From Tweed and Gold Coast in the south to Cairns in the north, Queensland’s rugby league young guns are on the rise. Here are 70 who are carving up 2023.
Whether it’s the Hastings Deering colts, the Mal Meninga Cup or even local first grade, these are the under-21 players who are making headlines in 2023.
With the state now boasting four NRL sides, this is the production line of talent putting their hands up for higher honours.
There is no shortage of rugby league talent in Queensland.
Jack Field
Club: Tweed Seagulls
Position: Fullback
Capable of playing at five-eighth as well, Tweed co-captain Jack Field brings a three-pronged attack to the Seagulls alongside his halves. Blessed with plenty of speed and a brilliant ball player who is set to unleash a lightning quick outside back contingent at Piggabeen.
Yarrabah’s Thauki Satrick. Picture: Brian Cassey
Thauki Satrick
Club: Northern Pride
Position: Second row
Don’t be shocked to see ball-carrying rivals veer away from Satrick: the young gun is a tough forward who hits to hurt. He’s is the muscle of this pack, a player who runs hard, fights to stay alive in tackles, and has developed a handy offload to enhance the threat he poses. Has played a fair bit of A-grade in the FNQ Rugby League and more than held his own against grown men.
Tyreice Baira-Gela
Club: Townsville Blackhawks
Position: Prop
The former Kirwan State High School star trained really well through the pre-season while training with the Queensland Cup team.
Baira-Gela is a really strong player and a natural leader. He’s dominant at what he does and his aggression through the middle of the field will give his team go-forward all season.
Baden Robinson
Club: Mackay
Position: Lock
This ball-playing lock is not only a powerhouse in the scrum but also brings a unique edge to the attack with his exceptional short-passing game. With his precision, speed, and agility, Robinson is sure to be a game-changer and a force to be reckoned with.
Joel Baldwin
Club: Townsville Blackhawks
Position: Hooker
Baldwin is described as the fittest lad in the squad and he’s got good, fast feet.
The elusive dummy-half is playing on this year after a really strong season with Townsville’s colts last year.
An on-field leader who captained the team in their trials, Baldwin is one to watch.
Joel Baldwin playing for Charters Towers Miners. Picture: Evan Morgan
Ragarive Wavik
Club: Townsville Blackhawks
Position: Fullback / Centre
A Papua New Guinea product who has represented Queensland in the under-19s State of Origin and was selected for the Emerging maroons under-18s aged 16.
In November 2022, Wavik was elevated from the North Queensland Cowboys’ young guns into the NRL squad on a supplementary contract that allows him to train full-time while sitting outside the club’s top 30.
Dudley Dotoi
Club: Townsville Blackhawks
Position: Centre
Dotoi recently returned from a stint in Sydney with the Wests Tigers.
A Bowen local who played his junior footy in the Burdekin, Dotoi went down to Wests after school and has been training really well and improving his consistency.
Dotoi is naturally very strong and he will be a deadly strike weapon out wide in the centres – a lot of defenders will struggle to contain him this season causing headaches for coaches around the competition.
Mikael Ibrahim
Club: Brisbane Tigers
The No.13 is a very experienced junior and natural leader who played his second season of Meninga Cup.
Mikael Ibrahim. Picture, John Gass
The Tigers junior is also a two-time premiership winner with St Laurence’s College First XV and two years ago was the Tigers Connell Challenge Player of the Season.
Matthew Moore
Club: Western Clydesdales
Fullback Moore is a Valleys junior. Coming from a touch footy background, he has represented Australia and plays A-grade. A good communicator and great in contact, he is a great in contact. Combining his elite fitness and his knack at reading the game, he is an important asset to any team.
Zac Lamont
Club: Townsville Blackhawks
Position: Halfback
Lamont is 19 this year and played in the Mal Meninga Cup in 2022 before making the step up into colts this season after playing a few games in the HDC at the back end of last year.
