We look at 21 best players from winning sides on TJRL grand final day
We look at the bright young stars that came to the fore on Toowoomba Junior Rugby League grand final day.
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RUGBY LEAGUE: The centrepiece day on the Toowoomba Junior Rugby League calendar delivered.
14 teams battled it out across seven divisions to cap off their season in the best possible way.
We look at the 21 best players from the seven winning sides on TJRL grand final day.
U13 GIRLS
The Pittsworth Danes ran out 48-8 winners over Southern Suburbs, with the class of the country side coming to the fore.
ELLA O’DEA was named as player of the match, with the front rower laying the platform with some strong charges.
“She was a standout on the day,” coach Amylee Hinselwood said.
“Her tackling was amazing and she set up a few tries as well. She really made a statement and she was everywhere.”
Dummy half CHLOE THOMPSON got herself on the scoresheet and was a brick wall in defence.
“She scored a full-field try and her defensive work was really good on the day,” Hinselwood said.
“Her conversions were successful and her kicking was very good.”
Captain and winger ELLA HOLLIS led from the front and had an involvement all across the park.
“Ella had a few try assists and her attacking on Saturday was great,” Hinselwood said.
“She guided the team around and always had her hands on the ball.”
U13 BOYS
Valleys and Brothers played out an absolute thriller in the U13 boys, with a last-ditch try sealing a 20-18 win for the Roosters.
COOPER COLLINS was named as man of the match, and coach Ned Murphy praised the centre for coming up with big plays.
“He scored the matchwinning try in the final two minutes and came up with a couple of clutch players,” Murphy said.
“He made a big run off the scrum to get us up the field and his defence throughout the game was good.”
Five-eighth CHARLIE BARNES stepped up to the plate to put his side in front late.
“Charlie slotted the goal to win the game,” Murphy said.
“He was part of the big plays and he combined well with Cooper to get us into the right areas.”
Front rower ALO VA’A stepped up to the mark with an incredible defensive display.
“Alo’s defence throughout the day was unbelievable,” Murphy said.
“He defended the house down and made a few try savers that lifted the boys. He set the tone with his defence.”
U15 GIRLS
Southern Suburbs wouldn’t leave the day empty handed, with the 15s girls taking a commanding 42-12 win over Brothers.
A clinical display from halfback Chloe Pallisier saw her awarded player of the match.
“She controlled the game very well,” coach Andrew Trapp said.
“Chloe had a strong kicking game and was a good runner of the ball.”
Pypah Ferguson got across the line for a try and was again a force.
“Pypah ran the ball hard all day and tackled hard too,” Trapp said.
Speedy centre Kaysharn Deemal was electrifying with a hat-trick of tries.
“Kaysharn had speed to burn on the outside,” Trapp said.
“She scored three tries by outrunning them.”
U14 BOYS
Valleys collected their second success for the day with a 26-12 defeat of Southern Suburbs.
Halfback BRAITHEN SCOTT collected player of the match honours for another impressive display.
“His ability to direct everyone around was great,” coach Jade Parkinson said.
“He’s vert smart in the halves. Braithen set up a few tries and a lot came off the back of him.”
SAM LORENZ capped off a good display in the back row with a meat pie in the contest.
“When he had the ball he was very aggressive with his runs,” Parkinson said.
“He scored a try and was nearly unstoppable.”
His back-row partner in HARRY ROBINSON brought a similar intensity to the match.
“Harry was also aggressive with the ball and strong in defence,” Parkinson said.
“He made a lot of tackles and stopped them from scoring a few tries.”
U17 GIRLS
Another cliffhanger took place between Highfields/Roma and Valleys, with the Eagles coming out 32-26 victors.
A hat-trick to REYNA CORE saw her earn the honour of player of the match.
“Reyna is our second rower and she scored three tries,” coach Wayne Collie said.
“She ran some really good lines and showed some strong defence that got us over the line.”
SIENNA NORRIS also got across the line after working hard to just get on the field.
“She was ruled out with a sprained ankle, but we got her back on deck,” Collie said.
“She played a really good game and directed the girls around the park.”
MACKENZIE ZELLER showed her class with another all-round performance.
“Mackenzie played really well,” Collie said.
“She was very strong in attack. She scored a try and her defence was strong too.”
U15 BOYS
Dalby commenced a big finale to TJRL grand final day with a 30-14 win over Southern Suburbs.
MATHEW DREWS turned in a dazzling display in the centres to take out player of the match honours.
“Matt was really strong in defence and had a couple of runs when the forwards needed it,” coach Brenton McMillan said.
“He scored a good try out wide, has plenty of pace and was strong on the day.”
Lock LYUCIAN KING-TOGIA put in another standout performance to help the Devils chalk up another premiership win.
“Lyucian led from the front. He took hit up after hit up and made tackle after tackle,” McMillan said.
“He was our leader on the field and it showed.”
Hooker BRODIE WRIGHT’s service out of dummy half helped Dalby to roll forward.
“He was everywhere in defence and he had the opposition not wanting to run at him,” McMillan said.
