There’s 109 players currently on train-and-trial opportunities across the 17 NRL clubs hoping they’ll be one of the lucky ones to land a full-time deal.
The Titans have 14 players on train-and-trials — the most of any club — and most are teenager schoolboy sensations coming out of famous rugby league schools Keebra Park and Palm Beach Currumbin.
The Roosters are a close second with 13, splitting them between young talent like Ethan Roberts and Tyler Moriarty as well as older heads like Kurt De Luis and Junior Pauga, who provide Trent Robinson with genuine depth.
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BRONCOS
Top 30 spots to fill: 1
Available development contracts: 4
JACK AHEARN (fullback/halves)
A well-deserved opportunity for the respected captain of Broncos feeder side, Norths Devils. The 29-year-old has 142 Queensland Cup games under his belt and was instrumental in the Devils’ premiership this year, finishing with 20 try assists in 21 games. His versatility was on show too, swapping between fullback an the halves throughout the season.
TYLER COBURN (second row)
Coburn has spent the last three seasons with the Ipswich Jets in Queensland Cup but was lured to Broncos feeder club Souths Logan through crosscode star Karmichael Hunt. An opportunity came up to do a 15-week block with the NRL side and the 22-year-old didn’t hesitate to ditch his job as a P.E. teacher to train at Red Hill with the hopes of it turning into his new full-time gig. Coburn — the son of Ipswich great, Danny — has a big motor, often punching out 80 minutes and 30-plus tackles last season.
LIAM HORNE (hooker)
The 25-year-old has plenty of spark out of dummy half and is tough as nails too — in fact you may remember him as the player that took on Maika Sivo while on debut for Papua New Guinea in the mid-season Test. Has been a regular for Norths Devils over the last couple of seasons and his Queensland Cup coaches have said he may weigh 85 kilos, but he plays like he’s 120 kilos.
JAYDEN MORGAN (prop)
The 24-year-old joins the Broncos after spending last season with Mackay Cutters in the Queensland Cup. Prior to that the Shellharbour product was in the Dragons’ system and featured for their New South Wales Cup side.
SHALOM O’FOU (second row)
Joins the Broncos from the Dragons, where he was on a development deal for 2022 after progressing through the grades. The 22-year-old, who was born in Melbourne and moved to the Illawarra region as a teenager, was in and out of the Dragons’ NSW Cup side last season but has plenty of promise as a hard-hitting edge forward.
MAX PLATH (utility)
A goalkicking five-eighth that impressed for Broncos feeder side Wynnum-Manly, scoring seven tries and setting up six in 14 games in Queensland Cup. The 21-year-old is the son of four-time premiership-winning Bronco, John Plath and like his dad can also cover several positions — although No.6 is his preference. Plath has played all of his footy with Wynnum and nailed a field goal in extra time to win them the Hastings Deering Colts premiership in 2021.
JOHN RADEL (prop)
A member of Wynnum-Manly’s 2021 premiership-winning Hastings Deering Colts side alongside Plath, John Radel has been on the radar of the Maroons for quite some time having been picked in the under 16s and under 18s emerging Queensland squads. Radel spent 2022 in Hastings Deering Colts again but impressed enough to earn an opportunity with the Broncos.
TRISTAN SAILOR (fullback)
The 24-year-old son of crosscode star Wendell Sailor, has overcome an off-field incident to get his NRL career back on track. Sailor joined Souths Logan early on last season and starred at both fullback and five-eighth. His most potent game came in Round 15 when he set up four tries, had eight tackle busts and ran for 234 metres.
WILL SAMUEL (prop)
The 25-year-old is back in the Broncos’ system after a four-year stint with Brisbane Tigers. Samuel had a breakout season for the Tigers in 2021, claiming the club’s best and fairest, player of the year and player’s player awards. His efforts were rewarded with a one month train-and-trial deal with the Storm ahead of the 2022 season and now he gets an opportunity with the Broncos after playing every game of 2022 for the Tigers. The 108kg prop kicked off his Queensland Cup career with Souths Logan back in 2018.
RAIDERS
Top 30 spots to fill: 2
Available development contracts: 2
ELIJAH ANDERSON (centre)
The Rockhampton product joined the Raiders in 2021 on a train-and-trial after the late, great recruitment manager Peter Mulholland spotted him playing local rugby union. Anderson, 23, made his NRL debut off the bench that same year and earned a Development deal for 2022 — but will continue on with the club on a train-and-trial.
