Ex-internationals, stars galore: The best 17 Alexandria Rovers players since the year 2000
As the Alexandria Rovers celebrate 75 years in the Souths Juniors, we look at their best 17 players since 2000 in a side littered with international experience, premierships and Origin jerseys.
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This year the Alexandria Rovers celebrate 75 years in the Souths Juniors competition, with some massive names coming through their ranks.
Russell Fairfax, Phil Sigsworth, Craig Field and Darrell ‘Tricky’ Trindall are just some of the names to have worn Rovers colours during their junior days.
With the club hoping to add its next piece of silverware in this weekend’s reserve grade grand final, we look at the best 17 Alexandria Rovers since the year 2000.
WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this story contains the name of a deceased Indigenous person.
1. Nathan Merritt
One of the most prolific tryscorers the NRL has ever seen.
Merritt went on from the Rovers to play 237 games of first grade, with 218 of those for his beloved South Sydney Rabbitohs.
He scored 154 tries in the top flight and represented NSW, City and the Indigenous All Stars on his journey.
2. Reece Robinson
Robinson came through the ranks at Souths and made their Harold Matts side, before being snapped up by the Broncos.
He played 120 games in the NRL for Canberra, Parramatta and the Roosters before making the switch to rugby union with the Waratahs.
A genuine speedster.
3. Paul Momirovski
Came through the junior ranks at South Sydney including junior reps, before being snapped up by the Roosters. Always had a special something as a young player coming up.
Is now back at the tricolours after stints at Wests Tigers, Penrith and Melbourne that have seen him be a part of two premierships.
4. Yileen (Buddy) Gordon (C)
Best known as Buddy, Gordon played 71 games of first grade for Souths, Canterbury and Penrith as a strong running centre/second rower.
Still playing reserve grade football at 36 years of age for the Rabbitohs, Gordon is a well-respected member of the local community who continues to give back.
5. Travis Robinson
An absolute jet in open space who played nine games with the Panthers in the top flight after a long junior career with Alexandria.
Played with Lebanon alongside his twin brother Reece in a proud moment for the family, and came up the junior rep ranks with Cronulla.
6. Evander Cummins
Was such a classy player coming through the junior ranks with his silky skills and ability to create something out of nothing.
Holds the record for the youngest ever NYC U20s debutant for St George Illawarra, and was an Australian Schoolboys representative at 16.
7. Adam Reynolds
Was always destined for big things as a junior, and will go down as one of South Sydney’s best ever halfbacks
Has gone on to represent his state and is a real chance to add a second premiership to his trophy cabinet with the Broncos this year.
8. Andrew Tuigamala
Was the man of the match when the Rovers last won an open-age title and captained the South Sydney A-grade side on a tour of England and Ireland.
Has been a proud clubman with his service to the committee, plus is the father of Jayze and Izayah.
9. Cameron McInnes
Joined the Rovers from Botany Rams and went on to impress at the U20s level for South Sydney.
Solidified his spot as one of the toughest players in the NRL with over 170 games for the Rabbitohs, Dragons and Sharks.
This year he broke the record for most ever tackles in an NRL game.
10. Trent Merrin
Did it all in the game of rugby league and the Rovers were a big part of his journey as a young player.
Went on to play over 220 games of NRL, won a competition with the Dragons and represented his state and country along the way.
11. Jyi Seymour
A towering forward who can play just about anywhere in the forwards, and played SG Ball with the Rabbitohs before going on to line up in the NYC for Manly.
Has played at Sydney Shield and Ron Massey level, as well as winning A-grade competitions with the Wombats. Now looking to add a reserve grade title this weekend.
12. Andy Tull
The captain of the current Rovers reserve grade side who will compete in this weekend’s grand final against Redfern.
A natural leader who captained his team through the junior ranks, the personal trainer puts his body on the line with every opposition hit up and never takes a backwards step.
13. Mikey Cummins
The brother of Evander and signed a deal with the Broncos when he was 16, such was his talent as a youngster.
Had a wealth of skills, could fill in just about anywhere on the field and went on to play Sydney Shield and Ron Massey Cup.
14. Troy Dodds
A freakish tackler who has been immense for Alexandria over the course of his football career.
Whenever the Rovers have had a team he’s lined up for them, and has been a key reason for their success in reserves this year.
15. Jayze Tuigamala
A strong player who dominated his age group from day one, and always looked a class above the rest.
Played this year with Cronulla in the Harold Matts and caught the eye, joining the Canberra Raiders for the next three seasons.
16. Jack Burke
Came through the grades with the likes of Buddy Gordon and was the dominant front rower in the age group.
Played in the lower grades for Manly before joining the navy. Was on the verge of first grade as a mobile prop.
17. Peter Betham
The nephew of Warriors great Monty, Peter came through with a strong side that had a lot of success.
Quit rugby league to join union and it proved a masterstroke, playing with the Brumbies and representing the Wallabies.
18. Lawrence Lucas
Tragically passed away in recent times, a big reason for the Rovers seniors coming back together to honour his legacy.
Formed a terrific partnership with Matty Gordon coming through the junior ranks and was a magical player who was special to watch.
19. Izayah Tuigamala
Was a man of the match in an U15s grand final at just 13, before going on to play Harold Matts and SG Ball.
The older brother of Jayze, he captained both the NSW and Samoa U16s and was a devastating player on his day.
David Gordon - Coach
Has been coaching for the last 17 years, bringing his incredible achievements to a new role and guiding the next generation.
Was an Australian Schoolboy in both union and league in the same year, and broke 11 second for the 100m sprint.
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