Rising stars: We name the Western Clydesdales top 15 junior players

The Western Clydesdales juniors matched it with Queensland Rugby League’s best players this season. With their seasons wrapping up at the weekend, we’ve named their top 15 players.Find out which male and female players made the list here.

Mackenzie Zeller for Clydesdales. Picture: Nev Madsen.

LEAGUE: The Western Clydesdales juniors matched it with Queensland Rugby League’s best and brightest teams and players this season.

With their respective seasons wrapping up last weekend we’ve run the rule over every single player from the under-16 Cyril Connell Challenge, U18 Mal Meninga Cup and U19 women’s Harvey Norman squads.

Here’s is our look at the top 15 stars from our three teams.

Cyril Connell Challenge U16s

Joseph Litidamu: A very solid season in the centres, Litidamu was a cool and calm presence capable of getting his side back-on-track when his teammates started to lose concentration. Terrific in defence, he may not have lit up the scoreboard but he played a big role each game.

Braithen Scott for Queensland Maroons. Picture: Tertius Pickard.

Braithen Scott: The captain and fullback was integral to his team’s success this season. Across six games, Scott was arguably in the player of the match discussion every time. His ability to read the game, his electric change of pace and impressive work in defence place him among one of competition’s best players. Scott scored four tries and kicked 16 conversions for 48 points.

Oscar Vukovich: Playing on the wing and the leading try scorer for the season with five, Vukovich was a constant threat with ball in hand, once he hit the afterburners and found some space. He also made a number of try saving tackles across the season, proving he isn’t afraid to get among the action.

Shaun Elara for the Clydesdales. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Shaun Elara: Arguably among the best up and coming young props in the state, Elara, was a true game-breaker when given the opportunity. Scoring some tries and possessing a handy offload, the only blemish on Elara’s record this season was his one game suspension.

Kailan Roberts: A utility forward and a big strong body, Roberts impressed regardless of the opponent or his position. Whether he was used as an impact sub, a lock, or a prop, he was always involved in and around the action.

Mal Meninga Cup U18s

Braiden Driscoll: Halfback and game-manager, Driscoll was reliable when given the chance. While he did not play big minutes every game, when he was called upon, he provided a solid kicking game and a clean accurate pass.

Bud Smith for Clydesdales. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Bud Smith: It is easy to see why Smith has a Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs Academy deal as he was a standout player in each of his six games. Playing in the lock position didn’t stop him from being equal top try scorer with four. Always a threat and good for extra metreage each carry post contact, Smith is only going to get better.

CQ Capras' under-16 player Jett Day.

Jett Day: The second rower and former Central Queensland Capra was a menace in attack, approaching each play at 100 miles an hour, without regard for his own wellbeing. Not afraid to get up in his opposition’s face, Day proved the fire and calculated aggression needed in any good side.

Jai Purser for St Mary's. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Jai Purser: Often one of if not the biggest player on the field, Purser is not just a power forward. Playing as a prop, Purser is deceptively fast for his size and has strength for days. Tidy hands and a good fend also make Purser a nightmare to tackle, he frequently made a couple of tackle breaks each game.

Lyucian King-Togia for Clydesdales. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Lyucian King-Togia: Took his game to another level after replacing injured fullback Matthew Moore as captain. The hooker was disciplined and direct in his play. Providing tidy service from the ruck and capable of kicking when required, he was a proper leader this season.

Harvey Norman Women’s U19s

Lucy Davis for Clydesdales. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Lucy Davis: A speedy centre, Davis was among the best on field for most of her games. Using her speed and quick feet to her advantage, Davis would routinely carve up defensive structures, making big metreage for either a try or to get her side out of trouble.

Mackenzie Zeller for Clydesdales. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Mackenzie Zeller: Captaining the side at 17 years old, Zeller proved why she is so often praised by opposition players and coaches. Playing as a lock or as the side’s second-rower, Zeller was often one of the fittest on the field, constantly running the ball and taking big hit-ups for her side out of trouble. Zeller is also an attacking weapon, with a solid fend and a handy offload in her arsenal.

Katelyn Collie for Clydesdales. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Katelyn Collie: Stepping in as captain for two games in Zeller’s absence, the prop used her footy instinct combined with her size and strength to terrorise opposing defences. Solid in defence, Collie came alive during attacking sets even managing to snag three tries for the season.

Reagan McMillan for Clydesdales. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Reagan McMillan: Partnering Zeller or Libby Dunn in the second row, McMillan provided a solid first line of defence. A deceptively powerful player, McMillian routinely broke tackles, making crucial post contact metres for her side, getting them on the front foot.

Jessica Fitzgibbons scores a try for Clydesdales. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Jessica Fitzgibbons: Top try scorer in her side, Fitzgibbons crossed the line four times this year. Possessing explosive pace of the mark and a safe set of hands, Fitzgibbons was a constant threat in attack.