Darling Downs’ leading junior rugby union stars of 2024
After a thrilling 2024 Downs Rugby junior season, we are shining a light on the young guns who made their mark this year and have bright futures ahead. Find out who made the list here.
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The Garden City has been a hotbed for rugby union talent, with several Super Rugby and Wallabies stars over the years hailing from the Darling Downs.
After an action-packed 2024 season, we are shining a light on the young guns who made their mark in 2024.
Check out the next generation of Downs rugby stars below.
Archie Stephens (Dalby)
A fleet-footed fullback who is dominant in attack and solid in defence.
He has the ability to create space out of nothing and has represented Downs rugby at club level and Darling Downs at school level.
Bryce Peterson (Dalby)
Another Darling Downs representative, Peterson is a raw boned loose head prop who is strong over the ball and hard to bring down in attack.
Phoebe Tulio Seremaia (Uni U12)
An x-factor with the ability to see space and break through defence lines.
She can play from the nine position through to 15 in the back line with her speed and strength both in defence and over the ball, she compliments any back line.
Phoebe Tulio Seremaia was an integral part of the Downs under-12 team and is also part of the Downs under-13 girls sevens squad.
Sam Rawlings (Uni U12)
Sam Rawlings’ defence at the set piece and ability to link into the back line as a ballplayer has seen him grow into one of the most consistent players in the competition.
In his second season playing representative rugby at No. 7, he captained the Darling Downs Schools team this season and was awarded player of the carnival for Darling Downs at the State Titles in July.
Hayden Watts (Uni U13)
Hayden Watts is a strong ball running centre who can break the line using his feet and also provides opportunities for support players.
His ability to score points made him the highest points scorer in the local competition as he averaged more than 22 points per game.
Watts was named in the Queensland Country under-13 team this season and is definitely a player to watch in the future.
Tom Rawlings (Uni U13)
Rawlings’ standout quality is his ability to apply pressure at the set piece and uncompromising sweeping defence roll in general play.
Kicking his team out of trouble in their own half to secure good field position and delivering quick accurate ball to his backline are areas that Tom Rawlings has excelled in throughout the season.
His form this season earned him a call-up to the Downs Rugby under-13s and he took that opportunity with both hands to win selection into the Queensland Country side.
Blake Thompson (Uni U13)
Blake Thompson hails from Moree and plays an uncompromising style of rugby, working hard both in attack and defence to make the most of any opportunity.
He plays in the centres outside and was the second highest points scorers in the competition.
Blake was also a part of the Queensland Country team that defeated Brisbane City in the two match series in August.
Dan McDonald (Uni 13)
Dan “Bubba” McDonald was also a member of the Queensland Country U13 team this season and is a no-nonsense ball running hooker.
Dan’s set piece, scrummaging and lineout throws see him as one of the best up and coming front rowers in the region and a player to watch going forward.
Archer Woods (Uni U13)
Archer Woods is ever dependable in defence and his willingness to carry the ball to the line in attack has seen him improve out of sight this season.
He is another young gun who was called up for Queensland Country this year.
Zach Hobday (Uni U13)
Working hard at the set piece and strong on both sides of the ball, Zach Hobday had an excellent first season in Downs Rugby.
His mobility and willingness to do the hard work throughout the season makes him one of the most consistent props in the competition.
Hobday also went on to represent Downs Rugby and Queensland Country.
Lawson Morris (Uni U14)
Lawson Morris is a versatile player, with the ability to play in the backrow or at No. 12.
He is a natural ball carrier with the ability to break the line and put his team on the front foot.
He represented Downs Rugby and Queensland Country this season in Brisbane for the two-game series against Brisbane City and in the QRU Emerging Reds Cup at Ballymore.
JP Streicher (Uni U15)
JP Streicher was one of the most influential players for his side in 2024.
His preferred position is hooker but he is a team-first player and put his hand up to play in the back row when needed.
Streicher proved himself as one of the best pilfers in the competition, averaging three turnovers per game and didn’t miss a minute of rugby for the entire season.
He is certainly a player to watch in the future, as he continues to improve with every game.
Cooper Campbell (Uni U15)
Cooper Campbell has been an outstanding member of the Uni team since 2022.
He continually puts his hand up for hard carries, is a lineout tyrant and seems to always be at the right place at the right time on defence.
His excellent form this year saw him pick up the best forward award for the team.
Ormond Cowman (Uni)
This season Ormond Cowman has shown great skill at the set piece as a lock/backrow, as well as displaying his strength as a ball runner, often requiring multiple defenders to halt him with
ball in hand.
He demonstrated great leadership and is well respected by his teammates.
Cowman competed strongly with the Downs Rugby side at the Queensland Country Championships and has a great rugby future ahead of him.
Alby Galbraith (Uni)
Alby showed his versatility being called upon to play several positions - halfback, fly half, and fullback - all the while leading the back line throughout the club season.
He used strategic thinking to unlock defences which was evident watching the Uni side.