Lamont has come along really well with his development and he’ll be a great leader in the halves for many years to come.
Zac Lamont.
Tuvalli Khan-Pereira
Club: Burleigh Bears
Position: Outside backs
Tipped to line up on the wing like his brother, however Tuvalli Khan-Pereira is every bit as capable of doing a job at fullback. The younger sibling of Gold Coast Titans rookie Alofiana Khan-Pereira is blessed with nearly as much speed, and will no doubt be a regular point of attack for the Bears.
Nick Zusak
Club: Burleigh Bears
Position: Halfback
Praised as being a controlling half who can bring out the best in his teammates. Nick Zusak has a wealth of halves to contend with to cement the Burleigh jumper, but his impressive trial form will no doubt pay dividends.
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Immanuel Kalekale
Club: Burleigh Bears
Position: Prop
A 2022 campaign and recent pre-season disrupted by injury and head knock concerns may have hindered Kalekale, but the Kiwi product and Future Titans prop will pack plenty of punch once he takes the field. So often the biggest youngster on the field throughout his junior ranks, a teen phenom who has previously been compared to a James Fisher-Harris style player will be eager to justify the praise.
Arama Hau
Club: Burleigh Bears
Position: Second Row
Just last year he shone in the Queensland and Australian schoolboys line up, and now Future Titan Arama Hau is bracing for the next phase in his career. While he brings plenty of size, it is Hau’s subtle passing game and skillset close to the line that has him primed to become a genuine force either on the edge or at lock.
Arama Hau in action. Picture: Liam Kidston
Cruz Lasike
Club: Burleigh Bears
Position: Centre
Cruz Lasike earned a call up to the Bears’ Queensland Cup squad for pre-season on the back of a brilliant campaign for Runaway Bay in the A-grade competition.
Defensively capable of taking on the best centres in the senior competition, such as former Cup player and Lebanon international Allan Lockwood, garnered plenty of praise prior to his colts selection.
Max Liles
Club: Tweed Seagulls
Position: Halfback/Five Eight
A pre-season spent training with the Titans and Seagulls’ Queensland Cup side has seemingly matured Max Liles, who now appears primed to spearhead the colts charge. A strong left foot kick and a developing understanding of when to strike and when to play it safe, expect him to be at the heart of the attacking brand Tweed intend to play.
Ryan Foran
Club: Tweed Seagulls
Position: Second Row
A member of the Future Titans academy and set to join the Titans top 30 squad next year, this could be the biggest chance for Ryan Foran to prove his credentials for senior football. There is every chance he will earn a Queensland Cup debut this year as the NRL side groom him towards the top level.
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Jayden Wright
Club: Tweed Seagulls
Position: Prop
Another young gun who has benefited from training in the Gold Coast’s NRL system, Jayden Wright will be determined to cast aside an injury ravaged 2022, which included a shoulder reconstruction, to prove to the Titans he is worthy of greater exposure. Big, strong and a hard line runner on his edge, he will likely assume roles both through the middle and on an edge.
Blake Ginman
Club: Sunshine Coast Falcons
Position: Hooker
A gritty hooker that plays well above his weight. He loves the rough stuff and brings a lot of energy when he is on the field. He has worked really hard over the pre-season and leads from the front.
Blake Woodford
Club: Sunshine Coast Falcons
Position: Prop
A no-nonsense ruckie that serves as a tough and mobile player. He brings a high work rate to the Falcons and after his performances in 2022 he earned himself a Queensland Cup pre-season. Look for Woodford to take his game to another level this season.
Sunshine Coast Falcons Mal Meninga Cup player for 2023, Blake Woodford. Picture: Patrick Woods
Kalani Sing
Club: Sunshine Coast Falcons
Position: Centre
The son of former Queensland and Australian rugby league star Matt Sing, Kalani is also a standout in the centres. After a move from Yeppoon last year, Sing brings plenty of genuine pace to the Falcons and can find the tryline with ease.