MICHAEL ASOMUA (winger)
Asomua, who was on a train-and-trial with the Raiders last season too, established himself as a regular NSW Cup player this year and also starred for NSW in the Under 19s Origin. It came after a breakout 2021 which included receiving the inaugural Don Furner Senior Scholarship, a SG Ball premiership, NSW Cup debut, a selection in the Future Blues squad and making the Australian Schoolboys side. He did all of this while also completing his HSC.
JORDAN MARTIN (second row)
Martin first joined the Raiders’ system in 2018 from the Narooma Devils and has worked his way up from SG Ball. The 22-year-old trained full time with the NRL squad last season and has been doing so again over the summer.
HOHEPA PURU (second row)
Just like his younger brother, Niwhai, Hohepa Puru has also left the foot of the mountains to take up a new opportunity. Puru spent the last two seasons at the Panthers and made his NSW Cup debut this year, which turned into a total of six games — including an 80-minute effort at lock in Penrith’s win over North Sydney in the first week of finals. In that game Puru ran for 151 metres and made 41 tackles.
BULLDOGS
Top 30 spots to fill: 3
Available development contracts: 2
BAILEY HAYWARD (halves)
An impressive young man that captained the Dogs’ Jersey Flegg side this year and earnt a NSW Cup debut. Hayward is an oldschool halfback — a true game manager that enjoys organising and steering the ship. The 21-year-old, who was named the club’s Jersey Flegg Player of the Year, made his international debut during the World Cup, playing two games for Scotland.
ZAC HETHERINGTON (utility)
The son of Bulldogs great Jason Hetherington and twin of Broncos lock Kobe, Zac rejoined the club last season on a development deal after a stint in the Queensland Cup. With the ability to play hooker, lock, second row or five-eighth, 23-year-old is incredibly versatile and the club believes he has a lot of untapped potential.
JOASH PAPALII (fullback/five-eighth)
A genuine star of the future with a lethal left-foot step, who was named the Bulldogs’ SG Ball Player of the Year. The 18-year-old local junior was selected in this year’s Australian Schoolboys side and the Junior Blues squad.
KHALED RAJAB (utility)
The 20-year-old put his name on the map during the World Cup when he played alongside Mitchell Moses in the halves for Lebanon. Rajab was a standout in Jersey Flegg this year and was rewarded with four NSW Cup games — including the grand final against the Panthers. The local junior is at home in the halves, but can also play fullback and lock. Football manager Phil Gould already has him earmarked for an NRL debut at halfback next season.
JOSH REYNOLDS (halves)
The Bulldogs’ favourite son needs no introduction. Reynolds is back in Belmore after stints with the Wests Tigers and UK club, Hull. The 33-year-old is determined to turn his train-and-trial opportunity into a Top 30 deal but is also keen to mentor the next generation in his fairytale homecoming.
JACK STRINGER (second row/lock)
The 20-year-old Central Coast product is the son of former NRL prop Paul Stringer and joins the Bulldogs from the Roosters, where he featured for their Jersey Flegg side last season.
JAYDEN TANNER (prop)
Has stayed on with the Dogs for another season after making the switch from Penrith. The 22-year-old former Australian Schoolboy got close to an NRL debut this year, being named 18th man in Rounds 15 and 16. Played 19 NSW Cup games last season and boasted a 96.8 per cent tackle efficiency while averaging 27 tackles a game.
JACK TODD (second row)
Was picked up by the Bulldogs back in 2019 via the club’s partnership with the Greater Northern region after impressing in the Laurie Daley Cup and earning selection in the under 16s NSW Country side. He’s progressed through the grades ever since.
SHARKS
Top 30 spots to fill: 2
Available development contracts: 2
BRAD FEARNLEY (prop)
A former recipient of the Panthers’ SG Ball Player of the Year award, Fearnley has made the switch from the west to the south. The 21-year-old Bathurst product is an oldschool, no-nonsense type of player, who would have been right at home in the 1980s. Fearnley — the son of former Eel, John — has put his job as a student learning support officer on hold to spend the summer with the Sharks.
TOM RODWELL (winger)
The son of former Illawarra Steeler, Brett Rodwell, joined the Sharks’ Jersey Flegg side this year from the Dragons and impressed enough to earn his first train-and-trial opportunity with the NRL squad.
CALEB UELE (prop)
The younger brother of Sharks prop Braden Hamlin-Uele, Caleb played 16 games for the Newtown Jets in NSW Cup this season after signing with Ron Massey Cup feeder side Glebe Dirty Reds. Uele was living in New Zealand until his brother urged him to pursue his NRL dream, telling him: “You have nothing to lose.” The two now live together.
