The junior rugby union stars who shape as potential Australian Wallabies World Cup players of the future
As Australia prepares for the 2024 World Cup in France, we have scoured Queensland to find the top junior rugby union players who shape as potential Wallabies of the future. See them all here
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The Australian Wallabies are a week out from starting their campaign to win a World Cup for the first time in over two decades.
The Wallabies won the coveted title in 1999 by beating France who will play host to the participating nations in the 2024 event.
While our best players are busy preparing overseas, the next batch of potential Wallabies are developing their skills on grassroots fields across Queensland.
Discover the stars of the future below:
GOLD COAST
Kenneth Harris
Club: Gold Coast Eagles
Position: Flanker/Lock
Comment: Going by ‘Kenny’ at his club, this teen sensation has a bright future in the sport. He is an all-rounder and exceptional goal kicker with an ability to play in the back line.
Tekanawa Steffek
Club: Gold Coast Eagles
Position: Center
Comment: TK is a very powerful runner and great defender who is naturally gifted and plays the game with integrity.
Oscar Lane
Club: Nerang Bulls
Position: Loose forward
Comment: Lane is one of South East Queensland’s most promising young rugby talents. He had no problem making his way through the South Coast, Queensland and Australian schoolboys pathways in 2023, and was vital to the Bulls’ U18 club side. Keep your eyes peeled, this teen is on his way to fame.
Tyler Stevens
Club: Nerang Bulls
Position: Halfback
Comment: A fellow Queensland schoolboys star, Stevens is only in his second year of union but was a key in the Bulls’ U18 cog this year. He offered the same speed and style as his teammate Oscar Lane, and is a promising talent on the rise. Stevens has a never quit attitude and a desire to win to matter what.
Neshaun Treffery-Koenders
Club: Nerang Bulls
Position: Number 8
Comment: There’s a familiar pattern at the Bulls, and it’s the talent of their U18s side. Treffery-Koenders boasts a game IQ well above his years, and offers speed with a side of physicality. It makes him hard to stop from anywhere on the field.
Harrison Usher
Club/school: Bond University
Position: Prop
From the King’s School, Junior Wallaby Usher was a prime mover for the Bullsharks the Colts 1 competition this year.
Te Anahera Walton
Club: Surfers Paradise Dolphins
A 12-year-old with outstanding vision, speed and determination wrapped up in a small package.
Jacob Nancarrow
Club: Surfers Paradise Dolphins
A 12-year-old player who undertands the game better than most his age while his consistency and leadership make him a player others want to follow.
Flynn Webster
Club: Surfers Paradise Dolphins
An incredibly strong tackler with great vision and an excellent boot at just 11.
Sebastian Page
Club: Surfers Paradise Dolphins
An 11-year-old who is a strong and couragous forward. Page is a natural leader on the field.
Dakota Curran
Club: Surfers Paradise Dolphins
Fearless in attack and defence while also disciplined and humble.
Koji Goulding
Club: Surfers Paradise Dolphins
Position: Prop
Comment: He’s a lot bigger than the other boys and used to play backrow which works in his favour. Goulding’s physicality is up there so he has no trouble taking on men who have played for more years than he could walk. The late teen is one of the youngest first grade players but has already established the jersey as his own.
DARLING DOWNS
Chace Oates
Club: Toowoomba Grammar School
Position: Inside Centre
The cousin of Brisbane Broncos star Corey Oates is a Queensland Reds Academy regular and was named in the U16s Australian Development Squad last year.
A powerful runner with a great step and fend, Oates biggest asset is his ability to make the right decisions at the right time and create opportunities for those around.
Oates is also a very handy cricketer.
Ewald Kruger
Club: Toowoomba Grammar School
Position: Hooker
An attacking threat with the ball in hand, Kruger is an extremely skillful, hard-working and determined player.
Named in the same U16s Australian Development Squad as school mate Chace Oates, he has also been a part of the Queensland Reds Academy for the past two years.
Jeremiah Sialau
Club: Toowoomba Grammar School
Position: Loose Head Prop
Sialau made the move to Queensland to further his rugby career earlier this year.
The Queensland Reds Academy player, who was part of the Melbourne Rebels system, has excellent rugby IQ, a well developed skillset and works hard on both sides of the ball.
Richard Dean
Club: Toowoomba Grammar
Position: Fullback
There is not much Dean can’t do.
From GPS football and rugby to cricket - he is a naturally gifted and hard working athlete.
