The Junior Kangaroos side has been announced for their upcoming match against the Junior Kiwis. Five members of the table topping Brisbane Broncos are in the squad, which includes eight players with NRL experience. Six players (Aitken, Holmes, Hutchison, Lodge, Ofahengaue and Pangai) played in last year’s fixture. The side will be coached by Justin Holbrook.
The match takes place on Saturday, May 2, at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast.
1 Jackson HASTINGS (Sydney Roosters)
2 Brenko LEE (Canberra Raiders)
3 Robert JENNINGS (Penrith Panthers)
4 Euan AITKEN (St George Illawarra Dragons)
5 Valentine HOLMES (Cronulla Sharks)
6 Drew HUTCHISON (St George Illawarra Dragons)
7 Ashley TAYLOR (Brisbane Broncos)
8 Joe OFAHENGAUE (Brisbane Broncos)
9 Jayden BERRELL (Brisbane Broncos)
10 Matthew LODGE (Wests Tigers)
11 Coen HESS (North Qld Cowboys)
12 Tepai MOEROA (Parramatta Eels)
13 Tevita PANGAI (Canberra Raiders)
Last year’s Auckland Nines tournament gave us an early glimpse at a number of talented youngsters who would go onto to make their NRL debut in 2014, including Valentine Holmes, Cameron Munster and Tuimoala Lolohea. Let’s a closer look at the NYC-eligible players who have been selected for the 2015 tournament.
Jackson Hastings (Sydney Roosters) Born: 4/1/1996 (Wollongong, NSW) Position: Halfback/Five-Eighth/Hooker Junior Club: Wests Illawarra Rep Honours: Australian Schoolboys (2013), NSW U18s (2013-14), NSW U16s (2012)
A talented half, able to play a number of positions, Hastings is one the NRL’s fastest rising stars. The Illawarra junior moved from the Dragons to the Roosters in 2014 and progressed from the NYC, to NSW Cup, to the NRL.
Taane Milne (Sydney Roosters) Born: 19/5/1995 (Auckland, NZ) Position: Centre/Wing Junior Club: Clovelly Crocodiles Rep Honours: Junior Kiwis (2014)
A skilful centre with pace to burn, Milne scored 13 tries in his second season of NYC with the Roosters. The New Zealand-born Milne was a schoolboy rugby union star in Sydney and represented the Junior Kiwis in 2014.
Tuimoala Lolohea (Warriors) Born: 23/1/1995 (Auckland, NZ) Position: Five-Eighth/Fullback Junior Club: Marist Saints Rep Honours: Junior Kiwis (2013)
Perhaps the Warriors most talented young player, Lolohea spent most of last season in the NSW Cup before returning to the Junior Warriors in their run to the Grand Final. He made his NRL debut in 2014 and will continue to push for a first grade spot in 2015.
Nathaniel Roache (Warriors) Born: 15/4/1996 (Auckland, NZ) Position: Five-Eighth/Centre/Hooker Junior Club: Richmond Rovers Rep Honours: Nil
A true utility for the Junior Warriors in 2014, Roache played centre in their Grand Final winning side, while also playing at five-eighth and hooker during the season.
Salesi Funaki (Wests Tigers) Born: 24/1/1995 (Sydney, NSW) Position: Second Row/Prop Junior Club: Holy Cross Rhinos Rep Honours: Nil
A local junior, Funaki has progressed to the Tigers NRL squad for 2015 after two seasons in the NYC. A very strong runner of the ball, Funaki played 25 gamed for the Tigers in 2014.
Lamar Liolevave (Wests Tigers) Born: 1/12/1995 (Auckland, NZ) Position: Second Row Junior Club: Marist Saints Rep Honours: Junior Kiwis (2014), Australian Schoolboys (2013)
A talented second rower from New Zealand, Liolevave played 26 NYC games in 2014 and is now a member of the Tigers NRL squad. He represented the Junior Kiwis last season and while attending Keebra Park, represented the Australian Schoolboys in 2013.
The Tigers will be looking to build on a solid 2014 with a number of returning players and exciting junior talent. Junior Kiwi and Team of the Year member Te Maire Martin will lead the side around again in 2015 and will be joined by Watson Heleta, Hala Masila and Marion Seve, whose 2014 was cut short due to injury.