Dolphins name ground ‘Kayo Stadium’ | 00:44
DOLPHINS
Top 30 spots to fill: 5
Available development contracts: 2
BRENTON BAIRA (fullback/wing)
The 20-year-old joins the Dolphins from Mackay Cutters, who he played two Queensland Cup games for last season — scoring a hat-trick in the second one. He spent most of the season playing Hastings Deering Colts and was named the Cutters’ Best Back for that grade.
TORY BATH (winger/fullback/five-eighth)
Another young gun, only Tory Bath arrives from Norths Devils’ Mal Meninga Cup side. He was named in Queensland’s under 18s Emerging Origin squad and is tipped for a big future. The 18-year-old has a rugby union background and can cover several positions.
BAILEY BUTLER (prop)
The 105kg prop returns to the Dolphins after playing for them in Queensland Cup in 2018. 24-year-old Brailey Butler spent the last two seasons with CQ Capras — and started in every game last season.
JOHN-PAUL ‘JP’ DONEVSKI (winger)
A name to remember. The Panthers were filthy about losing this 17-year-old prodigy. He featured in their Harold Mathews side and has enormous potential.
TRAI FULLER (fullback)
Trai Fuller was electric at fullback for the Dolphins’ Cup side, scoring 15 tries — including three hat-tricks — and setting up 10 in 17 games. The speedy 25-year-old is a reserve grade veteran with 65 Queensland Cup games under his belt.
LACHLAN HUBNER (lock/hooker)
The 22-year-old Rockhampton junior joins three CQ Capras teammates vying for a full-time deal with the Dolphins. He can play both lock and hooker, while he also jumped into the centres and second row this year when needed.
CODY HUNTER (halfback)
A Dolphin through-and-through, 20-year-old Cody Hunter has been at the club since he was six-years old and if he cracks the NRL he’ll etch his name into the history books as the first to progress from the Dolphins’ juniors to first grade. Hunter earnt this opportunity after impressing in the Hastings Deering Colts competition.
RYAN JACKSON (prop)
Still only 18-years old, Ryan Jackson stands at a whopping 195cm and weighs 108kg — no wonder he caught the Dolphins’ attention. Jackson starred for Wynnum Manly’s Mal Meninga Cup side last season and was selected in Queensland’s under 18s Emerging Origin squad.
TYLER SZEPANOWSKI (prop)
23-year-old Tyler Szepanowski started at prop in every Queensland Cup game for the CQ Capras last season and was rewarded with the team’s ‘best forward’ award.
SETU TU (winger)
Setu Tu, 24, joined the Dolphins’s Queensland Cup side from the Warriors in 2021 and had a breakout season in 2022, scoring 10 tries in 12 games and averaging over 150 running metres per game.
MICHAEL WAQA (prop)
Another young talent, 17-year-old local junior Michael Waqa earnt his opportunity after impressing in the Dolphins’ Mal Meninga Cup side.
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TITANS
Top 30 spots to fill: 3
Available development contracts: 2
OSKAR BRYANT (hooker)
A local talent that’s come out of Palm Beach Currumbin State High and was selected in the extended under 19s NSW squad this year. He’s the brother of Brisbane Heat batsman, Max and is back for his second NRL pre-season with the Titans.
JAYLAN DE GROOT (fullback)
The versatile back spent last summer with the NRL squad too and got a taste of first grade in an NRL trial game against the Broncos. A rising star, Jaylan De Groot was selected in the extended under 19s NSW squad earlier this year and is destined to make his Queensland Cup debut next season. De Groot already has his future sealed, having signed a development deal for 2024.
RYAN FORAN (second row)
The 19-year-old gun forward will see out the entire season on a train-and-trial deal before joining the Titans’ Top 30 squad in 2024. He is another product of Palm Beach Currumbin and was a part of last year’s Australian Schoolboys side. Like De Groot, Ryan Foran was on the cusp of a Queensland Cup debut this year and is certain to get some game time with Tweed next season.
ARAMA HAU (lock)
18-year-old Arama Hau is a product of famous rugby league nursery Keebra Park State High and featured in this year’s Australian Schoolboys side. He’s a big body with plenty of skill and will benefit from a full-time pre-season.
IMMANUEL KALEKALE (prop)
Another graduate of Keebra Park, Immanuel Kalekale earned selection in the Queensland Schoolboys side this year. He’ll return to part-time training in the new year.