Dean has a great kicking game but does his best work on the counter-attack using his speed and vision to find and exploit opposition defences.
George Griffiths
Club: Toowoomba Grammar
Position: Lock
Captained Grammar to victory in the O’Callaghan Cup this year, Griffiths is a natural leader on and off field who never shys away from contact.
William Nason
Club: Souths
Position: Fly Half, Winger, Fullback
The Toowoomba Grammar Old Boy and former USQ Saints player has been carving it up for Souths this year.
Another multi-sport star, Nason recieved his GPS First XI cricket cap from former Australian Test bastman Martin love in 2022.
Adam Fahamokioa
Club: Downlands College
Position: Tighthead Prop
When the game is on the line it’s almost Fahamokioa will be involved.
The Queensland Country rep loves doing the ‘dirty’ work when the game is on the line.
Johnny Ryan
Club: Downlands College
Position: Blindside Flanker
The Queensland Reds Under-16 representative is a star on the rise.
In his second year with his school’s First XV, Ryan is a team first player who works hard.
Jake Stephens
Club: Downlands College
Position: Flanker
The Darling Downs and Queensland rep leads by example and leaves everything on the field.
Cormac Wainwright
Club: Downlands College
Position: Fullback
A player with tremendous ball skills and great Rugby IQ, Wainwright is also a Queensland cricket rep player.
Heath Lindenmayer
Club: Downlands College
Position: Inside Centre
The Darling Downs and Queensland 2 rep player has a great all-round skillset and attitude.
ROCKHAMPTON
Ralph Labor
Club/school: Cap Coast Crocs
Position: Halfback
Comments: Labor has one of the best passing games in country rugby. He has a quality box kick and is an excellent on-field organiser. His talents have earned him representative honours, including selection in the Queensland Country under-14 team and the 15 years Queensland regional rugby team.
Grady Wight
Club/school: Rockhampton Grammar
Position: Hooker
Comments: A Queensland schoolboys representative who made a big impression at the nationals in July. A quality contributor at the set piece and a strong ball carrier.
Henry Kallquist
Club/school: Frenchville Pioneers
Position: Number 8
Comments: A gifted player who has been rewarded with selection in the Queensland Country under-16 team to compete at the nationals in September. A dynamic ball runner with a high workload and outstanding lineout skills.
Dylan O‘Donnell
Club/school: Frenchville Pioneers
Position: Blindside breakaway
Comments: A workhorse around the park, he is dynamic at the breakdown. Will represent the 15 years Queensland regional rugby team in September.
Cormack Werner
Club/school: Rockhampton Grammar
Position: Fullback
Comments: A good mover who creates plenty of space, Cormack also possesses a long kicking game. Also earned selection in the 15 years Queensland regional rugby team.
Jason Wiobo
Club/school: Rockhampton Grammar
Position: Front row
Comments: New to rugby, he is a natural talent who is fast making his mark. A strong ball runner, he has been included in the 15 years Queensland regional rugby team.
SUNSHINE COAST
Joshua Barlow
Age: 18
Club and School: Sunshine Coast Grammar
Position: Hooker
Comment: Barlow, a strong and powerful hooker, has continued to impress at the Sunshine Coast, Queensland and now Australian schoolboys level. It is clear that the former Caloundra Lighthouse junior has taken plenty away from the elite level coaches and has proven himself as a star on the rise.
Luke Aiken
Age: 18
Club and School: Sunshine Coast Grammar
Position: Halfback
Aiken’s exceptional run of form has continued in 2023, earning plenty of representative call-ups and performance accolades throughout the year. The zippy halfback was named player of the tournament at the Ballymore Cup and captained the U18’s Queensland Reds side against New South Wales.
Finn Lawson
Age: 17
Club and School: No union club at present (Sunshine Coast Falcons/Kawana Rugby League Club), Mountain Creek State High School
Position: Winger/Fullback
Lawson currently has the sporting world at his feet. The dual sporting prodigy was able to earn back-to-back Australian schoolboys selection despite his limited experience playing rugby union. He has cemented himself as a true rugby league or rugby union rising star and brings an exciting level of skill to the field.
Kye Porter
Age: 17
Club and School: Noosa Dolphins, St Andrew’s Anglican College
Position: Fly-half
Porter has burst onto the elite schoolboys scene in 2023, after leading his Queensland side all the way to the grand final at the Australian Schoolboys titles and picking up his side‘s coaches award. His impressive kicking game and high level vision is a recipe for success when his side is on the attack.
