SG Ball Cup NSWRL rugby league season preview 2023

Pitting the very best U19s expertise in Australia towards one another, the competitors has an extended historical past of breeding future first graders, and this 12 months is ready to be no totally different.

Penrith’s success was certainly one of many for the membership final 12 months, however there are many sides scorching on their tails, together with a Western Suburbs facet calling up a number of gamers from their dominant Harold Matthews Cup premiership in 2022.

We’ll progressively preview all 16 golf equipment competing this 12 months, persevering with with the Sydney Roosters.

SYDNEY ROOSTERS

Captains: Michael Abdow and Benaiah Ioelu

Coach: David Swann

Gamers to observe: Salesi Foketi has been a part of the Roosters pathways system since arriving from New Zealand on the age of 15. An enforcer both within the center or on an edge, Salesi runs with energy and hits like a sledgehammer in defence. Now in his second season of SG Ball, his recreation is ready to achieve a brand new degree.

Native junior Michael Abdow has been a part of the Tricolours system since he turned 13. An Australian schoolboys rep at simply 15, the spectacular backrower turned heads after being named participant of the event. In 2023, the skilled huge recreation participant shall be important to the Roosters’ title aspirations.

De La Salle Va’a hails from Toowoomba and has made an enormous impression since becoming a member of the membership final 12 months. A giant, cell entrance rower who causes issues for opposition defences and might get by a moutain of labor.

Shock packet: The Central Coast’s Cade Mellon is a pure footballer, and might play wherever throughout the park. One other to progress by the membership’s pathways, he’s anticipated to be a distinguished function all through the 17-week competitors.

Why they are going to be aggressive: The Roosters have arguably been the very best facet within the competitors for the final two years. The 2021 and 2022 sides each completed as undefeated minor premiers earlier than coming to grief within the finals. Now, as soon as once more they subject a formidable squad, one which shall be determined to hoist the trophy.

Final season: 1st (Misplaced Grand Last)

Squad: Michael Abdow, Cayden Barnes, Hayden Barton, Jackson Delisle, Ben Dufficy, Kye Durie, Jake Elliott, Salesi Foketi, Noah Goodman, Noah Hill, Benaiah Ioelu, Siaosi Kaliti, Kade Maguire, Cade Mellon, Braydan Purcell, Haydan Ritchie, Ethan Roberts, Zac Sarfati, Malachi Smith, Jayden Smith, Blake Steep, Javahn Stevenson-Hala, Kalem Surya, Ben Taylor, Cassius Tia, Cooper Toy, De La Salle Va’a

PENRITH PANTHERS

Captain: TBA

Coach: Scott Thompson

Gamers to observe: NSWCHS schoolboys consultant Moustafa Dirani is a lock who performed in Penrith’s premiership profitable squad final 12 months. He’s certainly one of quite a lot of gamers on the sting of doing one thing particular within the group. Bayden Moran will associate him within the again row and he’s one other that has been going alongside effectively throughout the pre-season and is one of some that has the potential to kick on sooner or later.

Shock packet: “The great factor with our system is that they’ve all accomplished exceptionally effectively and officers are happy with the best way they’ve approached issues up to now. It makes it exhausting to separate everybody.”

Why they are going to be aggressive: “There’s fairly a number of backing up from final 12 months with round eight gamers from final 12 months’s title. That offers them , strong basis of gamers which have been there and gained it. There’s mixture of second 12 months gamers and the brand new crew coming in. They’ve accomplished all the pieces they wanted to do, so we are going to see the way it unfolds from there.”

Final season: Premiers

NORTH SYDNEY BEARS

Captain: TBA

Coach: Tony Clarke

Players to observe: Tom Peters is a troublesome, no nonsense hooker from the Erina Eagles who relishes work within the center. Ever the opportunist, search for Tom to make the most of fast play-the-balls and capitalise on drained defenders.

Standard Bathurst recruit Jesse Limon is a tall highly effective finisher on the wing who’s simply as completely satisfied rolling up his sleeves and serving to the staff out of hassle. An actual vitality participant, Jesse is admired each on and off the sector.

Shock packet: A current rugby convert from the Western Pressure, Brad Avery joins the Bears from Western Australia. Electrical on his toes and a fast learner, the will-o’-the-wisp has a useful knack of popping up in the appropriate place on the proper time, and might be one to comply with.