MAX LILES (five-eighth)
Had a solid season at five-eighth for Tweed in the Hastings Deering Colts competition and boasts and impressive kicking game. Will also return to part-time training in the new year.
BEN LIYOU (prop)
The 21-year-old is back for his third NRL pre-season and has already got his future settled having inked a Top 30 contract for 2024. The hard-running prop got a taste of the big stage in a Titans trial game at the start of the year and also made his Queensland Cup debut.
KALEB NGAMANU (wing)
The 19-year-old had a big year that included selection in the extended Queensland under 19s Origin squad and four games in Queensland Cup. He scored in two of those games, had a linebreak in all of them and averaged 96 metres per game. Defensively he was rock solid too, making 15 tackles across the four games with zero misses.
SETH NIKOTEMO (second row)
Keebra Park talent Seth Nikotemo has been on the Titans’ radar since he was 15-years old. The Burleigh Bears junior represented Queensland’s under 17s last year and was named in the under 18s Emerging Origin squad this year.
TANU NONA (hooker)
An impressive young man that was school captain of Palm Beach Currumbin this year. Tanu Kona is equally at home in the halves or at hooker and has an electric running game. He’ll return to part-time training in the new year.
EMRY PERE (prop)
As the only player on the Titans’ train-and-trial list with NRL experience, Emry Pere offers something a little bit different. The 24-year-old prop played two games for the Cowboys in 2020 and has 69 games worth of Queensland Cup experience under his belt. New Zealand-born Pere packs plenty of punch with his 193cm, 106kg frame.
VAKA SIKAHELE (hooker)
The New Zealand-born hooker joined the Titans from the Warriors ahead of the 2021 season and was set to join the NRL squad on a train-and-trial only for an MCL injury to rob him of the opportunity. He overcame the injury to claim the coaches award after shining for Burleigh in the Hastings Deering Colts competition and got a well-deserved Queensland Cup debut this year.
CREEDENCE TOIA (fullback)
A new face returning to Queensland after a stint with the Bulldogs. 21-year-old Toia, who can play fullback, centre or wing, was with Souths Logan before making the move to Sydney this year. He signed with Titans feeder club, Burleigh — where his older brother plays — for 2023 and a call-up to train with the NRL squad followed.
JAYDEN WRIGHT (second row)
A graduate of Palm Beach Currumbin, Jayden Wright has already impressed the Titans coaching staff by turning up in October to kickstart his pre-season before it officially started.
Brimson to honour Hampson in 2023 | 01:03
SEA EAGLES
Top 30 spots to fill: 3
Available development contracts: 2
AUSTIN DIAS (prop)
At 198cm and 107kg Austin Dias cuts an imposing figure. The 24-year-old joined Manly from the Wests Tigers, where he was on a train-and-trial for all of last season. A reliable forward that was rewarded with an NRL debut and eight more games this year.
JACKSON FERRIS (centre)
The former Shark was a part of Newtown’s 2019 NSW Cup premiership-winning team but spent all of last season playing for Ron Massey Cup feeder side Glebe Dirty Reds. With his 2020 NRL debut Ferris’ only first grade game, the 24-year-old is looking to reinvigorate his career.
DEAN MATTERSON (second row/lock)
The younger brother of Eels star Ryan Matterson joins Manly after co-captaining Mounties in NSW Cup last season. The 24-year-old can play both on an edge or in the middle and has a handy 61 games of worth of reserve grade experience under his belt.
NATHANIEL ROACHE (hooker)
After a horror run of injuries, the 26-year-old is hoping for a change in luck. Roache progressed through the Warriors’ system before joining the Eels on a development deal in 2021. Sadly a serious knee injury ruled him out of the entire 2022 season but he’s back — and provides Manly with some much-needed depth at hooker.
JOSH STUCKEY (prop/second row/lock)
The Queanbeyan product played under 20s with the Raiders before joining Northern Pride in the Queensland Cup and being named Second-rower of the Year in 2021. The 24-year-old, who stands at 192cm and weighs 104kg, spent last season on a train-and-trial contract with the Bulldogs.
STORM
Top 30 spots to fill: 1
Available development contracts: 3
BRONSON GARLICK (second row)
After joining the Storm last season on a development contract, 26-year-old Bronson Garlick is on an ongoing training deal that will last all season. Capable of playing 80 minutes on an edge, the son of Sean Garlick can also jump in at hooker or five-eighth.