Saxon Thompson
Age: 16
Club and School: Noosa Dolphins, Good Shepherd Lutheran College
Position: Second Row/Number Eight
Thompson is a damaging second rower and is exactly the type of player you want in your forward pack. The Sunshine Coast talent also earnt Australian Schoolboys Barbarians selection in 2023 and has plenty of developmental years to come before stepping into the higher grades.
Jimmy Jackson
Age: 18
Club and School: Sunshine Coast Grammar
Position: Halfback
The former Noosa Dolphins and St Andrew’s Anglican College player produced a highlight season in 2023, bolting into the Australian Schoolboys Barbarians side. His ability to link-up extremely well with his forward pack and backline has seen him stand out to selectors whilst also maintaining his flair and composure with the ball in hand.
BRISBANE
Stuart Tualima
Club/school: GPS
Position: Backrower
Tualima, a Brisbane State High Alumni andGPS rugby club young gun, is a dynamic youngster who can play anywhere in the back row.
He had a strong season in the Colts 1 competition and features in our Team of the Season.
Tom Howard
Club/school: Marist College Ashgrove
Position: Anywhere in the backline
Tom Howard is the son of a gun – former Wallaby and Marist old boy Pat Howard – but the fleet-a-foot outside back has constructed his resume on his own terms, don’t worry. He is very good. Howard made his First XV debut on the wing as a Year 10, which was a good place for him to start, but watch for him at either fullback or in the midfield next season. After playing in a battling Marist side last season, Howard flourished in a resurgent side this year.
Watch for him in his third year of First XV next year.
Princeton Ioane
Club/school: Nudgee College
Position: Front row
Front row destructor Princeton Ioane gives any side great depth, whether he is utilised as a starter or an overpowering bench reinforcement.
Ioane is a fierce competitor who has a work rate unlike many forwards out there — just wait and see.
One of five Queenslanders with U16s Australian Development Squad honours from 2022.
Avery Thomson
Club/school: Brisbane Boys’ College
Position: Lock
An Australian Under 16 development select, Thomson is a hard working lock with unmatched lineout presence.
He shone in the Under 16 National Championships and has been impressive for BBC in this year’s GPS First XV rugby competition.
He will join the Reds at Ballymore next year in what will be his first year out of school.
Max Craig
Club/school: Easts
Position: Front row
Craig had a great showing in the Under 19 National Championships last season and played Premier Grade this season for top-four finishers Easts.
He is a Junior Wallaby and contiues to improve.
Ben Daniels
Club/school: Brothers
Position: Lock
Cloncurry product Ben Dnaiels is a towering lock with excellent ball skills. Not to mention he is a lineout weapon and workhorse on both offense and defence.
The Churchie Old Boy helped his side to their first premiership since schoolboy whiz Kalyn Ponga led them to back-to-back Titles in 2014 and 2015.
Daniels represented the Queensland Reds Under 18s last year, as well as the Australian Schools and Under 18 team but unfortuntely injury ruined his Colts 1 season.
Jarrod Homan
Club/school: Easts
Position: Outside back
BBC Old Boy Jarrod Homan had himself quite the 2022, having a breakout year in the Colts 1 competiton for Easts which earned selection in the Queensland Reds Under 19 team.
He’s quick, strong, a great finisher and is not afraid of contact.
Like Daniels, he was injured for much of the club season but he will bounce back better.
Trevor King
Club/school: Souths
Position: Font row
Fijian born King is a physical player with great leadership qualities. When we spoke to him last year after he was selected in the Australian Schools and Under 18s team he put an emphasis on his love for the game of rugby union and that’s just what fans of the game want from a promising young talent like him.
The Downlands Old Boy laced up for the Souths Magpies first grade side this year as an 18-year-old which just doesn’t happen.
A Junior Wallaby and Reds contracted player, King is promising with a capital P.
Joe Liddy
Club/school: Easts
Position: Flanker
Gregory Terrace alumni Joe Liddy was a terrific flanker for Easts and Queensland’s Under 18 side last year, jackaling his side to victory on numerous occasions.
He’s hard to miss from the sidelines, just look for a luscious mullet moving in the wind as he thumps oppenents, cleans out, and wins ball.
A great leader, Liddy missed the Colts 1 season with a back injury.