Galbraith was selected to play a utility role for the Downs Rugby side, often defending against opposing players nearly twice his size.
Will McDowall (Uni)
Will McDowall has improved immeasurably this year, working on his defence while showing how dangerous he can be with ball in hand.
He has the ability to beat defenders one-on-one with his change of direction and speed off the mark, scoring several tries during the season.
He represented Downs Rugby this season and displayed his running game at a representative
level which was exciting to watch.
Harper Russell (Bears U12)
Russel is a small and agile athlete who can play in the No. 10 or fullback roles.
He leaves defences in his wake with ball in hand, always seems to have more time on his hands and his biggest attribute is his ability to create space for those around him.
In defence, Russell was as reliable as they come, never missing a tackle and was a deserved Downs rep.
Archer Keeley (Bears U12)
Keeley is a versatile weapon with high rugby IQ.
He turns defence into attack and uses his voice to command the team around him.
Keeley is another Downs rep who has a long pass, great in-play kicking ability and just hates losing.
Henry Surawski (Bears U12)
A fit and mobile flanker who loves getting his head over the ball.
Surawski has one of the highest work rates of his peers as he never stops during the game.
The Downs rep is defensively strong, and damaging with ball in hand.
Reito Bumatay (Bears U12)
A lightning fast outside back, Reito Bumatay’s elusive footwork and speed off the mark makes him one of the most damaging runners in the competition.
His depth of talent is clear to see as he was an under-12 rep player for two years in a row, a Queensland touch player and a Downs sprint representative.
Despite being small, his defence is also a key point of his game.
Louise Hitchcock (Bears U12)
The second row turned into a forward leader this year.
Hitchcock dominates set plays with height in lineouts, great runs from No. 8 in scrums, and hard and straight runs off taps.
The Downs rep is one of those players others look to when the going gets hard.
Conner Roderick (Bears U12)
Mr Versatile can play a range of positions and turns defence into attack.
His hard runs in the middle of the field bend defences back, and give time to his forwards.
Stetson Schutt (Bears U12)
The centre came into his own this year.
Schutt has speed to burn and the ability to create space for those around him.
His ability to link with other players to create gaps, draw defenders and put away the fast men means every No. 10 wants him outside them.
Archer Russell (Bears U13)
Russell is hard hitting in defence and plays well above his weight.
He is always reliable and was rewarded for consistency with selection in the under-13 Queensland Country side this year and is one of the most tenacious and consistent performers on the Downs.
William Jenkins (Bears U13)
A natural leader who excelled in his first year of club rugby leading the Bears to a grand final berth.
He brings a rugby league background with hard work at halfback and is a general on the field.
Jenkins’ efforts were rewarded with selection in the Downs Rugby under-13 rep side.
Dominic Cavanagh (Bears U13)
Cavanagh is a rangy second rower who works hard with the ball in his hand and is willing to take on the line in attack with plenty of tough runs throughout the season.
He was a consistent contributor throughout the season and was selected in the Downs Rugby under-13 team.
Jed Christensen (Bears U13)
Christensen brings massive work rate on a big strong frame.
He can play in the front and second row and looks for opportunities in attack while working hard in defence.
He is a player who can single-handedly change the outcome of a game.
Archie Rickuss (Bears U13)
A versatile loose forward and second row.
Rickuss works hard around the ruck in attack and covers a lot of ground in defence.
He is dominant in lineouts and was a key forward in the Bears’ pack through to the finals and rewarded with selection in the Downs Rugby under-13 team.
Tim Luck (Bears U14)
A tight head prop who is a big, strong, ball runner and keen scrummager.
He’s played representative rugby at Darling Downs, DD U15s, Queensland Country and has just been selected in Queensland Navy.
For a big man, he plays full minutes and turns games on his own.
Benson Humphreys (Bears U14)
The No. 8 and Bears captain leads by example and is powerful in attack and defence.
He is a Downs and Queensland Country representative and one of the fittest forwards going around the Downs, consistently pushing back attacking raids with punishing defence.
Pierce O’Brien (Bears U14)
The centre and vice-captain is a tough, no-nonsense player that everyone wants on their team. O’Brien is solid in defence and attack and is a Downs representative.
Jackson Martin (Bears U14)
Another Downs rep, Martin is a flanker who does not take a backwards step to anyone in defence and in attack and is a real work horse.
Aidan Day (Bears U14)
Day can play either as a flanker or a centre and is a very talented young player.
He is agile and elusive with the ball with solid defence and his effort was rewarded with a Downs call-up.
Lewis Lamble (Bears U14)
A fullback who is great under the high ball and runs with speed and determination.
The Downs representative is courageous and always puts his body on the line in defence.
Darcy Edwards (Bears U14)
A winger who is new to rugby but brings lightning speed and an incredible ability to find the tryline.
Bears officials are excited to see what he can bring in years to come as he gains more experience.
Tuatau Reea (Bears U15)
A versatile prop who is making waves throughout the Downs as he redefines the role.
Known for his exceptional running ability and surprising speed for his size, he breaks through defensive lines with ease.