Sione Alofi Tiawharangi Aranui
Makaere Bush Tyler Cassel
Mason Cerruto
Dane Coskerie
JJ Felise
Jacob Follent Thomas Grealy
Tom Harris Watson Heleta
Jamie Hill Jamian Iroa Ryland Jacobs
Hayden Johnston
Obed Karwhin Dwayne Lemafa Eli Levido Jacob Liddle
Veiru Mapesone Jeremy Marshall-King
Esan Marsters Te Maire Martin Hala Masila Mark McCormack
Te Kapua Murray
Marcel Owen
Blake Rickard Tom Satterthwaite Marion Seve
Jaleel Seve-Derbas
Bayley Sironen
Pio Sokobalavu Peter Ta’auso Junior Tatola John Tohi
Jack Wheelhouse Jayden Wheelhouse Matthew Woods
NYC-eligible players in NRL squad
Salesi Funaki
Lamar Liolevave
The Queensland Rugby League have announced their 2015 QAS Emerging Origin squads.
The system has undergone a slight revamp with the senior squad expanding to 18 players and the Junior Emerging Origin squad being replaced by a combined Emerging Maroons.
The new squad features current and recently graduated NYC players and players with both Intrust Super Cup and NRL experience.
The following 2015 NYC-eligible players were selected in the two squads:
Queensland Under 20’s representatives Valentine Holmes and Brett Greinke have been called into the Junior Kangaroos side following the withdrawals of Nene Macdonald and Waqa Blake.
The match will be played on Saturday, October 18 at Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland.
Andrew Webster (right) with Tigers assistant coach David Kidwell. (Photo: Wests Tigers)
Wests Tigers NYC coach Andrew Webster will join the Warriors first grade coaching staff in 2015.
Webster, whose Tigers were eliminated from the NYC finals last weekend, will be an assistant coach under current Warriors head coach Andrew McFadden.
Before linking with the Tigers this season, Webster coached Parramatta’s NYC side in 2013.
“Andrew is well regarded as a young coach on the way up,” he (Dean Bell) said.
“Cappy (Andrew McFadden) was keen to have a balance of an experienced voice and a younger coach as his assistants. Tony and Andrew will complement each other perfectly.”
Webster said the offer to join the Vodafone Warriors had come at the ideal time.
“I’m hugely excited about the opportunity to coach in the NRL and to have that chance with a club like the Vodafone Warriors,” he said.
“I’m really impressed with the club overall, with the system and the quality of the players they always have coming through.
“The 10 years I’ve had in coaching has given me experience in every role possible in my goal to coach in the NRL.
“The chance to work with Cappy and Tony (Iro) couldn’t have come at a better time.”
Brisbane 42 def. Wests Tigers 18 The Broncos have fought back from an 18-8 half time deficit to defeat the Tigers in Sydney. The charge was led by the returning Jayden Nikorima, who came off the bench, as the Broncos scored 34 unanswered points in the second half to book a preliminary finals meeting with the Dragons.
Warriors 23 def. Newcastle 16 The Knights have been knocked out in straight sets thanks to a spirited performance by the Warriors. The New Zealanders took an 13-0 lead into half time and never relinquished it as they ended the Minor Premiers’ season. Warriors co-captain Sam Lisone was one of the stand outs for his side. The Warriors will face Parramatta next weekend.
Wests Tigers 28 def. South Sydney 24
A returning Mitchell Moses has helped the Tigers to a 28-24 victory over South Sydney, ending the Rabbitohs season. Souths were down by 16 points at one stage but fought back to lead by 2 in the second half. The Tigers were too strong in the end, scoring 2 tries in the final 20 minutes to seal the victory and move on to week 2 of the NYC finals series.
St George Illawarra 30 def. Newcastle 22
The Dragons pulled off the first upset of the finals series, defeating the Knights by 8 points. The Knights were strengthened by the return of Jake Mamo and Sione Mata’utia but will now have to play an elimination game next weekend, while the Dragons get the bye. Jack Bird was the standout for the Dragons, playing in the centres in place of the injured Euan Aitken, scoring a double.
Warriors 44 def. Sydney Roosters 30
An offensive onslaught by the Warriors has seen them knock the Roosters out of the NYC finals. In a high scoring game, the Warriors took a 28-14 lead into half time and never looked back. The highlight of the game was an incredible try to Warriors winger Metia Lisati, who somehow stayed in the field of play to score in the corner.
Parramatta 32 def. Brisbane 26 A double to halfback Zach Dockar-Clay has helped the Eels overcome the Broncos in Townsville. Parramatta took an early lead, but the contest soon became a close, back and forth contest. The Broncos lead by 6 points in the final 20 minutes, before tries to Ryan Matterson and Dockar-Clay sealed the game for the away side.