Dre Pakeho
Club/school: Brothers
Position: Inside centre
Pakeho is an Australian Schoolboy, Queensland Reds Under 18s select and Brothers Colts 1 premiership winner.
The Reds have aspirations with him that is for certain.
More on the Kiwi born rugby league convert who resisted the lure of the NRL for a shot with the Queensland Reds here.
Charlie Brosnan
Club/school: Brothers
Position: Lock
Brosnan was the Churchie No.8 but he could play No.4, No.5, No.7 and No.7 with ease. He is highly skilled and mobile with great anticipation both as a support player, but also covering in defence.
An Australian Schools and Queensland Reds Under 18s select, Brosnan was a part of the premiership winning Colts 1 Brothers side.
Nick Bloomfield
Club/school: Easts
Position: Prop
Prop powerhouse Nick Bloomfield went from strength to strength in the Colts competition last year, scrummaging his side to a Grand Final showdown with UQ.
As a reward, he made every team he could— Queensland U18s, Queensland U19s & Australia U18s.
This season he was again a force in the Easts Colts 1 set up after representing the Junior Wallabies.
Taine Roiri
Club/school: Sunnybank
Position: Back rower
Hard to miss with his at times colourful hair, Sunnybank backrow specialist Taine Roiri is a Reds squad member, after graduating from the Reds academy last year.
He’s a towering presence in the lineouts, a source of power in the scrums and a strong ball carrier who came out of John Paul College in Logan.
Taj Annan
Club/school: Souths
Position: Flyhalf/ Inside centre
A Reds Academy graduate, BBC Old Boy and Suths Magpie Taj Annan has ascended rapidly through the Reds ranks after finishing school in 2021.
At this years Santos Festival of Rugby in Narrabri the young playmaker and conversion king crossed the line for his first try in Reds colours, after impressing in the Colts 1 finals series and Under 19 National Championships in 2022.
He has a handful of Reds caps under his belt now and bolsters the young crop of Queensland Reds talent coming through.
Nick Baker
Club/school: GPS
Position: Flanker
Junior Wallaby, Queensland Reds Under 19s skipper and GPS rugby club flanker or No.8 Nick Baker has done all the right things in his young career so far.
He leads from the front, bulldozes his rivals in the breakdown, and has a work rate second to none.
His Hospital Cup campaign was tainted with a knee inury.
John Bryant
Club/school: Souths
Position: No.8
Byant is very similar to Baker. They both took the AIC First XV rugby competition by storm in 2019 and 2020, looking like men amongst boys. Since then, they’ve been in the Reds Academy sharpening their tools.
In the Under 19 National Championships Bryant played No.8 and Baker No.7.
More recently, Bryant committed to the Queensland Reds long term.
Finn Prass
Age: 18
Club: Brisbane Brothers
Position: Flyhalf
The former Sunshine Coast Grammar school graduate has been a product of the Queensland Reds junior academies for a number of years running. In 2023 Prass was selected in the Tier One Squad before being named as the starting flyhalf for the Queensland Reds U18‘s side and finished the year with a spot in the Colts 1 team of the season. His kicking game, size and passing skills have caught the attention of many fans and scouts this season.
Matt Brice
Age: 20
Club: University of Queensland
Position: Fullback
Brice, a former Good Shepherd Lutheran College and Noosa Dolphins star, has stamped his foot on the Brisbane competition in 2023 for the University of Queensland. The rangy fullback is deceptively fast and brings a high level of rugby IQ to the field since he grew up playing halfback.
Louis Werchon
Club/school: Wests
Position: Halfback
A clone of McDermott, Werchon offers some razzle dazzle at No.9.
Having made his offical debut against the Panasonic Wild Knights of Japan, the blonde-haired Werchon is another squad member not far away from a run in Super Rugby Pacific.
He played in Sunday’s Hospital Cup grand final won by Brothers.
Floyd Aubrey
Club/school: GPS
Position: Fullback
Will 2024 be the year Aubrey is glimpsed in the Super Rugby Pacific? Surely it has to be.
He showed us what he’s capable of during the 2023 Reds trials but his first grade season was hindered by an ankle injury.
The Marist College Ashgrove product from Murgon has raw talent.
Mac Grealy
Club/school: UQ
Position: Fullback/ Wing
Grealy will be a great boost for the Reds off the bench next year or even as a starting winger in place of Rebels bound Filipo Daugunu.
the Downlands Old Boy possessing the ability to play any of the back three positions and he hasn’t lost any x-factor since graduating in 2019.