Sunshine Coast Falcons Mal Meninga Cup player for 2023, Kalani Sing. Picture: Patrick Woods
Josh Chappell
Club: Sunshine Coast Falcons
Position: Halfback
Originally a Dalby junior who has made the move to the Sunshine Coast by way of the Parramatta Eels. Chappell brings a great kicking game and can control the game exceptionally well. He brings plenty of confidence to the players around him both on and off the ball.
Josh Chappell.
Kane Simon
Club: Mackay
Position: Fullback
Kane Simo takes the field with his sights set on a bigger and better season in 2023.
Having already made waves with his outstanding performance in 2022, Simon is ready to push his limits and take his game to new heights this year. With his unparalleled skills and fierce determination, he’s sure to leave a lasting impression and prove himself as one of the top players in the game.
Kane Simon in the Sarina and Brothers RLMD A Grade clash in Mackay, August 22, 2021. Picture: Marty Strecker
Henri Stocks
Club: Mackay
Position: Five-eighth
Having already showcased his skills in five games for our Hostplus Cup team in 2022, Stocks is poised to take his game to the next level this year. Keep your eyes on this up-and-coming player as he sets the field ablaze with his unparalleled talent and determination.
Henri Stocks. Picture: Alix Sweeney
Ethan Sweet
Club: Mackay
Position: Second row
With sheer strength and power, Sweet poses a constant threat to the opposition’s defence every time he charges with the ball. His explosive runs are sure to keep the opposition on their toes and make for an electrifying spectacle
Ethan Sweet runs the ball. Picture: Callum Dick
Hugh Arthur
Club: Mackay
Position: Second row
With an unwavering work ethic, Arthur sets the benchmark for his team in both attack and defence, tirelessly driving the game forward. A true powerhouse and leader, he’s sure to leave an unforgettable mark on the field.
Kaden Bushe
Club: Western Clydesdales
Position: Fullback
An experienced Toowoomba Rugby League campaigner despite his young age. The lightning quick fullback takes the ball at pace loves running into the line and will be an X-factor in the side.
Chris Woodbridge
Club: Dalby Diehards
The Toowoomba rugby league marquee signing in the off-season, Woodbridge is always an X-factor when on the field. His ability to break a game open combined with his speed make him a nightmare for his opposition. Only 21 years old, he is a leader in the side through his actions.
Kai Duggan
Club: Western Clydesdales
Position: Fullback
Has played the bulk of his senior footy at hooker but only because uncle Matt Duggan ranks among the TRL’s greatest ever halves. Kai, who will play halfback for the Clydesdales, has great vision and organisational skills.
Kai Duggan celebrates Jasper Curran’s try for Downlands in 2019.
Hayden Ensbey
Club: Western Clydesdales
Position: Hooker
There’s no questioning Ensbey’s potential. The young hooker made his Hostplus Cup debut against the Sunshine Coast Falcons in round 4 of the statewide competition. Ensbey is sharp around the ruck and leads the team’s line speed in defence.
Hayden Ensbey playing for North Coast Bulldogs in 2019.
Alex Donn
Club: Western Clydesdales
Position: Backrow
Not only is the big backrower a great character he’s also a great player. Big and strong, Donn will be a handful for opposition defences this season.
Oli Bichel
Club: Western Clydesdales
Position: Outside back
A strong and quick outside back who loves to get his hands on the ball and is always willing to make the tough runs.
Travis Cornthwaite
Club: Northern Pride
Position: Hooker, halfback
Cornthwaite is a smart operator with a high football IQ who will be charged with leading this team around the paddock. The young gun has drawn comparisons to former Pride premiership winning captain Jason Roos (2014), who combined his intelligence on the footy field with a never-say-die ticker and plenty of heart.