Why they are going to be aggressive: “The Bears have all of the makings of a brilliant aggressive staff in 2023. With a give attention to a tough, easy and efficient model of play, the staff will shock many this 12 months with their uncompromising and thrilling model of play,” mentioned Tony Clarke.

Final season: thirteenth

SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS

Captain: Jye Grey

Coach: John Sutton

Gamers to observe: “Jye Grey got here down from Queensland. He gained the Mal Meninga Cup participant of the 12 months, and he’s tremendous fast and good with the ball. Tyrone Munro had a pre-season with first grade and is tremendous gifted. He’s tall and rangy, and scored 4 tries on the weekend on the wing. Thomas Fletcher is a second rower who additionally had a pre-season with first grade. He’s an enormous fella who runs exhausting and is an efficient defender. He’s placed on a number of measurement and we count on good issues from him.”

Shock packet: “Dane Cities has actually impressed me together with his talent. We’ve got a number of that may play fullback however we’ve given him the nod. He’s silky on the again, can arrange tries and rating them himself. He’s come from the clouds to say that primary spot.”

Why they are going to be aggressive: “Having a number of of the boys there from final 12 months helps. It wasn’t such 12 months and we had been upset. This 12 months we’ve purchased rather well with a number of gamers from Queensland coming into the squad. I believe we’ve got stability with forwards going ahead and backs that may rating from wherever. If we will hyperlink all of it up I believe we’re in for 12 months.”

Final season: tenth

ILLAWARRA STEELERS

Captain: TBA

Coach: Russ Aitken

Gamers to observe: Based on Steelers officers, Dylan Egan is a reputation to be remembered. A no-nonsense Gerringong back-rower, Egan enters the season in top-top form following a powerful NRL pre-season. Search for the Steelers to flourish on the again of his physicality and competitiveness. Lyhkan King-Togia was lured to the Dragons from the regional Queensland city of Dalby. Listed to hitch subsequent season’s NRL coaching squad, the livewire half is anticipated to mild up the competitors with a wholesome mixture of talent and tempo. Monster prop Jett Lui has excelled throughout his debut NRL pre-season. With a dominating bodily presence and professionalism, the Leeton junior is tipped to climb the Dragons ranks.

Shock packet: Already destined for increased honours, Kyan Hjaltason is a artful and scheming dummy half who asks loads of questions across the ruck. A real shock packet, the darting hooker shall be one to regulate because the Steelers’ huge males march up-field.

Why they are going to be aggressive: It’s the primary 12 months Russell has labored with these boys, nevertheless it’s been a powerful pre-season and he’s liking to look of his squad within the trials up to now. Russell believes his staff has a excessive footy IQ, and believes they’ll query some groups going ahead with the model of footy they play. They wish to be as aggressive as doable and exceed the benchmark ladder place they set final 12 months.

Final season: fifth (Eradicated finals Wk 1)

Squad: Viliami Amone, Ethan Cliff, Dylan Egan, Taj Ford, Kane Graham, Jacob Haeata, Te Umuariki Heremia-Tukere, Kyan Hjaltason, Neasan Jha-Langley, Lyhkan King-Togia, Isaac Laughton, Callum Leikvoll, Jett Liu, Campbell Lyons, Zak Maarbani, Toby Miller, Ramses Munro, Seth Pearman, Wesley Pring, Jack Quine, Campbell Rubie, Toby Rumble, Bailey Sassall, Judd Stevenson, Hamish Stewart, Darnell Te Ahuru, Vaenuku Vatuvei, Ashton Ward, James Walsh.

ST GEORGE DRAGONS

Captain: TBA

Coach: Willie Talau

Gamers to observe: Loko Tonga is a towering prop who starred for Ipswich State Excessive Faculty in final 12 months’s Nationwide Championships. Already turning heads since arriving at Kogarah, the highly effective ahead is a born chief with endurance and a harmful carry.

Nick Tsougranis is a robust and aggressive backrower from Arncliffe Scots juniors. All the time a handful on the sting, he has already progressed by to Jersey Flegg and is destined for increased honours.