Tom Lynagh
Club/school: UQ
Position: Flyhalf
The son of the Queensland Reds all time leading points scorer Michael.
Just 20 years of age, Lynagh showed in Super Rugby he will be good option at flyhalf in 2024 should injury strike top-choice playmakers James O’Connor or Lawson Creighton.
Taj Annan and Hary McLaughlin-Phillips are also highly skilled so competition is fierce.
Harry McLaughlin-Phillips
Club: Souths
Position: Flyhalf
If you are a Reds fan you are already very familiar with this exciting young flyhalf. We could go on for hours about what McLaughlin-Phillips, a No.10 from Souths just like Reds great Quade Cooper, has to offer.
He moves fast, makes decisions quickly, has toughness and strength in contact and was the Under 20s Player of the Year last season, joining a prestigious list which features the likes of Tim Horan, Toutai Kefu and teammates Harry Wilson and Floyd Aubrey just to list a few.
After a standout campaign with the Queensland U19s team in the National Championships (2022) McLaughlin-Phillips has committed to Queensland Rugby through 2025.
Tim Ryan
Club/school: Brothers
Position: Wing
We think he could be a Wallaby but if you don’t believe us, take it from Brothers head coach Brendan Gabbett who said this before Brothers took out this year’s Hospital Cup.
‘I don’t doubt that he could be a Wallaby. If we do the right thing with Tim Ryan as a code … Let him play week-in-week-out he could be a Wallaby that makes a difference not just a Wallaby.”
Mason Gordon
Club/school: Wests
Position: Flyhalf
The younger brother of Wallabies flyhalf Carter is carving out his own legacy with the Wests Bulldogs.
Melbourne Rebels signed Gordon is a player who has time.
David Vaihu
Club/school: Wests Bulldogs
Position: Wing
The Bulldogs winger is light on his feet but very strong in contact. Himself and older brother Glen are with the Melbourne Rebels and it wouldn’t surprise to see them progress further in the coming years.
Kadin Pritchard
Club/school: Brothers
Position: Outside centre
The St Peters Lutheran College old boy can play flyhalf through to fullback but Brothers Colts 1 head coach Greg Beaver had him at outside centre this year where he shone.
Tall with the ability to create for his teammates, Pritchard improved his defence out of sight and is an aerial threat with his vertical leap.
Frankie Goldsbrough
Club/school: Churchie
Position: Centre
We may have saved the best for last with arguably the best centre in the GPS competition, Queensland Reds contracted Frankie Goldsbrough will head to our beloved Ballymore in 2024.
Goldsborough has a destructive running game, but his defence impacts games as much as anything. QAS director of rugby Paul Carozza said he had a good all around game, but of course his ball running was the clincher.
MACKAY/WHITSUNDAYS
Bailey Domin
Club: Mackay Juniors
Position: Front-rower
Domain’s a prominent talent that can also play number eight well. He takes onboard feedback, grows, and is always willing to learn, hence his rise to u13 CQ Bushrangers selection.
Archie Cummings
Club: Mackay Juniors
Position: Forward
A member of Mackay Juniors since under-8s, Cummings is a very hard-hitting player who runs the ball well and is very physical. Recently made the under-13 CQ Bushrangers side.
Cedric Malayta
Club: Mackay Juniors
Cedric is the younger brother of the Mackay Cutters’ Vanique Malayta, who’s forging an impressive league career. Cedric’s a very quick player who can read the play particularly well, earning himself selection in the under-13 CQ Bushrangers side.
Jermaine Yeatman
Club: Mackay Juniors
Position: Forward
A member of the Mackay Juniors for four years, Yeatman’s a hard-hitting forward that runs the ball really well. An up and coming talent, Yeatman represented the under-13 CQ Bushrangers recently.
Lockie Bryant
Club: Mackay Juniors
Position: Scrum-half
An under-13 CQ Bushrangers representative, Bryant specialises in reading the play and manoeuvring players around the field.
Taylor So
Club: Mackay Juniors
Position: Forward
So’s new to the sport but has grown into his role over the last 12 months, rising rapidly to earn selection in the under-13 CQ Bushrangers.
Tayt Rowe
Club: Mackay Juniors
Position: Back
Despite his young age, representing the under-13 CQ Bushrangers, Rowe is somewhat of a veteran, having featured for the Mackay Juniors since under-6s. He’s a very dominant back that’s able to read the game well.