Tyrone Gunn-James
Tyrone Gunn-James. Picture: Matt Taylor
Club: Townsville Blackhawks
Position: Middle forward
Possessing good leg-speed and a seemingly endless stash of aggression, Blackhawks colts coach Roy Baira looks to Gunn-James to lead the team’s pack.
A very strong defender who will be called upon to stand up to any opposition pack the team comes up against.
Gunn-James is talented enough to play Q Cup.
Carter Ford
CQ Capras’ under-18 squad member Carter Ford.
Club: Central Capras
Position: Prop/second row
Tough Central Capras forward with huge potential which has been recognised by the Dolphins.
Billy Salameh
Club: Northern Pride
Position: Prop
A big body through the middle who joined the Pride from Sydney in pursuit of an opportunity. He’s a hard-hitting, hard-running middle forward who isn’t afraid of hard work. Has fit in well with the team and is keen to make an impact.
Thauki Satrick pictured playing for Yarrabah in the CDRL against Suburbs. Picture: Brian Cassey
Corey Kennedy
Club: Northern Pride
Position: Second-row, lock
There will be plenty of interested observers keeping a close eye on Kennedy’s progress through the year. A hard worker who gets through plenty of work, Kennedy has spent a few seasons playing against men in A-grade, and an off-season training alongside the Pride’s Hostplus Cup squad – where he held his own – the lock primed for a big campaign.
Corey Kennedy is tackled in the Hastings Deering Colts Queensland Cup match between the Northern Pride and the Redcliffe Dolphins, held at Barlow Park. Picture: Brendan Radke
Nathaniel Cowan
Club: Northern Pride
Position: Lock
Another promising prospect who travelled to Cairns in search of an opportunity, Cowan will be unleashed as a 100kg impact weapon. A Sydney product who played for the Clydesdales last season, Cowan brings plenty of size and muscle.
Samson Sauaso
Club: Ipswich Jets
Position: Prop
A Redbank Bears junior and Ipswich SHS Old Boy, Sauaso is the a tough no nonsense prop who will lead through his actions.
With Samoan heritage, Sauaso is the older brother of teen star Shalom Sauaso who has the world at her foot such is her feel of both codes of rugby.
Dominque Sandow
Club: Ipswich
The nephew of former NRL halfback Chris Sandow, Sandow is a dynamic fullback with great vision and game awareness. He’s an attacking threat from anywhere on the field. Sandow attends Ipswich SHS and was a 2022 Met East Under 18 representative.
Loto Salei
Club: Norths Devils
He has come the long way around – from Christchurch to Alice Springs to Cairns to Wavell SHS and now finds himself at Bishop Park. Meet Loto Salei, a wonderful young player with great versatility who will probably play No. 13, but who can also move to the edge or centre. He really developed his ball running last season.
Ky Rashleigh
Club: Ipswich Jets
Position: Hooker
From the rugby league rich Darling Downs region, Rashleigh is a newcomer to the Jets this year and has already been given captaincy honours.
That in itself is a reason why he’s one to watch. Throw in the fact he can break open defences with his sidestep, speed and duck-and-weave manoeuvre and you have a breakout player in the making.
Ayden Hoad
Club: Redcliffe Dolphins
Position: Hooker
We have had the joy of covering the rugby union and rugby league weapon fend off his rivals in the AIC competition for Iona College.
He will be a boost of energy off the bench for the Dolphins, but he can play wherever he is needed.
Caleb Jackson
Club: Redcliffe Dolphins
Position: Centre
Jackson was one of the Langer Trophy’s best centres last season for the Nation’s No.1 schoolboy team Ipswich SHS. He was a genuine try scorer, and with Cronulla signed Tre Fotu next to him, no one stood a chance.
Michael Waqa
Club: Redcliffe
From the Dolphins northside catchment, Waqa gained valuable open rugby league experience playing front row in the Langer Trophy last season. Although a likely middle, he has the versatility to play on the edge.
