Who were the unsung heroes worthy of praise in the Meninga, Connell and Harvey girls competitions? Revealed here
Who were the unsung heroes worthy of praise in the Meninga, Connell and Harvey girls junior rugby league competitions? Over 50 underrated youngsters highlighted here ahead of the semi-finals.
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Ahead of the statewide junior representative semi-finals staged this weekend at Logan Metro Sports Complex, cast your eyes over this story highlighting the unsung heroes of the Meninga, Connell and Harvey girls competitions.
Only four teams remain in the Connell and Harvey competitions, but players from all teams were worthy of praise.
So who were the underrated players, the kids who do the little things well and just go about their business quietly?
Below is merely a snapshot of the unsung heroes we have taken note of. Of course there were more.
Footnote: Our coverage of the Junior representative competitions continues on Saturday evening.
Jump to: Cyril Connel Cup | Mal Meninga Cup | Harvey Norman U19s
UNSUNG HEROES
CYRIL CONNELL CUP
CQ Capras
Leo Fanuatanu
Position: Wing
Still only 15, Fanuatanu not only competes in the older age group but is also establishing himself as one of the dominant wingers at this level.
Fast, powerful, athletic and skilful, he also has a great attitude and it will be only a matter of time before an NRL club secures his signature.
Northern Pride
Cayde Miller
Position: Lock
At just 17 years old, Cayde Miller excels in the lock/front row positions, boasting impressive size, strength, and tactical intelligence.
Miller missed the last game of the season due to rib injury and his absence was sorely felt. Pride missed his selfless dedication and deep understanding of his role within the team.
Cooper Meares
Position: Font row/second row
17-year old Cooper Meares is adept in the front row and second row positions, demonstrates strength, versatility, and diligent work ethic.
Despite missing the last three games of the season due to a collarbone injury, his intelligence and adaptability on the field remained evident.
Ben Walker
Position: Hooker
Ben Walker is an underrated skipperwho leads both by example and from the front, yet often goes unnoticed despite his vital role. With a calming presence and strategic gameplay, he sets the tempo of the game, influencing his team’s performance significantly.
Redcliffe
Amare Wynyard and Sonny Herdegen
Positions: Hookers
The Dolphins were unofficial premiers last season, and aim to make it official in 2024 by winning its semi-final and then the grand final. They have a hugely talented group, and threading them together were these two local juniors, hooker Amare Wynyard and Sonny Herdegen. Redcliffe would not swap its No.9s for any other.
Ipswich Jets
Conrad Browne
Position: Winger
He complimented the Jets season with a low mistake rate campaign. He had great awareness where the sideline was, and used his step to cut back on the inside of many teams to great effect. Browne also consistently scored tries this season.
Norths
Isaac Rauluni
Position: Prop
The son of Jacob, former Reds halfback, and the brother of Noah Rauluni who played Reds under 18s rugby and who was a Nudgee College First XV premiership winner last season, Rauluni is making his own name in rugby league. He is just a tough kid, strong, who works hard and it was great to see him gain some recognition in front of a wider audience through this season.
Wynnum Manly
Marino Rimene
Position: Middle
A New Zealand native who moved to Mabel Park SHS where he was absorbed into the school’s rugby league program, Marino has been a shaker and mover off the bench, giving the Seagulls thrust as an early interchange player.
Western Clydesdales:
Riley Zanette, Joey Litidamu
We have sung the praises of this trio as of late, but they still remain unsung heroes.
Zanette, an edge forward, Litidamu, a thickly set centre, have been so important to the Clydesdales success this season.
Brodie Hilt and Alastair MacLachlan
Blokes like Hunter Price, Kailan Roberts and Hayden Nicholson were unsung heroes, but we went with this duo who have been the bees knees for the Clydesdales.
Hilt, a hooker, and MacLachlan, a lock, are the hardest of workers, the type of kids to go as hard in the 60th minute as they did in the first.