A true jack of all trades, Reea not only excels in the scrum but also showcases impressive skills usually reserved for other positions — delivering precise lineout throws and executing swift, accurate passes.
His talent hasn’t gone unnoticed; Reea proudly represented Downs Rugby at the U16 level, marking him as a standout player to watch.
With his combination of strength, versatility, and agility, he is set to make a significant impact on the rugby field for years to come.
Declan Cameron (Bears U15)
Hailing from the heart of Roma, he is a rugby talent known for his blistering speed and remarkable agility.
Cameron’s ability to gain post-contact metres sets him apart.
He’s not easy to take down and often turns tackles into opportunities for significant gains.
His quick footwork leaves defenders grasping, while his tenacity ensures he fights for every inch on the field.
What truly distinguishes Cameron is his fantastic work rate.
He’s relentless from the first whistle to the last, embodying the spirit and determination that Bears rugby is proud of.
Archie Smart (Bears U15)
From the rugby fields of Dalby to the Bears ranks, Smart has established himself as a player with elite speed and ball-handling skills.
Primarily playing on the edge, he is a fast and agile force who isn’t afraid to take on defenders with his quick bursts of pace.
His ability to play the ball well makes him a dual threat as he is capable of setting up teammates or making decisive runs himself.
What sets Smart apart is his versatility.
While he excels as a fast edge player, he can seamlessly slot into the centres when needed, demonstrating his deep understanding of the game and adaptability on the field.
Tom Hiscock (Bears U15)
Augathella’s own Tom Hiscock is a second-row stalwart known for his perfect positional play.
While he may not always steal the spotlight, his relentless work ethic and hard-hitting runs make a significant impact where it counts.
As a strong edge player, Hiscock combines speed and strength to break through defensive lines, consistently gaining valuable ground for his team.
He is quick on his feet and sharp in his instincts, he excels at pilfering possession, turning defensive situations into offensive opportunities.
His dedication and unassuming nature have made him both a coach and fan favourite.
Xavier Davey (Bears U15)
The epitome of versatility in rugby, capable of playing any position from four through to 15 with exceptional skill.
He is a natural loose forward with the speed and agility to thrive in the backline, he adapts seamlessly to the needs of his team.
Davey is a dedicated leader who excels when the going gets tough as he led from the front on countless occasions this season and embodied the nature ‘train hard, play hard’.
Known as the “double-up king,” the young gun has a keen eye for opportunity and can score tries at the slightest hint of a gap.
He boats an impressive resumé with representative rugby appearances and premierships, highlighting his significant contributions wherever he plays.
Richie Warner (South Toowoomba U10)
A powerful ball runner who is tough to bring down and always drives his team forward.
He’s a menace at the breakdown, consistently gaining crucial momentum and a force to be reckoned with in every match.
Sam Jones (South Toowoomba U10)
A fearless competitor with an exceptional tackle technique.
His courage and determination drives and inspires his team and he is a relentless presence on the field.
Ollie May (South Toowoomba U10)
Ollie May is pure excitement with blistering speed and a knack for stealing the ball.
He is dynamic in attack and brilliant in cover defence, making him a perennial threat on both sides of the ball.
Banjo Bock (South Toowoomba U11)
The barnstorming prop is dynamic ball runner and formidable tackler who dominates every game he plays.
His sheer physicality and game presence makes him one of the most influential players in the under-11’s competition and has the potential to become a future star.
Fitzy Cook (South Toowoomba U11)
A second row who is a relentless workhorse in the ruck.
His fearless tackling and tireless effort game after game makes him indispensable to his team.
He is the heart and soul of the team which every squad relies on for consistence performance.
Munro Grover (South Toowoomba U11)
A fit, strong, and skilful loose forward, Grover is often the first into the ruck, excelling at winning turnovers.
He also has a remarkable ability to create attacking opportunities out wide, regularly finding his way across the try line.
His energy, vision, and skill make him a player to watch.
Ella Deane (South Toowoomba U11)
Ella Deane is an absolute powerhouse on the field and a dominant No. 8 who will punish anyone who underestimates her for even a second.
Her fierce, driving runs often leave opponents in her wake and when she’s on defence, her hard-hitting tackles stop players in their tracks.
Mitchell Sinuhaji (South Toowoomba U12)
A powerhouse in the front row, Sinuhaji excels as both tight-head and loosehead prop.
Known for his strong scrummaging, relentless hit-ups, and surprising agility, he can play the full game without rest and is a true game-changer.
Archer Ehrlich (South Toowoomba U12)
Leads by example as he is fearless in both attack and defence.
His speed, skill, and determination make him a nightmare for opponents, often leaving defenders in his wake.
He is a captain who inspires greatness.
Ned Hartwig (South Toowoomba U12)
Thrives in the heat of battle, delivering big tackles and winning crucial turnovers.
He is quick around the park and always dangerous with the ball.
Hartwig can effectively spot a gap and turn it into points and is a tough and relentless flanker.
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