2nd Elimination Final
Wests Tigers v South Sydney Rabbitohs Friday, September 12, 2014 – Allianz Stadium – 5:15pm (local time) – LIVE on Fox Sports 1
Referees: Chris Sutton, Peter Gough; Sideline Officials: Luke Potter, Belinda Sleeman; Video Referees: Adam Devcich, Steve Folkes
Wests Tigers (6th) 1. Mason Farrell 2. John Tohi 3. Watson Heleta 4. Delouise Hoeter 5. John Ogden 6. Te Maire Martin 7. Eli Levido 8. Dallas Graham 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Jordan Grant 11. Salesi Funaki 12. Lamar Liolevave 13. Andrew Kazzi. Interchange: 14. Hala Masila 15. Tyler Cassell 16. Sione Alofi 19. Matthew Lodge 24. Daniel Ravkin. Coach: Andrew Webster
South Sydney Rabbitohs (7th)
1. Devon Makoare-Boyce 2. Tom Hughes 3. Tevita Cottrell 4. John Olive 5. Sam Manuleleua 6. Jordie Hedges 7. Brad Wall 8. Ofa Felila 9. Aaron Booth 10. Eden Syme 11. Tulsa Saumamao 12. Jack Gosiewski 13. Cheyne Whitelaw. Interchange: 14. Brock Gray 15. Wallace Tangiiti 16. Clayton Williams 17. PJ Los’e 18. Elliot Gorman. Coach: Ben Gardiner.
Head to Head Played 14, Wests Tigers 9, South Sydney 5 2014 Form Wests Tigers – LWWLWWLLWWWWWWWLWLWLDWLW (Steak – 1 win)
South Sydney – WWLLLLWLWWWLWLWLLWLWLWWW (Streak – 3 wins) 2014 Head to Head Rd 14 – Wests Tigers 28 – 18 South Sydney at ANZ Stadium
Rd 3 – Wests Tigers 26 – 16 South Sydne at ANZ Stadium Top Point Scorers
Wests Tigers – John Ogden (84 points, 21 tries)
South Sydney – Irae Simone (136 points, 9 tries, 50 goals) Top Try Scorers
Wests Tigers – John Ogden (21 tries), Watson Heleta (20 tries)
South Sydney – Tom Hughes (14 tries), Irae Simone (9 tries)
1st Qualifying Final Newcastle Knights v St George Illawarra Dragons Saturday, September 13, 2014 – Allianz Stadium – 1:00pm (local time) – LIVE on Fox Sports 1
Referees: Chris Butler, Kasey Badger; Sideline Officials: Anthony Elliott, Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski; Video Referees: Adam Devcich, Steve Folkes
Newcastle Knights (1st) 1. Jake Mamo 2. Bryce Donovan 3. Sione Mata’utia 4. Chance Peni 5. Braden Robson 6. Brock Lamb 7. Jaelen Feeney 8. Jah Pakau 9. Danny Levi 10. Luke Yates 11. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 12. Joseph Tapine 13. Joe Boyce. Interchange: 14. James De Saxe 15. Pride Petterson-Robati 16. Tuiala Togitasi 17. James Taylor. Coach: Mick Crawley.
St George Illawarra Dragons (4th)
1. Matthew Dufty 2. Sitiveni Moceidreke 3. Euan Aitken 4. Brent Anderson 5. Izaac Thompson 6.Shannon Crook 7. Adam Clune 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Hayden McRae 10. Jay Gallagher 11.Wesley Lolo 12. Jack Bird 13. Vincent Stowers. Interchange: 14. Andrew McCarthy 15. Thomas Freebairn 16. Jack Kavanagh 17. Luciano Leilua 18. Jacob Host 20. Hame Sele 22. George Lolo. Coach: Dean Young & Ben Hornby.
