Several players who are now in the NRL squad were on hand to present the current batch of pathways' players with their jerseys ahead of the opening round of the junior representative season.
More than 800 people, including players and family members, gathered at St Gregory's College Campbelltown for the 2024 Pathways Induction.
On hand to present the next group of rising stars with their jerseys were the likes of NRL squad members Tallyn Da Silva, Kit Laulilii, Brandon Tumeth and Lachlan Galvin.
Players from Wests Tigers NRLW squad, including Losana Lutu, were also in attendance to present jerseys to our female players who will be playing in the Lisa Fiaola and Tarsha Gale Cup.
Jersey Flegg Cup and NSW Cup squads will be finalised in February.
SLE Andrew Johns Cup (Under 16s) - Macarthur Wests Tigers
Macarthur Wests Tigers Andrew Johns Cup teams have come oh so close to securing a premiership victory in recent seasons, losing a semi-final in 2023 and the Grand Final in 2022.
New head coach Harrison Fox is extremely excited about the prospect of taking over this traditionally successful U/16s team and hopefully bagging that maiden premiership.
“The boys are really looking forward to starting the season, they’ve worked hard all pre-season and have put themselves in a good position to have success,” Fox said.
“When we’re looking at players to watch, a few to keep an eye on are spine player Brock Achurch, middle forward Jake Gaffney, and talented half Curtis Lakeman who trained with Harold Matts in the preseason.
Squad:
Aidan Grima, Aiden Smith, Andrew Sio, Ashton Chan-Sau, Benjamin Hodsdon, Brock Achurch, Curtis Lakeman, Dallis Taoai, Drake Ayers, Elijah Mears, Elijah Sefo, Jacobi Fernando, Jake Gaffney, Jermayne Fa'afiu, Jaziyah Taiatu, Jonas Peni, Jordan Truckle, Joshua Vella, Kai O'Brien, Keynan Pes, Kye Penfold, Marcus Van Doren, Markus Fonua, Mawin Soaai, Ronel Ribucan, Ruben Toga, Tyran McLean, Vanderlei Jut, William Finianos
Staff:
| Head Coach | Harrison Fox |
| Assistant Coach | Adam Whitelaw |
| Assistant Coach | Mark Potts |
| Assistant Coach (part time) | Brad Speechley |
| Physio | Kye Jeon |
| Strength & Conditioning | Nathan Pickering |
| Level 1 Trainer | Harley Millington |
| Team Manager | Cheree Blewitt |
Westpac Lisa Fiaola Cup (Under 17s) - Wests Tigers
After largely operating as a gala day-style competition in years gone by, the Lisa Fiaola Cup will be given full competition status in 2024 and will be played over 9 rounds.
There are many new faces in Wests Tigers team, all with hopes of continuing their path through to NRLW level.
With over 50% of the 2024 playing group able to return for the 2025 Lisa Fiaola Cup competition, this is sure to auger well for the future senior women’s program.
Scott Clark named Lucyannah Luamanu, Ellie Barnett and Angel Schaafhausen-Mino as a few of the players to look out for this season.
Squad:
Agnews (Jewel) Faaui, Alavina Tu'ifua, Aliana Fasavalu-Fa'amausili, Ana Taviliniu, Angel Schaafhausen-Mino, Annelise Hall, Elanor Ward, Ellie Barnett, Faith Masina, Hannah Maher, Hayley Firman, Ilaisaane Vunipola, Isabel Mcmenemy, Isabella James, Isabelle Fitzpatrick, Izabel Williams, Kealii-Jordan Muru, Layla Tima, Liliola Ward, Lily Hall, Lucyannah Luamanu, Lusinita Taviliniu, May Fuimaono, Mikayla Faletau, Naomi Cowley, Paige Attard, Rhiannon Bonner, Sakari Ritchie, Sienna Robertson, Talia Pele-Taula, Worship Kailea
Staff:
| Head Coach | Scott Clark |
| Assistant Coach | Kristen Cawthorne |
| Assistant Coach | Botille Vette-Welsh |
| Strength & Conditioning | Isaac Rozario |
| Team Manager | Deidre Williams |
UNE Harold Matthews Cup (Under 17s) - Balmain Tigers
The Balmain U/17s side is quite young in 2024, with several new faces hoping to make their mark on the competition.