John Paul Donevski
Club: Redcliffe
A real impact player in the backs, he will probably play centre but can also play fullback or wing with ease. “He is versatile, a very skilful fast and athletic outside back,’’ his coach said.
Munga Baruani
Club: Norths Devils
Position: winger
A Keebra Park SHS Old Boy, Baruani was no doubt a beneficiary of the school’s world class rugby league academy.
Damascus Neemia
Club: Norths Devils
Position: lock
Wavell SHS old boy was one of the Langer Trophy’s best blue collar workers last year, a consistent prop who stood like a pillar in the ruck.
He did his job week in, week out.
Sunshine Coast Falcons Mal Meninga Cup player for 2023, Chase Paterson. Picture: Patrick Woods
Club: Souths Logan
“Chase is a middle and edge player and is another that’s Melbourne development contracted,” coach Danny Gray said.
“He’s the quintessential Storm player as he’s rough and tumble, does all the little one percenters and all the tidy up stuff really well.
“He’s very similar to your Ryan Hinchcliffe or your Dale Finucane-style players as an incredibly hard worker and is all effort.”
Brendan Siebuhr
Club: Sunshine Coast Falcons
Position: Centre/Second Row
Siebuhr was the ultimate utility in 2022 filling in at a number of positions but really thrived as an outside back. Siebuhr also was invited to take part in the Queensland Cup pre-season and that’s already seen his game grow.
Sunshine Coast Falcons Mal Meninga Cup player for 2023, Brendan Siebuhr. Picture: Patrick Woods
Harry Walters
Club: Norths Devils
Position: second row
The son of Kevin Walters has continued to improve and this season it will surprise no one to see him take his game to the next level.
Walters progressed through the Gregory Terrace ranks, but really hit his strap after school. He didn’t play First XV rugby but this year he will prove one of North’s most important forward movers.
Kulu Baruani
Club: Wynnum-Manly Seagulls
Position: winger
A crucial member of Ipswich SHS’ all conquering schoolboy league side which swept their way through the Langer Trophy undefeated before being crowned Australia’s No.1 side.
Baruani is a clinical finisher, an aerial threat and an even better teammate.
Jett Thorpe Elich
Club: Souths Logan
“Jett’s a backrower who I believe is just in the process of signing a couple year development deal with the Melbourne Storm,” coach Danny Gray said.
“He’s been a part of the academy for a couple of years now and impressed when he was down in Geelong recently.
“He’s a big and rugged edge backrower that’s incredibly skilful and a really smart footballer that works really hard.”
Cassius Cowley
Club: Wynnum-Manly Seagulls
Position: five-eighth
Marsden SHS alumni Cowley will be his side’s key to unlocking the backline.
Coming from a terrific Marsden rugby league program while also benefiting under Meninga Cup coach Jesse Maclean in previous years, Cowley is sure to spark the attack.
Cassius Cowley. Picture: Renae Droop
John Radel
Club: Wynnum-Manly Seagulls
Position: prop
The seagulls skipper will lead from the front as an old fashioned front rower who does the simple things right – and is as tough as nail.
In recent years he has been an elite level Meninga Cup player.
Iowani Cavuilati
Club: Townsville
Cavuilati played on the wing for the Under-16 Queensland Fiji rugby union team in 2022 at the Pacific Youth Rugby Festival on the Gold Coast.
The junior cross-code star is a member of the North Queensland Cowboys Academy, and could offer a lot to whichever sport he dedicates himself to.
Tyree Bowman
Tyree Bowman scores for Marsden. Picture: Liam Kidston.
Club: Wynnum Manly
Position: Hooker
There is a touch of Isaac Luke (Souths and Warriors champion) about this hardy hooker who has great ball skills and a sixth sense on when to pass or take off himself and promote his runners.
Madison Beckett
Club: Brisbane Tigers
Position: lock
The club’s reigning Player of the Year and Players Player, No.13 Madison Beckett is coming off a Hostplus Cup pre-season.