Head to Head Played 10, St George Illawarra 5, Newcastle 4, drawn 1 2014 Form Newcastle – WWWWWWDWWLLLWWWDWLWWWLWW (Streak – 2 wins)
St George Illawarra – WWWWWLLWWLWWLWLWLWWLWWWL (Streak – 1 loss) 2014 Head to Head Rd 26 – Newcastle 36 – 26 St George Illawarra at Hunter Stadium Top Point Scorers
Newcastle – Bryce Donovan (228 points, 8 tries, 98 goals)
St George Illawarra – Sitiveni Moceidreke (110 points, 15 tries, 25 goals) Top Try Scorers
Newcastle – Sione Mata’utia (15 tries), Danny Levi, Chance Peni (13 tries)
St George Illawarra – Matthew Dufty (20 tries), Euan Aitken (16 tries)
1st Elimination Final Sydney Roosters v Warriors Saturday, September 13, 2014 – Allianz Stadium – 3:15pm (local time) – LIVE on Fox Sports 1
Referees: Jon Stone, Lawrence McDonnell; Sideline Officials: Adam Reid, David Ryan; Video Referees: Shayne Hayne, Steve Folkes
Sydney Roosters (5th)
1. Joseph Manu 2. Paul Momirovski 3. Brendan Elliott 4. Taane Milne 5. Jack Goodsell 6. Nene Macdonald 7. Tyler Cornish 8. Braeden Uele 9. Alex Thomas 10. Jokatama Dokonivalu 11. Vincent Leuluai 12. Willis Meehan 13. Jake Lewis. Interchange: 14. Grant Garvey 15. Mitchell Mamary 16. Piki Rogers 17. Alex Lyons 18. Harry Vanderhart. Coach: Adam Hartigan.
Warriors (8th) 1. Brad Abbey 2. Ngataua Hukatai 3. Ken Maumalo 4. Solomone Kata 5. Metia Lisati 6 Tuimoala Lolohea 7. Mason Lino (c) 8. Sam Lisone (c) 9. Kurt Robinson 10. Kouma Samson 11. Marata Niukore 12. Adam Tuimavave-Gerrard 13. Jazz Tevaga. Interchange: 14. Ofahiki Ogden 15. Toafofoa Sipley 16. Nathaniel Roache 17. Bunty Afoa 18. James Bell. Coach: Stacey Jones.
Head to Head Played 11, Warriors 6, Sydney Roosters 4, drawn 1 2014 Form
Sydney Roosters – LWLWWWWLLWWWWLLWWWLWDWWL (Streak – 1 loss)
Warriors – LLWWLWWLWLWWLWWLWLWWLLWD (Streak – 1 draw) 2014 Head to Head
Rd 23 – Sydney Roosters 20 – 18 Warriors at Mt Smart Stadium Top Point Scorers
Sydney Roosters – Jackson Hastings (138 points, 2 tries, 65 goals)
Warriors – Mason Lino (170 points, 10 tries, 65 goals) Top Try Scorers
Sydney Roosters – Jack Goodsell (26 tries), Brendan Elliot (22 tries)
Warriors – Brad Abbey (14 tries), Mason Lino (10 tries)
2nd Qualifying Final Brisbane Broncos v Parramatta Eels Saturday, September 13, 2014 – 1300SMILES Stadium – 5:15pm (local time)
Referees: Matt Noyen, Phil Henderson; Sideline Officials: Ricky MacFarlane, Tim Rutherford; Video Referees: Alan Shortall, Luke Phillips
Brisbane Broncos (2nd)
1. Kodi Nikorima 2. Paul Byrnes 3. Tom Opacic 4. Alex Barr 5. Jack Tuttle 6. Duncan Paia’Aua 7.Ashley Taylor 8. Aaron Rockley 9. Jayden Berrell 10. Joe Ofanhengaue 11. Brett Greinke 12. Brendon McBryde 13. Jai Arrow. Interchange: 14. Elijah Alick 15. George Fai 16. Ajuma Adams 17. Brandon Lee. Coach: Craig Hodges.
Parramatta Eels (3rd)
1. Nathan Davis 2. Leva Li 3. Fabian Goodall 4. John Folau 5. Halauafu Lavaka 6. Ryan Matterson 7.Zach Docker-Clay 8. Kelepi Tanginoa 9. Kaysa Pritchard 10. Tui Kamikamica 11. Josh Aloiai 12.Tyrell Fuimaono 13. Jeff Markus. Interchange: 14. Joey Lussick 15. Jordan Muna 16. Alex Twal 17. Fred Junior Mauala. Coach: Justin Holbrook.