Corey Ackers is an brisk foot-to-the-floor explosive ball service. Succesful within the back-row or lock, the Arncliffe Scots product is poised to hitch the Dragons NRL coaching squad within the coming seasons.

Shock packet: In a squad blessed with potent ahead shares, Carlos Pauli is a brand new hardworking recruit who is anticipated to create havoc together with his dynamic prices.

Why they are going to be aggressive: With former Kiwi and Samoan worldwide Willie Talau approaching board as coach, you possibly can make sure that St George will all the time be up for the battle, no matter their opponents reputations.

Final season: 14th

CANBERRA RAIDERS

Captain: TBA

Coach: Peter Marrapodi

Gamers to observe: Gun fullback Chevy Stewart arrives in Canberra after a standout 12 months for Cronulla in final season’s Harold Matthews competitors. Match and firing after finishing his pre-season coaching with the NRL squad, the speedster will present loads of flare out large and havoc by centrefield together with his lethal anticipation.

The youthful brother of Canberra NRL prop Ata Mariota, Niu is an influence participant quick monitoring his personal path to increased honours. One of many larger front-rowers within the competitors, Mariota’s health has risen to a different degree after a number of disrupted pre-seasons.

Shock packet: Hunter recruit Jake Clydesdale is the brother of former Newcastle and Canberra hooker Adam, and it’s the place the similarities finish. A front-row powerhouse, Jake is a rustic child with an awesome angle who coach Peter Marrapodi expects will shock many together with his influence up the center.

Why they are going to be aggressive: With a number of key signings becoming a member of the very best of final 12 months’s Harold Matthews semi closing mixture, the Raiders are anticipated to be a power. Marrapodi sees his squad’s health and exhausting working values as some extent of distinction, and believes he has the halves required to take advantage of the staff’s inevitable go-forward.

Final season: ninth

Squad checklist: Chevy Stewart, Eddie Tiana, Elvis Nauer-Wooden, Ethan Alaia, Jack Anderson, Jack Clutterbuck, Jack Piccirilli, Jacob Iosefa, Jake Clydesdale, Jalen Afasamaga, Jaxen Yow, Jaxon Lavender, Jayden Wolfe, Joe Roddy, Jordan Chapman, Keahn Skipps, Lekani Mpaso, Mark Tuialii, Niu Mariota, Noah Martin, Owen Hromow, Owen Pattie, Ryan Woolley, Samuel Gash, Siamani Leuluai, Tahrell Feavai, Trent Jefferey, Vena Patuki-Case, Xavier Cacciotti

CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS

Captain: TBA

Coach: David Howlett

Gamers to observe: Lawson Cotter and Lachlan Crossle are each native junior league gamers with robust working video games. Cotter is an edge again row, and has been highlighted by academy and expertise supervisor Glenn Brailey as an thrilling prospect. In the meantime, entrance rower Crossle is thought for his health and exhausting work on the park. Each gamers obtained a style of SG Ball degree final 12 months and can deliver wanted expertise to the facet.

Why they are going to be aggressive: Officers have assembled what they imagine are robust squads, with mixture of native expertise and positional-specific recruited gamers. Expectantly with accidents, they’re aiming for development in 2023. Gamers graduating from a grand closing look in final 12 months’s Harold Matthews Cup will push their claims of a finals look.

Final season: seventh

MELBOURNE STORM

Captain: Josiah-Ekkehard Neli

Coach: Jason Warr

Gamers to observe: “Lock Josiah-Ekkehard Neli and entrance rower Zayvian Langkilde-Fale each completed final 12 months enjoying some Jersey Flegg. Josiah is a extremely keen participant, he’s aggressive and performs effectively and really above his weight. Zayvian is a robust ball service and does all the appropriate issues in defence. Suliasi Prescott has spent the pre-season with the NRL growth advert is an elusive dummy half coming again after final 12 months.”

Shock packet: “Younger centre Siulagi Pio has obtained an awesome body on him and brings an awesome angle to the membership. We’re anticipating some huge issues from him.”

Why they are going to be aggressive: “That is the very best pre-season we’ve ever had. There’s been interruptions the final couple of years however none this time. The boys have been coaching rather well and wish to put their greatest foot ahead. 75 per cent are high age gamers, whereas in earlier years we’ve needed to depend on backside age to return by. It’s platform having a season below their belts which helps with cohesion.”

