The future of the NRL has never looked brighter with a stack of young talent headlining the list of players rubbing shoulders with the game’s biggest stars over the summer.
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The Broncos have got their very own ‘Latrell’, the Tigers have a 17-year-old cross-code sensation, Many have a towering winger who caught Anthony Seibold’s eye while playing SG Ball and the Bulldogs have gone all-in on their premiership-winning Jersey Flegg side.
The Dragons are investing in their youth too and why wouldn’t you when you’ve got a teenage prodigy who has won a SG Ball premiership, played Under 19s Origin and been picked in the Australian Schoolboys side… twice.
There’s sons of guns in the mix too with Cooper Bai — son of former Storm flyer Marcus — contracted to the Titans and of course NRL journeyman looking to resurrect their career like former Warriors and Eels hooker Nathaniel Roache.
foxsports.com.au breaks down every club’s train-and-trial list ahead of the 2025 season below.
“My heart’s here” – Upton on Broncos | 00:51
BRONCOS
Gehamat Shibasaki (Wynnum Manly), Luke Gayle (Wynnum Manly), Latrell Siegwalt (Souths Logan), Callum Eggerling (Souths Logan), Ronald Philitoga (Souths Logan), Glen Vaihu (Souths Logan), Tristan Powell (Burleigh), Ewan Moore (Burleigh), Lachlan West (Burleigh), Matt Koellener (Burleigh)
Analysis: Gehamat Shibasaki is the most recognisable name on the Broncos’ train-and-trial list given the 26-year-old has played 30 NRL games — including one for the Rabbitohs last season. But a name Broncos fans should familiarise themselves with is Latrell Siegwalt. The 23-year-old was a revelation for the Dolphins in their run to the Queensland Cup Grand Final. In what was just his first season in reserve grade, Siegwalt scored seven tries and set up 12 in 20 games while averaging over 100 running metres per game. He also proved his versatility by shifting between five-eighth, fullback and even coming off the bench too. After coaching Siegwalt at the Dolphins, new Broncos assistant Ben Te’o has brought him across to Red Hill to experience his first NRL pre-season. Tristan Powell has returned to Burleigh after two years in the Storm system and along with that move has picked up an opportunity with the Broncos. 23-year-old Powell was on a development deal with the Storm for the last two seasons and made his NRL debut this year. He also won the Queensland Cup premiership in 2023 with feeder side Brisbane Tigers. Meanwhile, Matt Koellener is a great story. The 27-year-old was playing local A-grade in 2022 when he approached Burleigh asking for an opportunity. He didn’t make his Queensland Cup debut until mid-2023 but went on to play in the Grand Final that year. He played every game of the season this year and now has been rewarded with an NRL train-and-trial opportunity.
RAIDERS
Izaac Tu’itupou-Thompson, Regan Carr, Caleb Garvie, Shaun Packer, Jaxon Lavender, Jensen Taumoepeau, Jayze Tuigamala
Analysis: The Raiders have bolstered their outside back depth with powerhouse winger Izaac Tu’itupou-Thompson, who arrived to the nation’s capital after three years at the Rabbitohs. The 28-year-old brings with him 13 games of NRL experience and over 50 games in NSW Cup. Canberra fans should also be somewhat familiar with Regan Carr, who claimed the club’s Jersey Flegg Player of the Year honour after proving to be a revelation in the centres. Caleb Garvie is a young prop, who moved to Canberra from Newcastle ahead of last season and impressed in Jersey Flegg. Shaun Packer (a hooker) and Jaxon Lavender (second-rower) are from the Raiders’ Jersey Flegg side and have both had a taste of NSW Cup, while Jayze Tuigamala is a teenage prop, who joined the club from the Sharks last season. Sharks fans might also recognise the name Jensen Taumoepeau. The 24-year-old outside was previously a member Cronulla’s Top 30 squad before making the move to play for Northern Pride in Queensland Cup.
BULLDOGS
Jack Underhill, Luke Smith, Reuben Moyle, Cassius Tia, Danny Gabreal, AJ Jones
Analysis: The Bulldogs have gone all-in on their next generation with all six train-and-trialists being plucked from the club’s premiership-winning Jersey Flegg squad. Jack Underhill is a prop, Luke Smith is a second-rower, Cassius Tia is a half and Danny Gabreal is an outside back. Meanwhile, Reuben Moyle was named the Bulldogs’ Jersey Flegg Player of the Year after his efforts at hooker and AJ Jones — who was the club’s SG Ball Player of the Year in 2023 — is a second-rower.
