Young stars ready to make mark at Walker Weekend Challenge

The Walker Weekend – one of Toowoomba’s premier junior league tournaments – kicks off this weekend. With the region’s best under-13 players in action here’s our look at the stars to watch.

Pittsworth Danes Jediah Vonhoff takes on the South Burnett line in a 2024 Walker Weekend Challenge game. Picture: Kevin Farmer

The Walkers are one of the NRL’s great family dynasties and they honed their skills in Toowoomba as juniors.

Lining up for Valleys Roosters – Ben, Shane and Chris – showcased their potential from an early age.

Now their old stomping grounds, John McDonald Sports Complex, will play host to an annual competition named in their honour.

The Walker Weekend Challenge features some of the Darling Downs, South West Queensland and South Burnett’s best male and female under-13 rugby league players.

Last year challenge organisers were forced to turn away teams with nominations exceeding the number of available spots for the two-day event.

Ahead of the challenge we’re taking a look at the players to watch.

Gatton Hawks girls

Gatton coach Trent Peters said he is excited to see his team in action.

“They’re a great group of girls. Good attitude, keen and eager to learn

“The big thing for us is making sure they all enjoy themselves and hopefully learn something for the weekend.

“We can’t thank Fassifern Bombers enough as well. They’re helping us with a few players for this weekend.”

Ciara Hellyer (Newtown girls)

Has been training hard for a break out season with the 13 girls, a tireless defender and can find the try line with the ball in her hands. She is excited to be playing in the challenge this weekend

Hannah Kentish (Newtown girls)

has been competing in the boys’ competition for the past couple of seasons. A very talented player all round and we are excited to watch her play in 2025

Tarliah Murdoch (Newtown girls)

A small but mighty force on the rugby league field. She’s a hard runner who doesn’t back down from any challenge. Tarliah plays with incredible heart and determination, proving that size isn’t everything when you have the drive and passion she does.

Eva Kampf (Newtown girls)

A dynamic fullback with incredible speed and agility. Her quickness on the field makes her a real threat, as she zips around the opposition with ease. Eva’s energy and ability to read the game make her a stand-out player and a key asset to the team.

Hannah Austin (Souths girls)

A fullback who is very good under pressure and has speed to burn in open field play.

Caedee Hunter (Souths girls)

An explosive lock who leads from the front and is very hard to bring down.

Harper Pavey (Souths girls)

A centre who is very fast and has good ball skills and also very good in defence.

Bobby Facer (Souths Orange)

The team’s ever constant front rower. He always takes the tough hit ups and has the bruising defence to go with it.

Souths Ava Henry in action during a 2024 Walker Weekend Challenge match at John McDonald Sports Complex. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Dylan Campbell (Souths Orange)

Has the ability to break a game open with his strong running. Give him an inch of space and he’s gone. Also very strong defensively.

Drew Wilkes (Souths Orange)

A constant metre eating back rower who just keeps his legs moving. He has a big motor and a big heart and always gives 110 per cent.

Andy Morris (Souths Black)

A versatile player who can cover many positions. Keep an eye out for his runs from dummy half and leading the line speed in defence.

Jett Ackland (Brothers)

A powerful runner of the football with great footwork, mix that up with great ball skills makes Jett a weapon in attack. Together with his strong tackling we expect big things in this carnival

Sam Currie (Brothers)

Runs a great line in attack and is a strong runner of the ball, this makes Sam always danger to opposition edge defence, is primed for a great weekend

Tanner Ross (Brothers)

A rock in defence with great tackling technique, can run a great line in attack as well as becoming a first-rate ball player. Will be looking to Tanner as one of our key attacking players

All the action from massive junior league Walker Weekend Challenge

Ethan Jordan (Souths Black)

A tough as nails player who plays well above his weight. Ethan will be leading the way in defence for his team.

Oliver Johnston (Souths Black)

A very handy footballer who works hard for his team. He will do the hard yards in attack and defence.

Izabella Randall (Valleys girls)

A tough and fearless front rower who leads from the front. Consistently gaining metres with her powerful runs and is impressive in defence as well.

Aisha Duroux (Valleys girls)

Duroux is a explosive centre who combines speed and strength to tear defensive lines with easy. An effort based player who is one to watch.

Mahaylie Werribone (Valleys girls)

Our razor sharp half back, has great vision and a developing a strong understanding of the game, controls the game with maturity beyond her years and is a great defender as well.

Poppie Zapa (Valleys girls)

An exciting prospect who is a hard running, ball player who never shies away in defence and leads by example every time she plays.

Kyanna Laine (Pittsworth girls)

An electric fast fullback with great covering tackles and an eye for gap in attack.

Heidi Sanders (Pittsworth girls)

A Harry Grant type player with a great passing game, creative and opportunistic leader who plays dummy half and is always looking for opportunities for her teammates.

Brooklyn Finnie (Pittsworth girls)

A ferocious forward who won’t be stopped when it comes to making metres up the field.

Imogen Pearce (Pittsworth girls)

Creative and tough halfback who throws herself into the game in both attack and defence

Molly McKellar (Highfields girls)

The halfback and captain is a natural leader who encourages, supports and expertly directs her teammates. With the ball in hand she always seems to make the right decision to hold on or offload and is a real threat when she runs downfield.

Highfields Eagles junior rugby league player Molly McKellar at the 2024 Walker Weekend Challenge.

Macy McKellar (Highfields girls)

The younger of the McKellar sisters but no less influential. At lock she is a hard runner and ferocious defender who plays well above her size. A versatile player, Macy can play in the halves and has the vision and skills to help her team keep its shape and direct them around the field.

Arohamae Fatiaki (Highfields girls)

A confident fullback with good hands and speed to burn. If there is gap in the defence she fill find it and when she breaks through she is hard to catch. In defence she a solid 1-on-1 defender with good vision.