Placing 9th in 2023, the Tigers will be looking to develop and progress as a team in the upcoming campaign.
“I have been impressed with all of our players’ attitude and commitment to the squad, and their willingness to buy into our culture,” said head coach Tony Bazouni.
“On the player front, one I’m really excited to watch develop is hooker Taj Handsaker. I’m looking forward to seeing what he can bring to the team.”
Squad:
Albert Tuara, Amram Paita-Pepo, Antonio Harb, Bill Antonopoulos, Carter Saua, Charlie Jones, Christian Azzi, Dom Vella, Filipe Hualulu, Harrison Aoake, Hayden Elkris, Isaac Anjoul, Isaac Perkins, James Baranowski, Jezakaia Leau, Jonathon Zoghaib, Kayden Kanaan, Lee Howlett, Leroy Petelo, Michael Boustany, Moses Lewadromodromo, Sam Sorovi, Strantz Schaumkel, Taj Handsaker, Tyler Birnie, Will Stone, Zachary Khattar, Zach Seckold, Zane Farr-McKay, Zeke Edmed
Staff:
| Head Coach | Tony Bazouni |
| Assistant Coach | Michael Rodriguez |
| Assistant Coach | Amos Roberts |
| Assistant Coach | Matt Olsen |
| Physio | Morrie Toum |
| Strength & Conditioning | William Simpson |
| Team Manager | Ray Bazouni |
UNE Harold Matthews Cup (Under 17s) - Western Suburbs Magpies
This young Magpies side is set for a big 2024 campaign, with the core of the side entering their second season in the U/17s competition.
After an eighth-place finish last year, the likes of Alex Isdale, Heamasi Makasini, Peter Taai, and Onitoni Large are all players to keep an eye on.
Large in particular, has impressed plenty, with the 16-year-old five-eighth joining the NRL squad for some sessions over pre-season.
Coach Stephen Isdale has been extremely pleased with the leadership of these second-year Harold Matthews Cup players.
Squad:
Alex Isdale, Ali Karnib, Ashton Large, Boston Lauvou, Brooklyn Milford, Christian Tapau-Moors, Glassie Glassie, Heamasi Makasini, Henare Reti, James Bengura, Jayden Innes, Jhevon Lele, Jordan Vandermade, Leviticus Tovia, Lorima Cosgrave, Maddax Fui, Malcolm Mailo, Mase Hillcoat, Onitoni Large, Peter Taai, Pheonix Godinet, PJ French, Siotame Havea Jr, Stirling Faumui, Teancum Epati, Tom Goodfield, Tomasi Tavui, Tyler Volcov, Tyson Walker
Staff:
| Head Coach | Stephen Isdale |
| Assistant Coach | Alec Bush |
| Assistant Coach | Stephen Butler |
| Level 2 Trainer | Darrin Bollard |
| Trainer | Ben Ellis |
| Physio | Jordan Silva |
| Strength & Conditioning Coach | Jake Gleeson |
| Team Manager | Nicole Castray |
SLE Laurie Daley Cup (Under 18s) - Macarthur Wests Tigers
Macarthur Wests Tigers Laurie Daley Cup squad features a number of players who will be out to prove they deserve a shot at SG Ball Cup action later in the season.
“A few players to look out for are Riley Oitmann and Archie Duncombe, who have rep experience and will be pushing for a spot in SG Ball by season’s end,” said head coach Mitch Tyler.
“A sleeper in our group would be Cyrus Toleafoa, who’s a big and strong front rower. The playing group is champing at the bit for the 2024 season to start.”