Head to Head Played 11, Brisbane 7, Parramatta 4 2014 Form
Brisbane – WWWLLWDWWWLWWWWLLLWWWWLW (Streak – 1 win)
Parramatta- WLWWWLWWWWLWWLLWWLWWWLLW (Streak – 1 win) 2014 Head to Head
Rd 5 – Parramatta 28 – 24 Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium Top Point Scorers
Brisbane – Jayden Nikorima (152 points, 15 tries, 46 goals)
Parramatta- Nathan Davis (220 points, 14 tries, 82 goals) Top Try Scorers
Brisbane – Kodi Nikorima (17 tries), Tom Opacic (16 tries)
Parramatta – Halauafu Lavaka (26 tries), Fabian Goodall (17 tries)
Jahrome Hughes (Photo: Matt Roberts/Getty Images AsiaPac)
The following players have been added to the Junior Kiwis train-on squad for their match against the Junior Kangaroos next month. Each week, players will be added to the squad as teams are eliminated from the Holden Cup finals series, with a final squad to be announced following the Holden Cup Grand Final on October 5. Players from the Parramatta Eels and St George Illawarra Dragons (*) have been added to the squad following their elimination from the finals.
The match will be played on Saturday, October 18 at Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland.
Herman ESE’ESE (Canterbury Bulldogs)
Renouf TO’OMAGA (Canterbury Bulldogs)
Jahrome HUGHES (Gold Coast Titans)
Nelson ASOFA-SOLOMONA (Melbourne Storm)
Niua FINAU PUAKA (Melbourne Storm)
Richard KENNAR (Melbourne Storm)*
Una MOHI (Melbourne Storm)
Danny LEVI (Newcastle Knights)
Chance PENI (Newcastle Knights)
Pride PETTERSON-ROBATI (Newcastle Knights)
Joseph TAPINE (Newcastle Knights)
James TAYLOR (Newcastle Knights)
Josh ALOIAI (Parramatta Eels)*
Zach DOCKAR-CLAY (Parramatta Eels)*
Fabian GOODALL (Parramatta Eels)*
Sione KATOA (Penrith Panthers)
Sam MANULELEUA (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Tulsa SAUMAMAO (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Addin FONUA-BLAKE (St George Illawarra Dragons)*
Joseph MANU (Sydney Roosters)
Taane MILNE (Sydney Roosters)
Braden UELE (Sydney Roosters)
Manaia CHERRINGTON (Wests Tigers)
Dallas GRAHAM (Wests Tigers)
Watson HELETA (Wests Tigers)
Delouise HOETER (Wests Tigers)
Lamar LIOLEVAVE (Wests Tigers)
Te Maire MARTIN (Wests Tigers)
The following players have been added to the Junior Kangaroos train-on squad for their match against the Junior Kiwis next month. Each week, players will be added to the squad as teams are eliminated from the Holden Cup finals series, with a final squad to be announced following the Holden Cup Grand Final on October 5. Players from the Parramatta Eels and St George Illawarra Dragons (*) have been added to the squad following their elimination from the finals.
The match will be played on Saturday, October 18 at Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland.
Luke BATEMAN (Canberra Raiders)
Patrick MAGO (Canberra Raiders)
Tevita PANGAI (Canberra Raiders)
Valentine HOLMES (Cronulla Sharks)
Clinton GUTHERSON (Manly Sea Eagles)
Cameron MUNSTER (Melbourne Storm)
Jake MAMO (Newcastle Knights)
Sione MATA’UTIA (Newcastle Knights)
Josh CHUDLEIGH (North Queensland Cowboys)
Patrick KAUFUSI (North Queensland Cowboys)
Ryan MATTERSON (Parramatta Eels)*
Tepai MOEROA (Parramatta Eels)*
Pauli PAULI (Parramatta Eels)*
Kasya PRITCHARD (Parramatta Eels)*
Kelepi TANGINOA (Parramatta Eels)*
Waqa BLAKE (Penrith Panthers)*
Kieran MOSELEY (Penrith Panthers)
Andy SAUNDERS (Penrith Panthers)
Chris SMITH (Penrith Panthers)
Isaah YEO (Penrith Panthers)
Euan AITKEN (St George Illawarra Dragons)*
Jack BIRD (St George Illawarra Dragons)*
Drew HUTCHISON (St George Illawarra Dragons)*
Cameron McINNES (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Jackson HASTINGS (Sydney Roosters)*
Nene MACDONALD (Sydney Roosters)
Willis MEEHAN (Sydney Roosters)
Matthew LODGE (Wests Tigers)
Valentine Holmes (Photo: Grant Trouville, NRL Photos)
The 2014 Holden Cup Team of the Year was announced this morning at Rugby League Central in Sydney. The side features 8 players who have played first grade this season.
14 Danny LEVI (Newcastle Knights)
15 Joseph TAPINE (Newcastle Knights)
16 Addin FONUA-BLAKE (St George Illawarra Dragons)
17 Kane ELGEY (Gold Coast Titans)
18TH MAN 