AMMARON GUDGEON (fullback)
Known as ‘AJ’, Gudgeon has been in the Storm system since 2021 and spent time with the NRL squad ahead of last season. Prior to that the 19-year-old, who is an inaugural member of the Storm’s First Nations Pathway Program, played for CQ Capras. His contract lasts for the entire 2023 season.
CHRIS LEWIS (second row)
Chris Lewis’ full-time deal may have expired but he’s not going anywhere with the 30-year-old former schoolteacher staying on with the club on a train-and-trial. Lewis has played 41 NRL games over the last three seasons with the Storm.
YOUNG TONUMAIPEA
The 30-year-old outside back returned to the Storm mid-year on a train-and-trial following a two-year overseason religious mission, a season with the Titans and a stint in rugby union. He played two NRL games last season.
LAZARUS VAALEPEU (prop)
At 190cm tall and weighing 119kg, they don’t get much bigger than Lazarus Vaalepeu. The Penrith-born 23-year-old impressed last season while starring for Storm feeder side Sunshine Coast and earned a pre-season training opportunity up until Christmas.
KNIGHTS
Top 30 spots to fill: 3
Available development contracts: 2
MAX BRADBURY (prop)
The young forward had a season to remember, making the Jersey Flegg grand final with the Knights and representing NSW in the under 19s Origin. The powerful forward has progressed through the grades at the club.
TONI TUPOUNIUA (second row)
Toni Tupouniua may have spent almost all of 2022 playing for St Mary’s in Ron Massey Cup, but the Knights are confident the 23-year-old has the potential to play NRL. Tupouniua is the younger brother of Roosters second-rower, Sitili and according to reports has already inked a two-year full-time deal.
Bulldogs sign drug cheat | 00:45
COWBOYS
Top 30 spots to fill: 0
Available development contracts: 2
JULIAN CHRISTIAN (fullback)
The 24-year-old Queensland Cup regular spent five seasons with Ipswich but it seems a switch to Northern Pride in 2022 was just what he needed with the Cowboys offering him an opportunity. It’s a big turnaround for Christian, who considered giving up the game 18 months ago. The Kirwan State High product was tipped for stardom as a teenager and is even a past recipient of the Peter Sterling Medal as Australia’s best schoolboy.
ADAM COOK (halfback/fullback)
The 22-year-old local junior was released from Raiders at the start of 2021 to join the Mackay Cutters. He signed with the Warriors on a train-and-trial for 2022 but after five games for Queensland Cup feeder side, the Dolphins, got a release to return to the Cutters. He made his NRL debut at 19-years old but is yet to add to that tally.
KYLE SCHNEIDER (hooker)
The former Australian Schoolboys representative was developed in the Eels’ system before linking up with Mackay Cutters this year. The 22-year-old played every game of the season and made his international debut for Scotland in the World Cup.
EELS
Top 30 spots to fill: 3
Available development contracts: 3
ELIE EL-ZAKHEM (second row)
A reliable second-rower that punched out 80 minutes in all of the 21 games he played this year for the Eels’ NSW Cup side. The 24-year-old averaged 134 running metres and 29 tackles per game with a 94.6 per cent tackle efficiency. El-Zakhem, who joined the Eels from the Bulldogs in 2020, is also a Lebanon international and started in all four of the nation’s World Cup games.
LARRY MUAGUTUTIA (prop)
The Eels have got a good one in Larry Muagututia — and what should excite fans is the fact he looks up to co-captain Junior Paulo. Muagututia was named in the 2020 Schoolboy Cup team of the tournament, then claimed the Eels’ SG Ball Player of the Year and Players’ Player awards in 2021. He got a taste of Jersey Flegg this year and also represented NSW in the under 19s Origin — running for 106 metres and making 18 tackles with just one miss in the 28 minutes he spent on the field.
JORDAN RANKIN (fullback/halves)
No surprises to see the Eels retain veteran playmaker Jordan Rankin. The 30-year-old’s maturity and selflessness as a player impressed so much that he became captain/coach of the club’s NSW Cup team mid-year when Ryan Carr was promoted Brad Arthur’s staff. Rankin — known as the youngest player to make their debut in NRL history — has a history in the halves but looks equally at home at fullback too.He has 40 NRL games to his name as well as 47 NSW Cup games and 120 Super League games.
JAYDEN YATES (lock)
The up-and-coming lock graduated from the Eels’ Jersey Flegg side to play 13 NSW Cup games this year, slotting in at halfback and second row as well as his preferred position of lock.