Plath on a mission to secure position | 00:54
DOLPHINS
Josh Allen (Dolphins), Will Partridge (Dolphins), Ethan Quai-Ward (Dolphins), Ben Stevanovic (Norths Devils), Peter Hola (Norths Devils), Cooper Marshall (CQ Capras), Larson Dale-Doyle (CQ Capras), Tane Kiriona (CQ Capras)
Analysis: The Dolphins are leaning on their pathways over the pre-season with eight train-and-trial players coming from their three feeder clubs. Josh Allen and Will Partridge are new recruits, who have joined the Dolphins’ Cup side following impressive seasons with Northern Pride. Allen is a 23-year-old prop who cuts an imposing figure at 195cm tall and weighing 112kg, while Partridge is a 27-year-old centre, who scored 16 tries in 16 games this year. Ethan Quai-Ward is a very handy pick-up with the 25-year-old joining the Dolphins from Broncos feeder club Souths Logan after being named Queensland Cup’s Centre of the Year. Ben Stevanovic and Peter Hola have made the move from Sydney and Canberra respectively to sign with Norths Devils and spend the pre-season with the Dolphins’ NRL squad. Stevanovic, a 23-year-old halfback, has spent the last two years with the North Sydney Bears and finished the 2023 season with the most try assists and linebreak assists in NSW Cup. Despite his consistent performances in NSW Cup, Hola wasn’t re-signed by the Raiders. He was linked to a Super League move but instead will try his luck in the Dolphins’ system. Outside back Cooper Marshall and second-rower Larson Dale-Doyle have spent the last four and three seasons respectively with the Capras, while Tane Kiriona — a former Queensland under 19s representative — has joined the club from the Raiders.
SHARKS
Kyle Pickering, Kristian Dixon, Blake Hosking, Brad Fearnley, Lachlan Crouch, Riley Pollard, Taj Ford, Sam McCulloch, Alex Challenor
Analysis: 23-year-old second-rower Kyle Pickering, 23-year-old prop Brad Fearnley and versatile forward Blake Hosking have all been rewarded for a consistent 2024 season with feeder side Newtown Jets. And the rest of the Sharks’ train-and-trial list is made up of exciting young guns — five of which featured in the team that lost to the Bulldogs in this year’s Jersey Flegg Cup Grand Final. Taj Ford and Riley Pollard partnered each other in the halves, while Sam McCulloch — the Sharks’ Flegg Player of the Year — captained the side at lock. Kristian Dixon is a winger and Lachlan Crouch is an emerging prop. Sharks fans should also keep an eye on Alex Challenor, who is a local junior and was selected in this year’s Australian Schoolboys squad. The De La Salle Caringbah product is a prop and has been in the Sharks’ system since he was 14-years old.
TITANS
Cooper Bai, Brock Gray, Sean Mullany, Josh Patston (Ipswich), Luke Burton (Tweed Heads), Jayden Wright (Tweed Heads), Kieran Hayman (Tweed Heads), Ethan Clark-Wood (Tweed Heads)
Analysis: Cooper Bai headlines the Titans’ list of train and trialists. The 18-year-old lock is the son of former Storm winger Marcus Bai. He is coming off an exciting season in which he represented Queensland in the Under 19s Origin and also played in the Mal Meninga Cup grand final. The Titans have also injected some older heads into their extended squad with 28-year-old Brock Gray — brother of former Rabbitoh and Shark, Aaron. Gray is a versatile forward who brings over 120 games of NSW Cup experience. Sean Mullany is a new face in the Titans system after spending the last four seasons with Mackay Cutters. The 25-year-old adds to the club’s hooking depth. Meanwhile, the rest have signed with the Titans’ Queensland Cup feeder clubs but get the chance to train with the NRL squad. Josh Patston is a 26-year-old second-rower, who has come across from Burleigh, Jayden Wright is an emerging lock that didn’t many opportunities in Queensland Cup this year but is expected to feature more in 2025. You won’t miss Luke Burton — the 25-year-old prop stands at 197cm tall — while Kieran Hayman and Ethan Clark-Wood have made the move from Sydney to the Gold Coast. Hayman was a key member of the North Sydney Bears squad and earned a reputation as their Mr. Fix It having played centre, five-eighth and fullback. He’s also a very handy goal-kicker and was NSW Cup’s top pointscorer for 2024. Clark-Wood is a winger/centre and joins from the Roosters.