Reegan Shelton (Highfields girls)

At a glance you would not believe it’s Reegan’s first year of footy. She was fearless in defence and ran the ball hard in her first ever game last week and is very competitive. A great listener who wants to learn and improve she is one to watch now and in the future.

Riley Dawes (Collegians)

The lightning quick lock is a relentless defender who only knows one speed. Has the ability to break the line with every touch.

Jaxon Cooper (Collegians)

Very strong in both attack and defence. The aggressive second rower leads the forward pack from the front.

Jaxon Dyball (Collegians)

A very fast front row edge forward that is very hard to run down in open space. He’s really coming along and has shown excellent form so far in the trial games in 2025.

Noah Belford (Newtown)

The big front row, who Newtown’s under-12 player of the season last year, is primed for a big 2025. A hard runner up the middle who is strong defensively and plays with the perfect amount of aggression.

Matthew Reynolds (Newtown)

A great winger with speed to burn who shows up every game and gives 100 per cent.

Dallas Sly (Newtown)

Dallas has improved in leaps and bounds during the off-season and looks set for a big year. A hard running front and second run he loves his footy and is an amazing teammates.

Van Bethel (Newtown)

Switching union for league he looks set to be a promising backrow.

Matthew Dowling (Newtown)

Back after a 12 month break – the big front rower is hard to tackle and a great effort player.

Noah Allwood (Higfields Gold)

Noah is a dynamic force on the wing, known for his agility and sharp lateral movement. His quick feet and excellent hands make him a constant threat down the sideline, while his ability to seamlessly link up with the centre and fullback ensures he’s always in the right place to create opportunities. Expect Noah to play a pivotal role in breaking defensive lines and setting up crucial plays.

Jace Walker (Higfields Gold)

Jace is a standout with his impeccable line running and razor-sharp vision for space. His ability to find gaps and exploit them, combined with his strong, fast play-the-ball, makes him a real danger in attack. Defensively, he is a powerhouse, bringing toughness and precision to every tackle. His all-round game makes him a key figure in both offence and defence this weekend.

Brodie Drew (Higfields Gold)

Relentless and fearless, Brodie is the team’s bulldog. He’s an aggressive ball runner who thrives on challenging defenders, and his textbook driving tackle technique often turns the tide in tough contests. Brodie’s determination and refusal to back down make him a player who sets the tone for the team and a game-changer to watch.

Charlie Sellars (Higfields Gold)

Charlie Sellars is the engine room leader in the forwards, combining a big frame with tireless effort. His tough carries and never-say-die attitude keep the momentum rolling through the middle, while his superior fitness allows him to keep delivering in crunch moments. Charlie’s leadership and physical presence will be crucial in laying the platform this weekend.

Jhett Fowler (Higfields Gold)

Known affectionately as Big Red, Jhett is the powerhouse enforcer in the middle. His barnstorming runs leave defenders in his wake, and his strong voice commands the pack around him. Jhett’s ability to play fast, high-impact football off the back of his dominant carries makes him a key figure to watch as he sets the tempo for the team.

a number of positions with ease. A competitor in every sense of the word and one to watch.

Joshua Hillman (Valleys Red)

Hillman is a tackling machine that has also been blessed with great speed and power in attack – while he plays Lock he can play a number of positions with ease. A competitor in every sense of the word.

Rahkye Ryan (Valleys Red)

Ryan is a gifted athlete who put aside other sports to focus on rugby league because he loves it that much. He is big, tall, fast and powerful forward. He can break a line with his power or dazzle with a kick and chase. He is a dominant player and one to keep an eye on.

Hunter Dowling (Valleys Red)

Hunter is a quiet and humble young man but put a ball in his hand and blow the whistle and he quickly turns into our version of Johnathan Thurston. He is a very skilful half. With he ball in hand he is a little general guiding the team around park and getting the ball to where it needs to be. Hunter is also rock solid in defence. An asset to the team and proud Rooster.

Fynn Bertolotti (Valleys Black)

A young inspiring fullback who displays an impressive combination of agility speed and tactical awareness across the field with outstanding leadership.

Jesse Boshhamer (Valleys Black)

A remarkable front rower with a unique blend of size, strength and speed makes him a near unstoppable force close to a try line. Jessie has strength and determination when it come to defence as well making him a formidable forward and one to watch.

Chase Hoad (Valleys Black)

Chase is another up and coming half back who show cases remarkable agility, decision making and leadership on the field rallying his team across the park.

Fletcher Usher (Highfields Gold)

A true leader in the forward pack, Fletcher sets the tone with his tough, uncompromising carries. As a skilled front rower, he’s never one to shy away from the hard work, consistently leading from the front and inspiring those around him. Fletcher’s grit and determination will be vital in getting his team on the front foot this weekend.

Isaac Luker (Highfields Gold)

Isaac is a fast, highly skilled back rower with a sharp football mind. His natural sense for the game, combined with his coachability and hunger to learn, makes him a standout on the field. Isaac’s ability to read play, support in attack, and adjust when needed means he’ll be a key weapon to watch in both defence and attack.

Declan Campbell (Highfields Gold)

Declan is the elusive back every team wants in their line-up. Always lively around the ball, Declan’s slick hands and sharp attacking instincts keep opposition defenders guessing. But he’s just as effective in defence, with a knack for covering ground and shutting down threats. Expect him to be in the thick of the action all game long.

Fletcher Campbell (Highfields Gold)

New to the game but already making his mark, Fletcher’s improvement has been nothing short of impressive. A hardworking front rower, Fletcher’s willingness to dig deep and develop his skills is clear every time he takes the field. His growing passion and commitment make him one to watch as he continues to rise to every challenge