PANTHERS
Top 30 spots to fill: 4
Available development contracts: 3
DAEON AMITUANAI (winger)
Joined the Panthers from the Warriors this year and started the year in Jersey Flegg before getting an opportunity in NSW Cup during the Origin period — and then retaining it. Amituanai scored nine tries in 11 Cup games, averaged 118 running metres per game and finished the season with 40 tackle breaks.
JOHN FAIUMU (second row)
A great opportunity for the 30-year-old who has bided his time in the Panthers system for years. Faiumu was a regular for Penrith’s Ron Massey Cup’s feeder side St Mary’s before nailing down a spot in NSW Cup last season. He featured in every game of 2022 and was one of the only part-timers in the team.
CONNOR MASON (hooker/halves)
At 20-years old, Connor Mason is still eligible for Jersey Flegg but played three NSW Cup games for Penrith last season. The local junior trained with the NRL squad for six weeks during last year’s pre-season and gets another opportunity to prove why he should stay on all season.
RYLEY SMITH (hooker)
Panthers fans already know all about Ryley Smith given he’s been earmarked as the future No.9. He’s a former Australian Schoolboy and has also represented his country in cricket at an under 18s level. Smith has a similar playing style to his namesake Brandon Smith — and can also fill in at lock too.
LUKE SOMMERTON (hooker)
With Api Koroisau off to the Tigers, the Panthers are paying extra attention to their hooking stocks over the summer — and don’t be surprised to see and hear more about Luke Sommerton. Sommerton was a regular off the bench in NSW Cup and seriously impressed coach Peter Wallace, who is stoked to see the Patrician Brothers product get this opportunity.
MATT STIMSON (centre)
An injury hindered 22-year-old Matt Stimson to just eight NSW Cup games last season but his work ethic at training was more than enough to impress the coaching staff and earn him an opportunity with the NRL squad. Stimson, the brother of Titans recruit Joe, will put his job as a carpenter on hold to spend the summer training.
Radley should be allowed to play for NSW | 00:58
DRAGONS
Top 30 spots to fill: 4
Available development contracts: 2
RYAN COUCHMAN and TOBY COUCHMAN (both second row)
The local juniors — and identical twins — have been given their first NRL pre-season opportunity after featuring for the Illawarra Steelers in SG Ball this year. The pair prefer the second row but spent some time last season at prop too. The brothers share a bit of friendly competition but Ryan got the jump last year when he was named in the Australian Schoolboys merit team. Toby responded by earning selection for NSW in the Under 19s Origin this year playing two NSW Cup games.
DYLAN EGAN (second row/centre)
The Gerringong Lions junior captained Kiama High to a grand final win in the NSW State Combined High Schools competition in September and was named player of the tournament. Like the Couchman brothers, Dylan Egan gets his opportunity after featuring for the Illawarra Steelers in SG Ball earlier this year and his speed has impressed
HAELE FINAU (hooker)
Victorian-born Haele Finau joins the Dragons from the Storm system after spending the last two seasons playing for Queensland Cup feeder side Brisbane Tigers. The 22-year-old has impressed early and is said to be a good chance of landing a Top 30 deal. His younger brother, Sione — a winger — has also joined the club on a one-year development deal.
ZACH HERRING (halves)
The five-eighth has progressed through the Dragons’ lower grades and spent majority of 2022 in Jersey Flegg but get seven games in NSW Cup. He had a standout game in Round 19, setting up three tries, running for 112 metres, getting five tackle busts and making 22 tackles. A Wollongong product, Herring is most at home in the halves but can also cover hooker if need be.
AARON JOHNSON (prop)
The 21-year-old spent most of the season in Jersey Flegg but was rewarded with a NSW Cup debut in the final round — and celebrated with a try. Johnson has impressed veteran prop Aaron Woods, who believes he’s physically ready to take on the big boys.
ALEX LOBB (winger)
The 20-year-old goalkicking outside back has progressed through the Dragons’ system featuring in the club’s SG Ball, Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup sides. He played 10 games on the wing in Cup last season, scoring in four consecutive games. Away from the field Lobb is studying a Bachelor of Exercise Science.
DAN RUSSELL (second row/centre)
At 27-years old Dan Russell is a bit of a late-bloomer but has a lot to offer. He arrives to the Dragons with 85 games worth of Queensland Cup experience and has previously spent time in the Cowboys’ top squad. Russell is a Papua New Guinea international, featuring in both the mid-season Test and the World Cup — and it was PNG’s coaching director Shane Flanagan who helped him land the train-and-trial back in June.