Sunshine Coast Falcons
Tyler Conquest and Kalan Beattie
Player position: Fullback and Wing
Conquest stepped into the Falcons leadership group this season and brought a high level of communication at the back for his side. He is a terrific learner, has a good head on his shoulders while having plenty of talent. Beattie is one that’s flown under the radar for a little while but had a stellar season under head coach Tim Baldwin in 2024.
Townsville Blackhawks
Cooper Cox
Position: Hooker
Cox has continued to develop physically, allowing him to take his game to the next level in 2024.
His fearless defence and crafty skills from dummy half make him one of the Blackhawks’ most important players.
He will be key for them on Saturday.
Diesel Taylor
Position: Middle forward
Another player who has grown into his sizeable frame this season, Taylor is a barnstorming middle who eats metres for breakfast.
Townsville coach Nathan Norford said the young prop would be looking to put his name out there this year.
Brisbane Tigers
Elijah Breen and Trent Picot
Their season may be over but Breen and Picot have plenty left to offer this year.
Classy halfback Breen will likely be a First XV playmaker for Birsbane Grammar, while Picot will be a metre-eating forward for BSHS.
Both boys were all class throughout the season, alongside exciting backs Grayson Wharakura and Jahzayus Perenara-Livapulu.
Souths Logan Magpies
Justus Lowndes and Jahrel Conlon-Stephan
Halfback Lowndes and utility forward Conlon-Stephan have worked their magic to get Souths Logan to the finals picture.
Lowndes has been a low-risk, reliable No.7 who compliments Tom Parker brilliantly. He doesn’t overplay his hand, and has been a rock.
You can’t put a price on Conlon-Stephan’s consistent defensive efforts.
Burleigh Bears
Caleb Cresswell
Position: Centre
The slippery centre was to the fore at the back end of Burleigh’s campaign, slicing and dicing through defences to finish off tries.
He bagged a hattrick in his team’s final game of the season which was a nice little reward.
Tweed Seagulls
Jai Bilish
Position: Hooker
Tweed’s hooker had hands on the ball the most out of anyone throughout the season, while also proving a menace on the defensive side of things.
The headgeared rake was AI, providing quick pill to Harvey Smith and Taj Lateo.
MAL MENINGA CUP
CQ Capras
Connor Guley
Position: Centre
Has been one of the Capras’ best this season. A quality player who is not afraid to get in and do the tough stuff.
A genuine workhorse, he’s all effort and competes for the whole game.
Club: Ipswich Jets
Name: Lachlan Coburn
Position: Utility forward
From the famous Coburn family which is near rugby league royalty in Ipswich, Lachlan is simply a work rate wonder who roars off the bench and plays every tackle like it is the last he will be involved in. He also has footy smarts, and is not just all huff, puff and effort. He knows his way around the field.
Club: Redcliffe
Name: Jayden Butt
Position: Middle forward
In a squad brimming with forward power, size and strength, Wavell SHS product Butt is a glue player who raises his hand week after week. He works hard and it has been that effort which earned him a mention in this story.
Club: Norths
Name: Brandon Norris
Position: Centre
He has come a long way around to play for Norths after being spotted by the Brisbane Broncos playing for a junior Northern Territory side in 2022.
The Sharks junior got the job done nicely for his side this season, only enhancing his reputation.
Club: Souths Logan
Name: Jayden Solien
Position: Lock
If Souths had more Jayden Solien’s, they’d be playing semi-finals this weekend. Whether his team won or lost, Solien was ultra consistent. He is not a big man, but he had a high work rate with the ball, energy and was effective in defence. He must have inspired teammates with his effort.
Western Clydesdales
Luke Cesari
Position: Winger
Cesari is always making metres, rucking the ball out of his team’s danger zone, and is among the first to throw his hand up for a run when on the backfoot.
Jack Philp and Brooklenn Mundraby-Grogan have also been floating under the radar.
