viewed as the club’s future at hooker.

We ranked the top-19 rookies ready to take the Eels and Bulldogs into the future as the NRL rivals prepare to open their 2024 NRL campaigns on Saturday night.

Originally published as Parramatta Eels vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs: Top 19 juniors coming through the ranks