SEA EAGLES
Zane Dunford, Navren Willett, Chris Patolo, Onitoni Large, Jacob Sykes, Tyler Melrose, Kylan Mafoa, Hugo Hart, Devante Mihinui, Max Hayley, Broden Konz
Analysis: Chris Patolo is the most recognisable name on this list but a number of others are tipped to break into the NRL in the future. Patolo should have more than 23 NRL games under his belt but has had horror luck on the injury front. After the Bulldogs decided not to re-sign him, the Sea Eagles swooped with an opportunity. Jacob Sykes has spent the last four years with NSW Cup feeder side Blacktown Workers so is no stranger to the NRL squad. The 24-year-old is an old school-style front-rower who works hard and embraces the tough stuff. Manly fans might recognise the name Zane Dunford — he is the son of former Sea Eagles forward Matt Dunford. Zane captained the club’s SG Ball side in 2021, then joined the Raiders on a development deal, but then returned mid-last year. Navren Willett is sure to turn some heads at Narrabeen. The 19-year-old outside back, who stands at a whopping 201cm tall, caught the attention of coach Anthony Seibold while playing for the Magpies in SG Ball earlier this year. Seibold has spoken about his potential, saying “his ceiling is quite high” and “Navren is someone we feel can play first grade.” Seibold can also see similarities between Willett’s body shape and NRL stars Campbell Graham and Xavier Coates. Willett is expected to move into the Top 30 in 2026. Hugo Hart is a young, speedy forward with a rugby union background, while Tyler Melrose and Otoni Large are two teenage playmakers with big raps on them. Melrose, 17, was recruited from one of Queensland’s best rugby league schools, St Brendan’s after a partnership was formed last year. Melrose will complete eight weeks of pre-season, play for Manly’s SG Ball side and then likely graduate to Jersey Flegg by the end of the year. Large, who is also 17-years old, is a speedy five-eight and former captain of the Junior Wallabies. Large is juggling training with his schooling at Scots College and like Melrose, will play SG Ball next season. Kylan Mafoa (prop), Devante Mihinui (prop), Broden Konz (second-rower) and Max Hayley (centre/second-rower) have been rewarded for solid seasons in Manly’s Jersey Flegg side.
Rugby Sevens star joins Storm | 07:15
STORM
Mitch Jennings (Storm academy), Coby Williamson (Storm Academy), Josh Billing (Sunshine Coast Falcons), Cooper-Page Wilson (Sunshine Coast Falcons), Vaka Sikahele (Brisbane Tigers), Setu Tu (Brisbane Tigers), Nathaniel Roache (North Sydney Bears), Morgan Harper (North Sydney Bears), Ben Talty (North Sydney Bears)
Analysis: All but two of the Storm’s train-and-trialists have been plucked from their three reserve grade feeder clubs. Coby Williamson and Mitch Jennings have been developed in the Storm Academy. 21-year-old Williamson came into this year as part of the Jersey Flegg squad but ended up nailing down a spot in Queensland Cup team Brisbane Tigers — and was crowned their ‘Best Back’ for 2024. 20-year-old Jennings (centre/second-rower) hails from Nambour and entered the Storm’s system via the Sunshine Coast Falcons. The Storm have catpialised off their new partnership with the North Sydney Bears with three experienced players joining the NRL squad over the summer. Nathaniel Roache is hoping to resurrect his NRL career after playing 26 games across stints with the Warriors and Eels. The 28-year-old hooker just needs some luck on the injury front. Morgan Harper can add some valuable depth to Melbourne’s outside backs stocks having played 64 NRL games with the Bulldogs, Sea Eagles and Eels. 25-year-old Ben Talty brings 76 games worth of NSW Cup experience with him and is a rock-solid utility forward. Outside back Setu Tu has made the move from the Warriors to Brisbane Tigers after previously spending time in the Dolphins system. The 25-year-old is a linebreaker, tackle-buster and a strong carrier of the ball. Vaka Sikahele, a hooker, is a new recruit from Tweed, while hardworking prop Cooper Page-Wilson has signed from Wynnum Manly. Josh Billing — the cousin of Broncos star Pat Carrigan — was recruited from the Raiders.