Wynnum Manly Seagulls
Larry Clark
Position: Five-eighth
The Villanova College old boy has come abck into line-up and added a sprinkle of magic. Both on defence and with his playmaking.
The difference is clear.
Charlie Johnstone
Position: Winger
Outside back utility Johnstone, like Clark, has been a top notch addition midway through the season for Wynnum.
An ace Churchie old boy rugby player, Johnstone puts his head down and does the dirty work needed for success.
Tweed Seagulls
Cory Pearse, Billy Wellard, Jac Finigan
Mobile forwards Billy Wellard and Jac Finigan have been lifting mountains for Tweed, on defence and with ball in hand.
Then, once they have done their bit, rake Pearce scoops the ball up and engineers the attack from the ruck.
The Marsden SHS product has been up to his usual tricks, crunching ribs and scooting over for points.
Sunshine Coast Falcons
Finn Lawson and Joe Meikle
Player position: Halfback and Centre
Lawson had come back from a pre-season stint with Manly and played Australian schoolboys rugby union last year for the second time. H is a special young player and deserves an opportunity somewhere.
Meikle played a handful of Colts matches last season despite representing the under-18s competition at the beginning of the year. Many could argue the stylish centre has been overlooked.
Both boys had great campaigns for the Sunshine Coast.
Brisbane Tigers
Jack Tuite, Braiden Driscoll
Tuite, centre, and Driscoll, five-eighth, have been prime movers for the Tigers this season.
Against fierce competition, Tuite’s tireless carries through the middle of the field and Driscoll’s ace playmaking when under fatigue has been a standout.
Braxton Wilson-Clune, Jack McCosker, Connor Simpson and Elijah Keung also fit the bill.
Burleigh Bears
Disharne Tonihi
Position: Outside back
The Broncos signee has been one of Burleigh’s most potent strike weapons and has done a bit of everything for his team.
Spare a thought for workhorse forwards Talas Abell, Brady Turner and Klay Tencred (hooker).
Townsville Blackhawks
Multiple players
Blackhawks coach Luke Harlen - a former NRL prop for the Cowboys and Sharks - said several of his under-19s players were flying under the radar but deserving of a shot in an NRL system.
Fullback Logan Brooks, halfback Lachlan Erba, winger Davidson Benioni, prop Jayden Svager and lock Loranzo Fono could all attract in interest in 2024.
Fono is an especially interesting prospect. The Kirwan Bears 2023 MVP was the first player to win the school’s Sam Thaiday Medal without an NRL contract.
Harlen backed that to soon change.
Mackay Cutters
Henry Thorpe
Position: Lock
Thorpe has been an outstanding contributor to the Cutters this season, with his defence in particular capturing attention.
Rory Woodall
Position: Edge forward
Woodall has been an under impressive name that’s flown under the radar in Mackay, with his energy in every facet of the Cutters’ play exceptional.
Northern Pride
Braith Bawson
Position: Hooker
Hooker Braith Bawson quietly embodies hard work and commitment, while consistently delivering results for the team.
With a selfless approach, he fearlessly puts his head over the ball and body on the line and is a player his teammates love to go to war with on the field.
Liam O’Brien
Position: Fullback
A tremendously talented fullback, Liam O’Brien uses his speed and fierce approach to put his side on the front foot.
Recently played a crucial part in Cairns Brothers premiership triumph as a 17-year old in A-grade.
Lachlan Magill
Position: Second row
Lachlan Magill consistency over the season deserves plaudits. Not the flashiest player but a remarkable worker who isn’t afraid to sacrifice his body for the benefit of the team. A player who keeps getting more valuable season after season.
HARVEY NORMAN U19S
Club: Souths Logan
Name: Manaia-Rose Afuie
Position: Centre or wing
Manaia-Rose Afuie was born to run - and play footy. As a child growing up in Logan City she has dabbled in both league and also with rugby where she was a Logan Saints player and a seven-a-side exponent. She had a grand season playing centre with the Magpies this year.