“His attack was strong. His passes were nice and crisp which helped us go forward.”
U16 BOYS
Dalby completed a double with their U16s accounting for Valleys 44-26.
Hooker LLEYTON DODD scored a try and kicked six goals in a man of the match performance.
“He was outstanding out of dummy half and always kept their defence on the back foot,” manager Steve Gillett said.
“He played good eyes-up footy all day and applied pressure.”
LYHKAN KING-TOGIA was another standout performer in taking his team around the park.
“Lyhkan was outstanding as we all expected he would be,” Gillett said.
“He displays great leadership with some patches of individual brilliance.”
Back rower BAILEY RATHMELL also came to the party, scoring a try as well.
“He was very busy, particularly in the first half,” Gillett said.
“He really helped to lay a platform for our forwards to move forward.”
Future stars: 28 players to watch in the TJRL grand finals
RUGBY LEAGUE: They’re the bright young boys and girls ready to light up the big stage this weekend.
After a thrilling preliminary finals day in Highfields, the Toowoomba Junior Rugby League hosts its grand final day on Saturday, with 14 teams striving for the ultimate glory.
In honour of the big day, we look at the 28 players to watch in the TJRL grand finals.
13 GIRLS
ELLA O’DEA (PITTSWORTH)
Plays in the front row for the young Danes and isn’t backward in taking a forward step.
“She’s a great player that has scored numerous tries this season,” coach Amylee Hinselwood said.
“She’s an all-round great person and a team player. She puts in 100 per cent effort and has played up in U15s.”
POPPY GIBBONS (SOUTHERN SUBURBS)
A Goondiwindi junior, Gibbons has shown an ability to play wherever required in the backline to great effect.
“She’s generally a centre or fullback but is my all-rounder,” coach Sandie Olive said.
“She’s not afraid to get in there and tackle, and is always in the opposition’s face. She’s one the other teams have to watch out for.”
ELLA HOLLIS (PITTSWORTH)
Blink and you’ll miss her, the Pittsworth winger has caught many opposing players off guard with her speed.
“Our little wing is one you have to watch on the chase,” Hinselwood said.
“A quick runner that teams up well with Ella (O’Dea). She’s been playing since she was little and is a good kid to work with.”
ANNIE SCRIVEN (SOUTHERN SUBURBS)
A talented young gun across athletics and league, the quiet-natured Scriven lets her football do the talking.
“Annie plays in the second row and is our full field runner. If she gets the ball she can run and there’s no stopping her,” Olive said.
“She’s always ready to defend and helps the smaller girls out.”
13 BOYS
ASHTON MESSENGER (BROTHERS)
The man at the back for Brothers is an electric talent that brings excitement and X-factor for the Leprechauns.
“He can pretty much score a try from anywhere on the field,” coach Aaron Hohn said.
“Ashton is one of those kids that can blow a game wide open. He has that X-factor type ability.”
JACK WILLIAMS (VALLEYS)
Although he’s still new to the sport, you wouldn’t know that Williams was a soccer player and not a young league star.
“It’s only his second year of footy and he’s picking it up well,” coach Ned Murphy said.
“He came from soccer after Covid and is pretty aggressive. He’s a good strong runner and tackles hard.”
KADEN HOHN (BROTHERS)
The quintessential organising half, Hohn steers Brothers around the park at five-eighth with flashes of his own individual brilliance.
“He organises the team around the field and gets them where they need to be,” Hohn said.
“He’s cool, calm and collected and nothing fazes him to a point.”
SAM FITZPATRICK (VALLEYS)
A hard running second rower, Fitzpatrick continues to improve during his tenure at the Roosters.
“A good, tough, strong runner and defender as well,” Murphy said.
“He goes really well and has improved out of sight this season. He’s played for a fair while and this is his second season at Valleys.”
15 GIRLS
CHELSEA MIDDLETON (BROTHERS)
With a seemingly endless motor, the second rower boasts skill and a workrate among the premier players in the competition.
“I call her the statistician’s nightmare because she would make 60 tackles per game,” coach John Lucas said.
“She runs hard and has an amazing tackle technique.
“For a girl who just turned 15 she’s a real leader, and would be one of the better footballers in the competition.”
CHLOE PALLISIER (SOUTHERN SUBURBS)
A high level player at a young age, Pallisier has enjoyed the rep spoils of the Mustangs and Central Crows.
“Chloe is just a great, strong defender and good runner of the ball,” coach Andrew Trapp said.
“She moved to us from Chinchilla where she played with the boys and has been a great halfback for us.”
LUCY DAVIS (BROTHERS)
Linking strongly with halves partner Bridget Lucas, Davis’ experience is showing for Brothers.
“Lucy has great hands and an amazing sidestep,” Lucas said.
“She has a fair bit of pace and doesn’t get found out in defence. She’s one of the originals that started playing in U14s.”
PYPAH FERGUSON (SOUTHERN SUBURBS)
A multi-sport star with a background in netball as well, Ferguson’s athleticism has proven an asset for the Tigers.
“She runs the ball hard and is able to read the game very well,” Trapp said.