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KNIGHTS
Kyle McCarthy, Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana, Jack Hillier, Haami Loza, Bailey Carmichael, Liam Sutton, Brock Greacen
Analysis: Knights fans will be familiar with Kyle McCarthy after the 20-year-old centre made his NRL debut in Round 24. Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana, also 20-years old, is an exciting second-rower, who played Jersey Flegg for the Knights in 2024. Jack Hillier (prop) is a local junior and has also been progressing through the grades, while Haami Loza is a skilful playmaker who started the year in SG Ball and finished it playing finals in Jersey Flegg. Bailey Carmichael is also a graduate of the Knights’ SG Ball side — he is a prop with impressive speed. Liam Sutton has spent the last couple of seasons in the Knights’ NSW Cup side. He’s an athletic five-eighth with a solid kicking game. Brock Greacen, a versatile forward, has also been plucked from the Cup side.
COWBOYS
Xavier Kerrisk, Mutua Brown, Mason Barber, Henry Teutau, Jeremiah Mata’utia, Matt Watts, Kai Simon, Morea Morea, Assiriah Lenoy
Pre-season block via affiliate clubs: Adrian Treviliyan (Northern Pride), Jarrett Subloo (Northern Pride), Esom Ioka (Northern Pride), Campbell Duffy, Ricco Falaniko (Northern Pride), John Radel (Mackay Cutters), Temple Kalepo (Mackay Cutters)
Analysis: The Cowboys have gone for both youth and experience for their train-and-trialists with some of the club’s most exciting prospects getting an opportunity to train with the NRL squad as well as several reserve grade regulars. Headlining the list is exciting fullback Mason Barber, who has recently moved from the Gold Coast. Barber is a product of renowned rugby league nursery Keebra Park State High School and went viral for an incredible run during the National Championships in which he busted eight tackles and ran 60 metres to score. Barber was named on the wing in this year’s Australian Schoolboys team. Xavier Kerrisk is a highly-regarded hooker and former Queensland Schoolboys representative. The 18-year-old started 2024 in Mal Meninga Cup but finished it cementing his spot in Mackay’s Queensland Cup side. There’s also big raps on Mutua Brown, who was an Australian Schoolboys fullback in 2023 and played off the bench for Queensland in the Under 19s Origin clash earlier this year. Jeremiah Mata’utia is another local product who also starred at schoolboy level. The 20-year-old prop is 198cm tall and has tasted Queensland Cup over the last couple of years. Henry Teuatu, a powerful prop, is a product of the Cowboys’ Young Guns program and was recognised at this year’s presentation night with the Cowboys Way award — given to players who embody the values and spirit of the club. Another notable name on the list is PNG international Morea Morea. The 23-year-old fullback was Queensland Cup’s Rookie of the Year in 2023 but struggled with form and injuries this year. He was selected in the Kumuls extended squad for the Pacific Championships and made his debut when he was activated as 18th man against Cook Islands — and scored in the final minute.
EELS
Ethyn Martin, Jordan Samrani, Ryley Smith, Apa Twidle, Dom Farrugia, Josh Lynn, Will Latu, Jezaiah Funa-Iuta, Brock Parker
Analysis: Ethyn Martin emerged as a bit of a surprise packet in the Eels’ NSW Cup side but after scoring eight tries in eight games — and playing fullback, centre and wing — he was rewarded with a train-and-trial opportunity. The 21-year-old is a New Zealand product who switched to rugby union at 15-years old but changed back two years ago.21-year-old prop Brock Parker has also been plucked from the Cup side. He spent some time last pre-season with the NRL squad and is reliable workhorse who rarely puts a foot wrong. Apa Twiddle (fullback) and Josh Lynn (five-eighth) were members of the Eels’ 2023 SG Ball premiership-winning team — the latter is a highly-touted product of renowned rugby league school Palm Beach Currumbin. Dominic Farrugia is a goalkicking winger and Jezaiah Funa-Iuta is a second-rower, who won Best and Fairest as well as Players’ Player for the club’s Harold Matthews team in 2023. Both played SG Ball and Jersey Flegg for the Eels this year. Jordan Samrani (winger) was picked up from the Bulldogs, whileformer Australian Schoolboy Ryley Smith (hooker) joined the Eels from the Panthers this year and played Flegg and Cup.
PANTHERS
Austin Dias, David Fale, Jaxen Edgar
Analysis: Reserve grade veteran Austin Dias has been rewarded for his efforts in NSW Cup after making a mid-season switch to the Panthers from Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles. The 26-year-old prop, who stands at 198cm and weighs 107kg, has 92 NSW Cup games under his belt. David Fale is a great story. The Auckland product, who has previously spent time at the Raiders, entered the Panthers system a couple of years ago. He started with St Mary’s in Sydney Shield, moved up to Ron Massey Cup and then this year became the Panthers’ NSW Cup Mr. Fitx It in the outside backs. Meanwhile, Jaxen Edgar is another exciting local junior tipped for a bright future in the NRL. Was joint winner of the Panthers’ Harold Matthews Player of the Year honour last year with Casey McLean. The gun fullback played SG Ball a year young in 2024.