Club: Redcliffe
Name: Vyeisha Tuua
Position: Second row
Tuua is a highly skilled athlete who originally had a grounding in little athletics where she tried many disciplines at either the Deception Bay or Bracken Ridge clubs. You can see that athletic background in her edge running efforts.
Club: Ipswich Jets
Name: Lily Shaw
Position: Fullback
Ipswich fielded a big pack and having the light on her feet Shaw moving around the ruck was a great enhancement to the Jets campaign. She could also flash into the movement on the edge.
Club: Norths
Name: Amani Fotu
Position: Centre
In her first season playing rugby league, Fotu took in all the coaching tips and made the centre position her own by the end of the season. She will only get better and better with experience.
Team Name: Sunshine Coast Falcons
Takoda Thompson and Sky Antoniolli
Player position: Second Row and Fullback
The Falcons duo had already shown their class prior to the season and maintained their high reputations this year.
It would not surprise seeing one, if not both, selected in the Queensland Under-19s side.
Club: Townsville Blackhawks
Name: Thalia Clarke
Position: Lock
New to rugby league in 2024, Clarke is a a rangy middle forward who has been deployed in a role inspired by Isaah Yeo of the Penrith Panthers.
Her touch football role has made her an adept weapon for the Blackhakws, and although she is still learning the finer points of the game, coach Rob Hall predicted NRLW scouts would be sitting up and paying attention to Calrke..
Club: Townsville Blackhawks
Name: Zaleah Mosby
Position: Winger
A Queensland Country U17s representative last year, flying Zaleah Mosby is still underrated for the talent she possesses.
Club: Townsville Blackhawks
Name: Ashlyn Hoey
Position: Winger
Coach Hall said Hoey was another promising outside back who could play her way into higher representative honours in 2024 and beyond.
Mackay Cutters
Bronte Clothier
Coach Matt Sanders has been particularly impressed by the reliability of Clothier this season. She may not be the flashiest player and isn’t coming up with highlight plays, but that doesn’t mean she should be overlooked. She’s a workhorse and her consistent effort is second to none.
Brisbane Tigers
Kayleen Takai and Liliele Vaitolo
Takai, a damaging edge forward, and Vaitolo, a crafty dummyhalf, have been crucial to the team’s success in 2024.
Vaitolo’s direction of the forwards and backs out of hooker has been second to none, while Takai’s mobile crash running on the edges have been essential ingredients in coach Damien Pratt’s winning recipe.
Western Clydesdales
Eliza Morcom
Position: Prop
The hard hitting Clydesdales prop has been a forward terror this season, helping her team break down the dam wall and strike through its backs.
Tweed Seagulls
Name: Leilani Ahsam
Position: Halfback
The smart King’s Christian College product has played a pivotal role in the competition’s best team out of halfback.
The success of her outside backs begins with Ahsam, the Nerang Roosters junior who represented the Queensland Schoolgirls side last year.
Burleigh Bears
Mhia Mackey-Taylor
Position: Edge forward
Burleigh finished their season in fine style, beating semi-finalists Tweed 26-20 in a thriller late last month.
Mackey-Taylor was strong in that game, as was the case across the entire season.
Around her, Kaliyah Browning, Grace King, Jamielee Anuru and Sienna Norris were excellent.
Wynnum Manly
Gloria Seumalii
Position: Outside back
The Seagulls girls had another good season, although the results did not show.
Countless girls moved up from under-19s to BMD from 2023-2024, with Mariah Brown among a new batch of youngsters impressing at the club.
Strike centre Seumalii was another we think is more than capable of mixing it with the best in BMD. She has been relentless in two seasons under Steve Casey.
Northern Pride:
Layla Geck
Position: hooker
Originally published as Who were the unsung heroes worthy of praise in the Meninga, Connell and Harvey girls competitions? Revealed here
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