Manawa Taotofi
Club: Mackay Juniors
Position: Front-rower
The forward was selected into the Barbarians under-13 team, but had to pull out due to injury. A big, strong, and determined player.
Miller Douglas
Club: Mackay Juniors
Douglas is new to union, but an up and coming player that’s doing all the right things, earning selection in the under-13 Barbarians.
Austin Armitage
Club: Mackay Juniors
Position: Back
A hard-hitting back and dominant runner who’s been apart of the Mackay juniors for four years, Armitage was rewarded with selection in the CQ Bushrangers under-14 side.
Dayne Tarau
Club: Mackay Juniors
Tarau missed out on representing the under-14 CQ Bushrangers due to injury. Having recently moved to Mackay from the Northern Territory, Tarau has also represented the under-14 Northern Territory side at the national championships in Canberra.
Sangawani Chinula
Club: Mackay Juniors
Position: Centre
Chinula’s a hard-hitting and physical centre that can read game well, earning selection in the under-14 CQ Bushrangers side. Impressively, Chinula also made the Queensland Country side.
Noah Cody
Club: Mackay Juniors
Position: Back
Cody’s a fast back that spreads the ball well, earning himself selection in the under-14 CQ Bushrangers side.
Thomas Jaques
Club: Mackay Juniors
Position: Hooker
Jaques is a consistent player that’s always willing to listen to feedback which drives his constant improvement, culminating in selection with the under-14 CQ Bushrangers.
Johnny Ziegler
Club: Mackay Juniors
Position: Back
A very fast back that reads the play well and isn’t afraid to get involved, Ziegler was selected in the under-14 Barbarians side.
Craig Thaggard
Club: Whitsunday Juniors
Position: Lock
Thaggard’s a clean, hard-hitting, number eight that’s strong in stature. Hailing from the Whitsunday juniors, he was selected in the under-16 CQ Bushrangers and Queensland Country sides.
Declan Grady
Club: Mackay Juniors
Position: Second-rower
Grady’s a dominant second-rower who’s strong in stature, runs the ball well and doesn’t shy away from any hit-ups nor bigger players. His exploits on the field saw him selected for the CQ Bushrangers under-16s and Queensland Country.
Flynn Battaia
Club: Mackay Juniors
Position: Fly-half
The number 10 commands the pack on the field and provides guidance. Also has a fantastic kick on him, and was selected in the under-16 CQ Bushrangers.
Hamish Donohoe
Club: Mackay Juniors
Position: Full-back
A cross-code talent, you may have seen Donohoe wearing the number one for St Pat’s in their recent barnstorming Cowboys Challenge campaign, which saw them claim the title undefeated before blowing Dolphins Challenge winners Emmaus out of the water. Donohoe’s also a full-back in union. His trademarks include his speed, his ability to hit up players well, and his kicking game. Made the CQ Bushrangers under-16s and Queensland Country side.
Kade Adamson
Club: Mackay Juniors
Position: Winger
Adamson has speed, reads the plays well, and isn’t afraid to get involved. Made the CQ Bushrangers under-16 side.
Kereama Gartner
Club: Mackay Juniors
Position: Prop
Gartner, like Donohoe, figured in the St Pat’s Cowboys Challenge side prominently this season. His exploits on the union field have been just as prominent. The prop is a hard-hitting workhorse on the field who gives his all on every occasion. Was selected in the CQ Bushrangers under-16s.
Luke Reedman
Club: Mackay Juniors
Position: Scrumhalf
This number nine has a knack for guiding the players around the field, and has been playing since the under-6s. The size of his opponent doesn’t phase him, even if they’re twice his size. It’s part of the reason he made the CQ Bushrangers under-16s and Queensland Country sides.
Reuben Saron
Club: Mackay Juniors
Position: Centre
Saron’s a hard-hitting centre with pace that isn’t afraid to get amongst it, hence his selection in the CQ Bushrangers under-16 and Queensland Country sides.
Toby Woodall
Club: Mackay Juniors
Position: Winger
A CQ Bushrangers under-16s representative, Woodall’s fast and can take out just about anybody he comes across on the field.
Shakhan Karehana
Club: Mackay Juniors
Position: Fullback/wing
Karehana’s a versatile utility player that can play on the wing or at fullback. He featured for the CQ Bushrangers under-16s and Queensland Country sides.