TREIGH STEWART (fullback)
The Batemans Bay product caught the eye of the Dragons back in 2018 when he was named Player of the Year for the Laurie Daley Cup. He’s been in the Red V system ever since and was a part of the 2019 SG Ball premiership-winning team alongside Tyrell Sloan, Jayden Sullivan and Talatau Amone. The 21-year-old is a speedy fullback that has also played on the wing. One to keep an eye on.
JACOB WEBSTER (prop)
The local junior featured in SG Ball, Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup this year — and earnt a call-up for NSW’s under 19s Origin team.
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RABBITOHS
Top 30 spots to fill: 0
Available development contracts: 3
ROMANO COOK (hooker)
Joined the club in 2021 from the Sharks and is a member of the Black Rabbits Elite Player Development squad. He featured in the Charity Shield at the start of the year and after spending most of the season in Jersey Flegg was rewarded with five NSW Cup games. No relation to NRL star Damien Cook.
SHALLIN FULLER (five-eighth)
The 22-year-old is hoping luck is on his side after an injury blew his chances at the Titans. Fuller signed a one-year development contract with the Titans for 2022 but suffered a tibial fracture in a trial game in March and was sidelined for the entire season. Prior to his injury, Fuller was a standout for Burleigh in Queensland Cup in 2021, scoring seven tries and setting up 14 in 12 games.
LOUIS GROSSEMY (second row/lock)
After captaining the Rabbitohs SG Ball team — and being named Player of the Year — Louis Grossemy graduated to the club’s Jersey Flegg side. The 19-year-old juggles his footy with his job as a personal trainer, while also studying a Bachelor of Sports and Exercise Management. Grossemy represented France in the European Under 19s Championship earlier this year and is held in high regard by the club.
LIAM LE BLANC (prop/lock)
An 18-year-old graduate of the Rabbitohs’ southeast Queensland Elite Player Development program, Liam Le Blanc represented the Maroons in this year’s Under 19s Qld Origin and is equally talented in rugby union too. The club see him as a similar player to Jai Arrow and while he is just on a training contract for pre-season he’s already locked in on a development deal for 2024.
AARON MACEY (centre/fullback)
A South Sydney junior that captained the club’s Harold Matthews side in 2021 and was named the team’s ‘best back.’ The 18-year-old graduated to SG Ball this year and slotted in at both fullback and centre.
HAIZYN MELLARS (centre/wing)
The New Zealand-born Haizyn Mellars stands at 193cm tall and weighs 90kg — and he’s only 18-years old. He featured for the Maroons in this year’s Under 19s Origin and has also represented Queensland in basketball at an under 18s level. The son over former NRL player Vince Mellars and former New Zealand Olympian and national basketball representative Charmain Mellars. He’s already locked in on a development contract for 2024 and Top 30 deal for 2025.
JAXSON RAHME (second-row)
The powerful 19-year-old joined the Rabbitohs from the Tigers at the start of 2022 and wasted no time in impressing. The 185cm, 100kg forward was a member of the 2021 Australian Schoolboys team and made his international debut for Lebanon in the World Cup.
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Sam Walker signs two-year extension | 00:25
ROOSTERS
Top 30 spots to fill: 3
Available development contracts: 3
DANE AUKAFOLAU (second row)
A well-deserved opportunity for the towering second-rower, who punched out 80 minutes in every game except one this year for NSW Cup side Mounties. Has a good offload and footwork from his history in the centres. The 25-year-old has played 91 NSW Cup games over the last six seasons and is certain to impress Trent Robinson.
JOSH BEVAN (second row)
The Bilambil Jets junior has been in the Roosters’ system since 2017 after being scouted at a state carnival in Cairns. Bevan trained with the NRL squad in the lead-up to his 2021 SG Ball season and is enjoying another opportunity in the hopes of cementing a spot in one of the club’s two NSW Cup sides.
JAMES COYNE (fullback/centre)
Joins the Roosters from the Sharks system and before that was with the Dragons, where he was named SG Ball Player of the Year in 2018. Coyne — the son of Dragons great Mark — spent majority of the year with Glebe in Ron Massey Cup but did get two games with the Newtown Jets.
KURT DE LUIS (prop)
An absolute workhorse and one of the best defenders in NSW Cup this year, Kurt De Luis is a new face at the Roosters after spending the last couple of seasons with Manly. The 26-year-old often got through 80 minutes at prop in Cup and make upwards of 30 tackles with rarely a miss. The Perth-born prop plays with his heart on his sleeve and can always be heard encouraging his teammates from the grandstand.