Macarthur Wests Tigers kick off their campaign against the Western Rams at Kirkham Oval, Camden on February 4.
Squad:
Amazon Pua'avase, Archie Duncombe, Brady McMillan, Brody Taateo, Cade Anderson, Carson Lealuga-Puhotau, Chrisferencia Metuli, Cooper Gadd, Cyrus Toleafoa, Damon Potts, Dion Williams, Gene Wighton, Isaac Orji, Jake Jones, Jayceon Aiono-Warner, Jerome Taateo, Josiah Palu, Kayden Jones-Moore, Kobe Tooala, Kurtis Dupond, Logan Tuimauga, Lucas Muir, Luke Fielding, Noah McKenzie, Riley Oitmann, Will Jenkins
Staff:
| Head Coach | Mitch Tyler |
| Assistant Coach | Tuki Jackson |
| Assistant Coach | David Harris |
| Level 1 Trainer | Thomas Stephens |
| Physio | Billy Konstas |
| Strength & Conditioning | Nathan Rendell |
| Team Manager | Kylie Makin |
Westpac Tarsha Gale Cup (Under 19s) - Wests Tigers
After a disappointing 2023 campaign, Wests Tigers Tarsha Gale Cup side will be looking to bounce back under new head coach Adel Hage.
“Less than 50% of the Tarsha Gale players from last year’s squad are backing up this year, so we’re a new squad that means business,” Hage explained.
Many of the girls will be looking to earn spots in the Harvey Norman or NRLW Development squads later in the year.
Adel Hage
“Cheyenne Baker, Claudia Brown and our captain Tiana-Lee Thorne, are just a few of the players to watch this season, with Tiana on an NRLW contract for 2024.”
Squad:
Abbie Hamilton, Fanaafi Fauese, Chelsea Blankenstein, Cheyenne Baker, Claudia Brown, Diane Palu, Elarnay Pele-Taula, Grace O'Reilly, Greta Alama, Iemaima Etuale, Italia Mariner, Jorja Simpson, Katie Stevens, Kristen Grima, Kristen Haskins, Lara Bush, Madison Wilson, Mikaela Finch, Molly Mamo, Myracle Matara, Shanice Talataina, Shelbi Rangi-Szabo, Sofaia Vaki, Stephanie Goodworth, Tayleah Pasili, Teleciha Ese, Tiana-Lee Thorne
Staff:
| Head Coach | Adel Hage |
| Assistant Coach | Rob Schempp |
| Assistant Coach | Nelle Haumono |
| Assistant Coach | Sala Togatuki |
| Strength & Conditioning | John Kyrikos |
| Level 1 Trainer | Adam Jagers |
| Physio | Hayley Simmons |
| Team Manager | Danielle Sherd |
UNE SG Ball Cup (Under 19s) - Balmain Tigers
Balmain will run out with another young side in SG Ball, but still with an abundance of talent in their squad.
Crafty half, Marc Tannous, has completed his first NRL pre-season, while the likes of Ratu Sovau, Kian Edmed, Jared Haywood and Cohen Benson have also proven to be strong trainers leading into the upcoming campaign.
Head coach Chris Yates says his players have “eaten up” a very tough pre-season.
I look forward to this group being a resilient team when required and then not being afraid to play some footy,
Chris Yates
Among the players to watch, Kian Edmed has shown great leadership throughout pre-season and Xavier Tauaifaiga looks an exciting prospect with plenty of X factor.
