SuperCoach NRL 2025: The SG Ball bargains eligible for selection from round one

They’re the bargain-priced young guns who are waiting for the call-up to the big time. Here are 21 SG Ball graduates who can feature in NRL SuperCoach from the opening whistle.

Blake Steep is a major contender for round one selection with the Roosters. Photo: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

With the big guns taking up a chunk of everyone’s SuperCoach salary cap, finding value can be a problematic task.

That’s where the next generation enters the picture, with the young talent across the board hungry for roster spots.

We look at the 21 2024 SG Ball graduates and current U19s players who either have Top-30 or Supplementary contracts and are eligible for round one.

FULLBACKS

CONNOR VOTANO (NEWCASTLE, $198,800)

Saw him in action in the trials and gave a good account of himself. A versatile player who can fill a number of roles in the backline, don’t be surprised to see him pop up on the wing at some stage throughout 2025.

Heath Mason closed out the year in first grade for the Wests Tigers. Photo: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

HEATH MASON (WESTS TIGERS, $276,900)

With an injury to Jahream Bula he was given plenty of opportunity at the back for the Tigers. Ended up playing seven games throughout the year. Despite his size he takes the line on and can make metres, an attractive trait for SuperCoaches.

LUKE LAULILII (WESTS TIGERS, FLB/CTW, $297,600)

Another from the Tigers who was given a good run last season, Laulilii is still eligible for SG Ball this season despite playing five games of NRL. Scored a couple of tries and will be mounting his case for one of the wing spots.

CENTRE/WING

WILL CRAIG (WESTS TIGERS, $198,800)

Coaches throughout the junior ranks have always had a big opinion of this youngster who can fill in on either the wing or in the centres. Down the pecking order in terms of the opening rounds but a strong NSW Cup campaign can put him in the mix.

Michael Gabrael helped the Sharks to a Jersey Flegg title in 2024. Picture: Warren Gannon Photography

MICHAEL GABRAEL (CRONULLA, $198,800)

Was part of the player swap for Blake Taaffe with the Bulldogs and it’s no wonder why the Sharks were keen on him. Was among the leading tryscorers for Cronulla in the U19s last season and with Sione Katoa out long-term, could come into calculations.

RICHARD PENISINI (PARRAMATTA, $198,800)

Was expected to play SG Ball last season before tragically injuring his ACL and missing the year. Looked good in the trial against Newcastle and it seems a matter of when, not if Richard becomes the next Penisini in the NRL.

WILSON DE COURCEY (NEWCASTLE, $198,800)

Only saw limited trial action but this big centre can hit like a freight train. A potent attacking weapon as well, isn’t expected to feature early on but is the type of player who would do a job if asked by Adam O’Brien.

FIVE-EIGHTH

JAKE ELLIOTT (SYD ROOSTERS, 5/8/HFB, $198,800)

If there’s anyone I’m putting stock in to make their debut, it’s Elliott. Graduated from SG Ball to NSW Cup last year where he had 17 try assists and five tries in just 14 games. Holds his place for the second week of the finals and will keep the pressure on Sandon Smith and the Chad.

HALFBACK

TOBY RODWELL (SYD ROOSTERS, $198,800)

With the Roosters having halfback issues to start the season, could Rodwell find himself in the running if Chad Townsend starts slow? Took control when coming off the bench in the trial against St George - now lines up for his first SG Ball game of the season in round four.

Toby Rodwell represented the City U18s. Picture: Warren Gannon Photography

MITCHELL WOODS (CANTERBURY, $198,800)

One of the more hyped halfbacks we’ve seen in recent years. Woods took out SG Ball Player of the Year honours last year and has been earmarked as the long-term seven at the Bulldogs. Whether he’s forward enough to unseat Toby Sexton just yet is the question.

HOOKER

TALLYN DA SILVA (WESTS TIGERS, $355,300)

The most expensive player on this list who enters his third year of first grade. Da Silva played six games last year and shapes as a bench option if Benji Marshall opts to run with a hooking option on the bench to relieve Api Koroisau.

FRONT ROW

DE LA SALLE VA’A (SYD ROOSTERS, $232,600)

Made his debut in the final round last year and made a big impression, running for close to 100m. With roster changes at the Roosters there is a strong possibility we’ll see more of the big front rower from Toowoomba.

ETHAN ROBERTS (SYD ROOSTERS, FRF/2RF, $198.800)

Yet to make his NRL debut but SuperCoaches got a glimpse at the young man in the All Stars when he came off the bench for the Indigenous side. Has earned dual-status which increases his appeal. Most likely to feature on an edge if given a shot.

Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga. Picture: NRL PHOTOS

LOKO PASIFIKI TONGA (ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA, $198,800)

Shane Flanagan has been very open about the progress of Tonga and his views of him as a first grader. Had a great showing in the first trial against the Roosters, notably making 21 tackles with no misses. A big body who can match it at the elite level.

FANAFOU SEVE (SYD ROOSTERS, $198,800)

Made the move in the pre-season from the Bulldogs to the Roosters. Played in his first game of SG Ball in round three for his new club after starting in the front row for the Bulldogs in their grand final season. Down the pecking order so likely not a round one proposition.

SECOND ROW/LOCK

JERMAINE MCEWEN (NEWCASTLE, $198,800)

Steps into the top-30 with the Knights this year after a very impressive season of U19s. There was a lot to like about his performance in the trial against the Eels, scoring a try, running for over 10m per carry and making 16 tackles in limited time.

Logan Spinks went from SG Ball to Jersey Flegg in 2024. Picture: Adam Wrightson Photography

LOGAN SPINKS (CANTERBURY, $198,800)

The young man from Tamworth steps into a top-30 role in 2027 and is on the development list for the next two seasons. Runs a strong line and is strong defensively, something that Cameron Ciraldo will love.

SOSAIA ALATINI (CANTERBURY, $198,800)

Another from Canterbury’s SG Ball pack that made the grand final, Alatini backs up for a second season in the U19s. This year looks a bit beyond his debut but he’s one that will relish being around the top group.

BLAKE STEEP (SYD ROOSTERS, $232,600)

The most experienced of the back rowers from last year’s graduates. Steep captained the SG Ball side last year before going on to play three games of first grade. Played for the Indigenous All Stars and looks a safe bet to add to his tally in the top flight.

JACOB HALANGAHU (ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA, $198,800)

Rookies don’t come with more of a boom than this youngster. An Australian Schoolboys representative who was crucial to St George ending their U19s drought last season. A devastating ball runner who will be exciting to watch when he makes his debut.

Originally published as SuperCoach NRL 2025: The SG Ball bargains eligible for selection from round one