Final season: fifteenth

BALMAIN TIGERS

Captain: TBA

Coach: Gaven Sheehan

Gamers to observe: “The identify on everybody’s mouth is Josh Feledy. He transferred from Manly to the Wests Tigers. He’s been coaching with the NRL squad within the pre-season and we’d see him within the first few rounds (of SG Ball). One other is a neighborhood Tony Sukkar who’s a ahead and a really seemingly prospect coming again into SG Ball. He’s a strong participant with a number of maturity. He’s been coaching within the NRL squad together with Oliver Lawry. He’s an enormous unit at over six foot tall, and has nice expertise and is a robust half.”

Shock packet: “I had an enormous wrap on this participant from final 12 months however sadly he obtained injured within the trials. Elijah Mataale has come again 5kg fitter and trimmer. He seems an awesome prospect. He’s a center entrance rower. One other is John Ibrahim who seems nice as a working lock.”

Why they are going to be aggressive: “In the event you have a look at each groups final 12 months, not lots of people gave us a hope in SG Ball and we completed just one level out of second. What I see on this group is stability throughout the sector. We’ve obtained some good forwards, good backs and a few key gamers in these positions. You have a look at Wests and some others that shall be robust, we’ll seemingly sit below the radar. We’ll proceed to construct properly and there’s no actual weaknesses throughout the sector. Our high 18-20 gamers look robust.”

Final season: third (eradicated Finals Wk 1)

Squad: Lipina Ata, Lachlan Broedlow, Levi Conti, Jonas Prepare dinner, Bryson Demanuelle, Kian Edmed, Jesse Eljuga, Josh Feledy, Michael Feledy, Aiden Harb, Johnny Ibrahim, Cameron Kanaan, Hosea Kedzlie, Will Kennedy, Keenan Lawandos, Oliver Lawry, Lotu Lavilavi, Zaid Lehn, Jackson Lill, William Malloy, Elijah Mataale, Billy McNickle, Adam Mehrez, Brendan Naicori, Charlie O’kane, Velangi Otahaha, Joe Schmitzer, Jekope Sovau, Gabe Stuart, Tony Sukkar, Jordan Tut Chapman, Kaisara Tuimauga, Wade Zreika

WESTERN SUBURBS MAGPIES

Captain: TBA

Coach: Joey Saukuru

Gamers to observe: “We’ve had three coaching on the high degree. Package Laulili’i is a ball-playing lock and brings actual management to the staff He’s a 12 months younger for SG Ball however may be very mature minded and leads from the entrance. Zac Clarke is an edge again rower who may play on the six. Tallyn De Silva is an aesthetic 9 that will get out and runs. The membership has managed to lock him down which is nice for his growth, we charge him actually extremely.”

Shock packet: “Heath Mason is an efficient, working half and a very nice child. He was within the Rising Blues over the summer season and went into camp with them. Heath was a part of the Harold Matts staff final 12 months that went undefeated final 12 months and is a St Greg’s product who trains exhausting and is admittedly aggressive.”

Why they are going to be aggressive: “In final 12 months’s SG Ball we had 11 12 months youngs and 9 of them have stayed on with two moved on to different golf equipment. Plus we’ve got the younger guys arising from Harold Matts so we’ve got a good facet of native expertise. There’s about 95 per cent which can be locals, sprinkled in with Australian Schoolboys participant Chris Faagutu (from Queensland), I believe we can provide it a extremely good shake.”

Final season: twelfth

Squad: Brycen Anae-Roberts, Teancum Brown, Lachlan Bush, Zakauri Clarke, Tajh Colquhoun, William Craig, Tallyn Da Silva, Christopher Faagutu, Sosefo Finau, Lachlan Galvin, Tino Tavana, Luke Keppie, Package Laulili’i, Jeremiah Leatigaga, Ofele Lene, Raymond Lole, Heath Mason, Jordan Miller, Thomas Pati, Elijah Pettit-Younger, Heith Pritchard, Solomone Saukuru, Mou Taumaletila-Maulolo, Junior Taungatua, Masei Tavui, Harrison Valevatu, Daniel Waqa

Initially revealed as SG Ball Cup season preview: Each membership profiled forward of the 2023 NSWRL junior reps season