Squad:
Adam Meslemani, Archie Riley, Cameron Kanaan, Cayden Close, Chad Daniels, Charles Manapori-Reu, Christian Taula, Cohen Benson, Connor Tandberg, Cooper Petterson, Cooper Rauhihi, Dougie Tuala, Gabe Stuart, Henri Young, Hosea Kedzlie, Jared Haywood, Jonah Watson, Jordan Bunt, Keenan Lawandos, Kian Edmed, Levi Gwynne Tui'tahi, Marc Tannous, Massimo Maestrale, Matt Aitchison, Nehemiah Wuatai-Davis, Nelson Solo, Ratu Sovau, Sam Schmitzer, Xavier Tauaifaiga
Staff:
| Head Coach | Chris Yates |
| Assistant Coach | Simon Clarke |
| Assistant Coach | Anthony Moore |
| Development Coach | Jimmy Khammis |
| Trainer | Dane Ryan |
| Physio | Scott Bunch |
| Strength & Conditioning | Phil Alleaume |
| Team Manager | Scott Brincat |
UNE SG Ball Cup (Under 19s) - Western Suburbs Magpies
The Magpies U/19s team will be looking to improve on a finals appearance in 2023, where they were narrowly knocked out of the competition by a Parramatta side who went on to win the premiership.
Heath Mason, Luke Laulilii, Navren Willett and Will Craig have all been training with the NRL squad in pre-season and are set for big 2024 campaigns with that experience under their belt.
An opening round away trip to Manly awaits this promising young side in Round 1.
Squad:
Aaron Keppie, Bowen Roper, Byronn Laupepa, Callum McMenemy, Calvin Levy, Daniel Waqa, Denzel Schaafhausen-Mino, Dylan Smith, Ewan Xuereb, Harry Delaney, Heath Mason*, Heith Pritchard, Jack Nicholas, James Folaumoetu’I, Jeremiah Leatigaga, Kimball Liufau, Kohan Lewis, Lucas Rossi, Luke Keppie, Luke Laulilii*, Max Taotua, Michael Coady, Mitch Taotua, Navren Willett*, Ramses Ah Chong, Roy Quiroz-Mapasua, Ryan Polsen, Saint Fuatimau, Sonny Edwards-Moeke, Tevita Tukuafu, Will Craig*
* Players with an asterisk have been provided pre-season opportunities to train with the extended NRL squad.
Staff:
| Head Coach | Joey Saukuru |
| Assistant Coach | Shayne McMenemy |
| Assistant Coach | Ava Seumanufagai |
| Level 2 Trainers | Dave and Valerie McEwan |
| Physio | Andrew Cafe |
| Strength & Conditioning | Joel Ilai |
| Team Manager | Kristy Peters |
Junior representative seasons commence on Saturday, February 3.
Final squads for both the Jersey Flegg Cup and NSW Cup will be confirmed after pre-season trials in February.
Jersey Flegg Cup (Under 21s) - Wests Tigers
Extended Squad:
Adam Mehrez, Brenden Naicori, Cale Edmed, Elijah Pettit-Young, Fangavalu Hammond, Flynn Pickering, Jai Langlands Doi, John Ibrahim, John Tuipolotu, Jonas Cook, Joseph Delle, Joseph Isaac, Joseph Jabar, Joshua Coinakis, Junior Taungatua, Kobie Wilson, Lachlan Broederlow, Ma’u Fonua Fotu, Matthew Curl, Naati Teaupa, Ofele Lene, Oliver Lawry, Te Umuariki Heremia Tukere, Tristyn Ball, Tutonu-Junior Wright, Wade Zreika, Will Malloy , Zakariya Agbere, Zakauri Clarke
The Knock on Effect NSW Cup (Open Age) - Western Suburbs Magpies
Extended Squad:
Bailey Hodges, Cayne Nicholas*, Declan Casey*, Finnley Neilsen, Gordon Whippy, Harradyn Wilson, Herman Tofaeono, Iverson Matai*, James Valevatu, Jay Kirk, Jimmy Ngutlik, John Tuivaiti, Johny Lee Gabrael, Joshua Finau*, Nick Lui-Toso*, Nick Mougios, Noah Ryan, Petelo Kepaoa, Reuben Porter*, Ryan Garner, Samuel McGregor, Sione Vaihu*, Steve Tapau Sako, Tuarae Rawhiti, Tyler Colley, Vaka Aho