WILLIAM FAKATOUMAFI (fullback/centre)
The 21-year-old New Zealand product has been plucked from the Panthers’ system after a solid season in Jersey Flegg and a NSW Cup debut in the centres. Prior to joining the Panthers he was at Warriors.
KYRON FEKITOA (centre)
A member of the Roosters’ SG Ball team that made this year’s grand final that moved into the Jersey Flegg side later in the season.
GUY HAMILTON (halfback)
The 27-year-old joins the Roosters after a breakout season with Titans feeder side, Burleigh Bears where he scored six tries and set up 28 in 22 games to be named Queensland Cup’s Halfback of the Year. The Brisbane product, who played under 20s with the Bulldogs, has 113 games worth of reserve grade experience.
TUI KATOA (wing)
After overcoming a brain aneurysm, staph infection and heart murmur in 2021, former Bulldog Tui Katoa got back on the field this year with Mounties in NSW Cup. The 23-year-old played 15 games but after his Top 30 deal with the Bulldogs expired is chasing an opportunity with the Roosters. Katoa is the brother of Sharks winger Sione and is a former NSW under 20s representative.
ETHAN KING (fullback/wing)
At 20-years old Ethan King is still eligible for Jersey Flegg but played 11 NSW Cup games this year — six at fullback and five on the wing. He’s still a couple of years off playing first grade but with the Roosters entering two teams into NSW Cup next season he will cement a spot from Round 1 after gaining extra experience over the summer.
TYLER MORIARTY (hooker)
The young hooker had a season to remember. He played SG Ball, Jersey Flegg and even got a taste of NSW Cup too. Moriarty — a Central Coast product — was also picked for NSW in the under 19s Origin.
JUNIOR PAUGA (centre)
A new face after spending the last couple of years at the Tigers. Pauga, 26, has had to overcome a horror run of injuries in his career including a broken femur and ACL and MCL ruptures. He played under 20s with the Warriors before joining Wynnum Manly in Queensland Cup and then signing with the Tigers mid-2021. Got an NRL debut not long after and added two more games to his tally. Will provide the Roosters some much-needed outside back depth.
ETHAN ROBERTS (second row)
He might still be 17-years old but Ethan Roberts is already in demand. The Rabbitohs chased him and even tried to woo him with a guaranteed Top 30 spot, but he knocked them back to stay loyal to the Roosters. The Paddington product was the Roosters’ Harold Matthews Player of the Year and selected in an extended Junior Blues squad last month.
JORDAN SWANN (centre)
This will be Jordan Swann’s second taste of an NRL pre-season having trained with the top squad last summer too. He spent most of the year in Jersey Flegg but did get a NSW Cup debut in Round 8. Swann excelled in both rugby league and rugby union as a teenager and first joined the Roosters’ system as a 15-year-old in their Harold Matthews team.
WARRIORS
Top 30 spots to fill: 1
Available development contracts: 2
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TIGERS
Top 30 spots to fill: 3
Available development contracts: 3
JAHREAM BULA (fullback/outside back)
A product of the famous rugby league nursery Keebra Park State High, Jahream Bula was discovered by the Titans back in 2019 after just two games of rugby league. Before that he was a budding basketball player. He joined the Tigers this year and impressed the Tigers’ coaching staff with his efforts in Jersey Flegg.
ZANE CAMROUX (halfback)
The young playmaker is the son of former Tigers player and coach, Peter and has plenty of potential. He bounced between Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup last season and has been focusing on learning the art of game management. Camroux os a product of Holy Cross College is the former recipient of the school’s Athletes Cup — a prestigious award presented to their most outstanding contributor to sport.
BEN HOUSTON (prop)
A rugby union convert that’s fresh off a code switch to chase his NRL dream. Ben Houston is a product of St Joseph’s College and captained Randwick’s First XV earlier this year. At 196cm and 104kg, the 23-year-old cuts an imposing figure and is being looked after by new recruit David Klemmer.
TREY PENI (wing)
Another graduate of Keebra Park State High — in fact Trey Peni even captained the school’s rugby league team in 2020. The powerful and aggressive outside back is back for his second full-time pre-season having joined the NRL squad last summer too. Away from the field is a qualified barber after completing a course with a couple of teammates earlier this year.
TONY SUKKAR (prop)
A goalkicking prop that nailed a sideline conversion for Balmain in an SG Ball final earlier this year — and claimed the team’s ‘Best Forward’ award. Tony Sukkar has been in the Tigers’ system since 2020 when he played in the club’s Harold Matthews side and gets his first opportunity with the NRL squad.