Head coach Mark Gliddon said “tough” was the one word to describe him.
“Just an old school, uncompromising tough middle.”
Ignatius Park College’s Tekelu Mene in action .Picture: Jerad Williams
Tekelu Mene
Club: Townsville
The Cowboys-contracted junior returns to the side after a strong showing in the Mal Meninga Cup last year.
Originally from Warraber Island in the Torres Strait, Mene is an NRL Cowboys House 2022 graduate and represented Queensland Country U17 in 2022.
Tea-Rani Woodman Tuhoro
Club: Brisbane Tigers
Position: Wing
Blink and you might miss him. Woodman Tuhoro is a lightning fast winger who has been signed by the Melbourne Storm on speculation because of his speed.
Hoani Harris. Picture: Evan Morgan
Hoani Harris
Club: Townsville
Harris was in the team’s Mal Meninga squad last year, putting him in the older age bracket in the team.
The Kirwan junior played for Queensland Country U17 in their 38-20 win over the City slickers from down south in September 2022.
Typically a hooker or core forward, Harris moved from St Brendan’s College in Yeppoon last year to attend Kirwan.
Lachlan West
Club: Brisbane Tigers
Position: fullback
Coming back for his third and final year of Colts, prolific tryscorer West has come out of his shell over the off season and is leading the way at training.
His coach said it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him have a big year given his improvement in the effort areas.
Kaleb Winters-Chang
Club: Souths Logan Magpies
Position: second rower
An edge back-rower who has really developed and matured over the off-season. Winters-Chang is extremely coachable and works hard on developing the intricacies of his craft.
Another quality trait of the Souths Logan junior (Logan Brothers) is his team first mentality, a mentality that can’t always be coached into athletes.
Brisbane State High School player Kaleb Winters. Picture, John Gass
Zane Kaatz
Club: Souths Logan Magpies
Position: five-eighth
A leader in St Edmund’s College’s resurgent First XV side last year in the AIC competition, Kaatz boasts a kicking game capable of turning a game.
Jesse Jackson
Club: Tweed Seagulls
Position: Prop
Returning for another stint in the colts, Jesse Jackson looms as the leader of the pack through the middle. Backed with a high work rate and uncompromising attitude, Jackson will never take a backward step and will always be on the hunt for offload chances.
Nelson Kennedy
Club: Townsville
Kennedy has a background in both rugby codes as a menacing forward and destructive runner of the ball.
Kennedy will look to light up the field this season after playing with Ignatius Park College and Townsville Brothers in the past.
His work ethic and seemingly endless eagerness to get involved in the game will put Kennedy in good stead for playing minutes in 2023.
Cody Hamilton
Club: Souths Logan
Position: Halfback
The brother of esteemed QCup player Guy, Hamilton is a clever halfback who can influence games with his kicking game and running game.
Ignatius Park’s Rayzarlin Pearson celebrates a tr. Picture: Evan Morgan
Rayzarlin Pearson
Club: Townsville
Pearson was Queensland Country U17s’ other winger in 2022 and starred with two tries in the team’s 38-20 win over Queensland City.
The Souths Bulls junior was also a big part of Iggy Park’s Phil Hall Cup run, where the school eventually lost to Ipswich in the final.
LJ Nonu
Club: Ipswich
Keep an eye out for this young centre who has been identified by the South Sydney Rabbitohs. Another Ipswich SHS student, he is sure to be a handful for any defender this season, with a combination of speed and strength. He is originally from Victoria but has been in Ipswich since 2021.
Jake Durie
Club: Western Clydesdales
A Souths junior, he is the five-eighth of the side, Durie is a player to watch. An important part of the side, it is his ball running and ability to take on the line that makes him a special player.
Maddox McLean
Club: Brisbane Tigers
McLean was outstanding from the very first session, a talented half and organiser who is looking to strive for higher honour as a second season Meninga Cup player.
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