“She’s a hard girl to tackle. She’s very athletic and has been playing for a few years.”
14 BOYS
JACK HELLYER (SOUTHERN SUBURBS)
Playing as a lock-forward, Hellyer is the engine of the Tigers in the middle in their charge towards the grand final.
“Jack is a workhorse that thrives on competition,” coach Mark Wilkes said.
“He keeps on working in the middle and gets through the hard yards.”
BRAITHEN SCOTT (VALLEYS)
A genuine young star of the TJRL, the Broncos development squad member has taken over many games in the halfback role.
“Braithen is our captain and has represented the Darling Downs in many different sports,” manager Sonia Lorenz said.
“He’s an outstanding player at any sport he competes in.”
CHARLIE DETTORI (SOUTHERN SUBURBS)
A prolific tryscorer, Dettori adds an element of class to the Southern Suburbs side in the centres.
“Charlie plays well and is a wide-running player,” Wilkes said.
“He’s got a bit of pace and is pretty solid in defence too.”
WILLIAM EMERY (VALLEYS)
One of the new faces at Valleys this season, the front rower has made an immediate impact in his new surrounds.
“He comes from the small town of Wallumbilla and would have to be our most improved player,” Lorenz said.
“He’s gone from strength to strength and is liked by all his teammates.”
17 GIRLS
MACKENZIE ZELLER (HIGHFIELDS/ROMA)
A Queensland Country representative, Zeller has stamped herself an elite talent both locally and on the rep scene.
“She’s a real proper lock. She runs hard and can score a try from anywhere on the field,” coach Wayne Collie said.
“She gets the job done in the middle of the field and can tackle like a freight train.”
MIKEELY SCOTT (VALLEYS)
The Valleys halfback has rep experience with the Darling Downs schoolgirls and is bringing that level to her club.
“She’s the captain and is really good at running the side,” coach Kevin Beezley said.
“She will read what’s in front of her and play to the advantage of that. Whatever we give her she’ll go and do.”
KATELYN COLLIE (HIGHFIELDS/ROMA)
Another Queensland Country player, the lock forward is the glue in the middle of the field of a strong Highfields/Roma side.
“She’s a good hard running front rower that can tackle and put a bit of a shot on,” Collie said.
“Katelyn also has really good hands, can offload and will captain the side.”
JESS BARNES (VALLEYS)
The fullback brings a touch football pedigree to the sport, with that evasiveness coming to the fore for Valleys.
“Jess is the type of player that can create something out of nothing,” Beezley said.
“She’s a really good attacker and defender as well. She can fit into any position.”
15 BOYS
LYUCIAN KING-TOGIA (DALBY)
The Dalby lock-forward brings a wealth of experience, playing for the Darling Downs and Queensland in schoolboy footy.
“He’s the captain and a really good leader,” coach Brenton McMillian said.
“He’ll get in and do the hard work and lifts his teammates. Was one of the best for the Darling Downs at the U15s carnival.”
TAIT CAMERON (SOUTHERN SUBURBS)
A crafty dummy half, Cameron’s work around the ruck has helped the Tigers achieve big things in 2021.
“Tait gives good quality service from dummy half,” coach Brendan Wilson said.
“He takes the line on, is quick and smart from dummy half.”
BEN WATERS (DALBY)
Another schoolboy representative for South West, the Chinchilla fullback is a stabilising influence for the Devils.
“He is everywhere as a fullback should be,” McMillan said.
“Ben chimes into the backline, is always backing his forwards up and talks in defence. He’s a good organiser from the back.”
JAKE DURIE (SOUTHERN SUBURBS)
A versatile type of player, Durie has slotted into the halfback spot due to injury, making light work of the move.
“He’s nice and tough and has just moved into halfback,” Wilson said.
“He’s normally a second rower, but he’s just a good footballer. He runs a good line and is playing well.”
16 BOYS
LYHKAN KING-TOGIA (DALBY)
One of the standout players in the entire TJRL competition, King-Togia brings an element of brilliance to the Devils that has been shown in his extensive representative history.
“Lyhkan is the captain of the team and he’s a gun,” team manager Steve Gillett said.
“He’s a rep at all levels, is always dangerous on the day and is a very good player.”
JACK STENZEL (VALLEYS)
The long-serving halfback is co-captain of the side, with his poise and game management key to the Roosters success.
“Jack controls the game, he’s our conductor,” coach Robert Fenwick said.
“He’s been with us since U6s and is currently the third longest serving player in the side heading into his third grand final.”
LANE EASTWELL (VALLEYS)
The former Wattles front rower is making a big impression for the Roosters, taking the reins as co-captain.
“Lane is an important go-forward player for us,” Fenwick said.
“He really gets us going forward, is also playing in his third grand final and is a good defender as well.”
JOEY GILLETT (DALBY)
A hard running and hard hitting second rower, Gillett is a natural leader in the Dalby forwards.
“Joey is the club captain and reigning best and fairest,” Gillett said.
“His aggression and leadership is good for the side. He knows how to take the boys forward as a group.”
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