Xavier Nott
Club: Mackay Juniors
Position: Hooker
The number two has been with the Mackay Juniors for three years. He’s constantly learning and growing, and isn’t afraid to put up big hits. Represented the CQ Bushrangers under-16s.
Isaiah Wilson
Club: Mackay Juniors
Position: Centre
Wilson’s a utility player that can also play from the front. He hits hard, runs the ball hard, and isn’t afraid to get amongst it, winning selection into the CQ Bushrangers under-16s.
Justis Costigan
Club: Mackay Juniors
Position: Centre
Costigan had to pull out of the under-16 Barbarians side due to injury. He’s been with the Mackay juniors for two years, and involved with the Bushrangers setup since under-12s.
Clem Lees
Club: Moranbah Bulls
Position: Forward
Lees featured for the under-19 CQ Bushrangers. The Moranbah product hits hard and isn’t afraid of anybody on the field.
Jack Briskey
Club: Whitsunday Juniors
Position: Winger
Briskey’s a versatile talent who can also play full-back, he’s been apart of then Whitsunday juniors for close to a decade. He has lots of speed and is a very handy player.
Jaffahl Skillington
Club: Mackay Juniors
Position: Fullback
Skillington’s another dual code full-back that impressed for Mackay SHS in the Payne Cup. On the union side of things, he’s had a traditional rise, representing the Bushrangers since under-14s and now cracking the Queensland Country side as an under-19. A utility that can also play on the wing, Skillington knows his strengths and plays to them.
Tikaimoa Kaono
Club: Mackay Juniors
Position: Second-rower/centre
Kaono’s played with the Mackay Juniors since under-14s. A utility, he can shift between the second-row and centre. He’s also very determined player, and has featured for the under-19 CQ Bushrangers and Queensland Country sides.
Tristan Sainsbury
Club: Whitsunday Juniors
Position: Forward
Sainsbury’s a forward that’s very clean and precise with his tackles, and very calculated in his overall game. Represented the Queensland Country under-19s.
Zac Woollett
Club: Brothers
Position: Wing
Woollett’s a pacey winger that lined up for the under-19 CQ Bushrangers side.
Mark Reedman
Club: Slade Point
Position: Front-rower/second-rower
Reedman’s a rugby union stalwart that’s been with the Mackay junior since under-6s. A utility that can play across the front and second row, he’s strong in stature and loves a good hit up. Cracked the CQ Bushrangers under-19s.
Ethan Cummings
Club: Moranbah Bulls
Position: Back
Cummings has been involved with the Moranbah seniors for two seasons now. He’s very fast and calculated in his gameplay, and made the Barbarians side.
Nardus Jordaan
Club: Mackay Juniors
Position: Second-rower
Jordaan has featured for the Mackay juniors since under-12s. He’s very calculated, very gritty, and gives 110%. Represented the under-19 Barbarians side.
CAIRNS
Oscar Rogers
Club: Cassowary Coast Chargers
A well built and athletic player who has all the physical to follow in the footsteps of Innisfail Wallaby Matt Cockbain. Rogers also possess a good skillset with sound catch pass and support player to boost his already impressive physical standing. Rogers was one of Good Counsel’s best at the recent Northern 7’s.
Vele and Tyrel Kidu
Cousins Vele and Tyrel Kidu both won selection in the U12 Peninsula side that competed at the State Titles in Ipswich. Both are sound scrummagers and their work rate is sound around the field. Both combine well together on the field and lead from the front encouraging their teammates.
Tim Allport
Position: Hooker
Club: JCU Mariners
Allport has won selection in the U15 Combined Regional side for the upcoming Emerging Reds Cup in Brisbane in September. Allport is one of the better lineout throwers in the state and has a great work ethic in improving his skillset. Allport also showed his leadership in captaining the St Augustine’s U15’s to the Northern 7’s title.
Deenan Anderson
Position: Backrow
Club: Cassowary Coast Chargers
A raw prospect with a big engine. Anderson was one of the best for Peninsula at the recent Under-15 State Championships in Cairns. A strong ball carrier, with good acceleration Anderson often makes meters in attack. Defensive he is sound, where he rarely misses a tackle.
The upcoming Emerging Reds Cup will provide Anderson with a good challenge, particular at set piece time where his is developing well as a lineout jumper. One to lead from his actions.
Solomon Stewart
Position: Backrow
Club/School: JCU/ Smithfield State High
A player who has a thirst for knowledge and an appetite to get better. Stewart has been a regular at JCU senior trainings this year where he has not looked out of place. An athletic backrower, who has good footwork at the line and is a constant threat at the breakdown. His selection in the U15 Combined Regional side was a just reward for his strong performance for Peninsula.
Miki Torquero
Position: Outside Back
Club: Cassowary Coast Chargers
Torqurero is a player who possess speed, strength and a strong left boot. A competent defender who is tenacious with his tackling Torquero was the standout player for Peninsula at the recent U15 State Championships. His game understanding has improved this year which is evident the work he does off his wing. Torquero was a standout for Good Counsel at the Northern 7’s.
Tyson Fa’aofo
Position: Centre/Wing
Club: Southside Crusaders
A powerful ball runner with speed, Fa’aofo was one of North Queensland’s best at the Country Championships.
From a good pedigree of rugby players, where his uncle EJ Fa’aofo is captain of the Southside Crusaders. Fa’aofo has all the attributes to be a dominate player in his age group, however his best position is yet to be found.
With his stature, physicality and toughness a potential move to hooker may be on the cards in 2024.
Alex Greenwood
Position: Centre
Club: Cassowary Coast Chargers
A skilful player with strong catch pass and defensively sound Greenwood was one of Peninsula’s best at the U15 State Championships. Physically fit and tough he is a player of prospect for the upcoming 2023 FNQ season. Greenwood was reward with his strong performances for Peninsula being selected in the U15 Combined Country side for the upcoming Emerging Reds Cup.
Amaron Luki
Position: Outside Back
Club/School: Wanderers/Trinity Bay SHS
From the Luki rugby family, Amaron showed the skillset that many of his relatives have demonstrated on a rugby field. Fast, agile and balanced he was one of the best attacking players for Peninsula in the U15 State Championships.
Lucas Russell
Position: Flyhalf/Fullback
Club: JCU Mariners
A player with the best vision in NQ Rugby. Russell is one of only the few players who see’s the space in the backfield and has the ability to exploit through his strong kicking game. Playing for St Augustine’s 1st XV as a 15-year-old, he has continued to develop his game this year and his performances at the Country State Championships was indicative of that. His partnership with Harvey Kachel in the halves demonstrated maturity beyond their years.
TOWNSVILLE
Sean Weir
Club: Townsville Brothers
Position: Flyhalf / Utility
Became the first Ignatius Park College student to make an Australian Schoolboys rugby union team in 2023. Weir’s playmaking ability was the best on display in Townsville’s First XV rugby and it was no surprise to see him called up for higher honours.
A combination of quick-twitch footwork and eyes always searching for a gap himself or a teammate could exploit were the dual-code star’s calling cards.
Marley Scarff
Club: Townsville Brothers
Position: Halfback / fullback
Another North Queensland under-18s representative, Scarff has dipped his toes into senior first grade rugby in 2023 and holds a great future in the game. Has a fantastic understanding of the game and all the skills to back it up.
SJ Buskens
Club: Townsville Grammar School
Position: Prop
A regular standout for Townsville Grammar during the regular season as well as the First XV competition in 2023, Buskens is often called upon to make the big tackles for his team or tuck the ball under his arm for a powerful run.
Grammar’s one-two punch of Buskens and Adi Noah provided a strong core in the middle of the field that formed the foundations of their success.
Adi Noah
Club: Townsville Grammar School
Position: Prop
North Queensland rugby fans would know that Noah loves to run the ball, putting his hand up for carries whenever his team needed a strong run. Noah proved to be tough to bring down and hard to run around throughout the season, excelling in attack and defence.
Mitchel Waldon
Club: Townsville Brothers
Position: Lock / Flanker
Waldon is a powerful player who possesses the ability to make an impact on both sides of the ball and rarely misses a tackle. His breakaway speed is very impressive for a forward and it allows him to get over the advantage line with most carries.
Justin Crane
Club: Club: Townsville Grammar School
Position: Flanker
Grammar’s captain Crane’s efforts on the field make him one of the most consistent players in Townsville’s under-18s competition.
Crane is a fearless defender and a constant ball-running threat from the back of the scrum. His lineout ability is up there with the best set piece practitioners.
Vernon Bond
Club: Ross River
Position: Flyhalf / inside centre
Featured for the Northern schoolboys team in 2023 and is a fantastic talent. Makes great decisions and doesn’t shy away from carrying the ball deep into the line or making tough tackles.
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