RABBITOHS
Salesi Ataata, Talanoa Penitani, Maddax Fui, Ryan Gray, Elijah Keung, Lennix Tovo, Ashton Ward, Luke Webley
Analysis: 24-year-old hooker Ryan Gray has beenrewarded for his outstanding NSW Cup season, while 23-year-old fullback Lennix Tovo has joined the NRL squad over the summer from Queensland Cup affiliate club Townsville Blackhawks. The rest of the Rabbitohs’ train-and-trial squad is made up of new recruits. Salesi Ataata (prop) and Talanoa Penitani (centre) featured in the Sharks’ team that made this year’s Jersey Flegg grand final, while Ashton Ward is a halfback who has come from the Dragons’ Flegg squad. 23-year-old Luke Webley (second-rower) is a Rockhampton product who has played reserve grade for the Mackay Cutters and most recently the Raiders. Elijah Keung (prop) is a Queensland Schoolboys representative who played for the Brisbane Tigers in the Mal Meninga Cup this year and Maddax Fui is a prop with big raps on him, who has inked a long-term deal with the Bunnies. Fui played Harold Matthews for the Western Suburbs Magpies earlier this year.
DRAGONS
Hayden Buchanan, Jacob Halangahu, Kyan Hjaltason, Jett Liu, Kade Reed, Ben Rumble, Jarrah Treweek, Leeroy Weatherall
Analysis: Get familiar with local junior Hayden Buchanan because he has been tipped for a big future in the game. The 18-year-old centre captained the Steeler’s SG Ball side this year and also represented NSW in the under 19s Origin clash. Jacob Halangahu boasts a seriously impressive resume which includes an SG Ball premiership and Man of the Match honours, selection in the Australian Schoolboys squad in back-to-back years and representing NSW in the Under 19s Origin — all achieved at just 17-years old. The Penrith junior, who is now 18, is a second-rower. Kyan Hjaltason (hooker) and Jett Liu (prop) and Ben Rumble (fullback) have been promoted from the Dragons’ Jersey Flegg side with the latter already a fan favourite. Kade Reed is a talented halfback, who joined the Dragons’ system from Kirwan State High School a couple of years ago. He’s a good chance to wear the No.7 in Jersey Flegg next season. It’ll be hard to miss towering second-rower Jarrah Treweek, who played SG Ball this year, while Leeroy Weatherall (lock) is a local junior who has signed a long-term deal with the Dragons. His sister, Maddison, starred for the club’s NRLW team in 2023.
Roosters extend Tedesco for 2026 | 00:40
ROOSTERS
Taylor Losalu, Max McCathie, Lachlan Dooner, Rex Bassingthwaite, Cohen Dittman, Mikey Nassar, Zac Sarfati, Tyreece Tait, Benaiah Ioelu, Jake Elliott, Hugo Savala, Reece Foley
Analysis: Majority of the Roosters’ train-and-trialists have been promoted from the NSW Cup side with fans getting well-acquainted with the likes of Taylor Losalu, Max McCathie, Tyreece Tait, Jake Elliott and Hugo Savala this year. Tait is arguably one of the most exciting prospects in the Roosters’ system. The 19-year-old winger boasts serious speed, represented Queensland in the Under 19s Origin clash this year and scored 14 tries in 10 NSW Cup appearances. Elliott started 2024 in SG Ball but his development was fast-tracked and like Tait, he was promoted to NSW Cup. The 19-year-old five-eighth scored five tries and set up 17 in 14 Cup games. He is a mature young man, calm under pressure and spent a lot of time learning from club legend Mitchell Pearce this year. Savalais a local junior, who is most comfortable in the halves but can also cover hooker, while McCathie also lives and breathes the Roosters. The second-rower is a natural leader and is a former school captain of Scots College. He’s Bondi born and bred and is very respected by his peers.Losalu (prop) was the Roosters’ NSW Cup Player of the Year. Reece Foley (five-eighth), Lachlan Dooner (fullback/outside back), Zac Sarfati (fullback) and Mikey Nassar (fullback/outside back) were a part of the Roosters 2024 SG Ball squad. Rex Bassingthwaite is a serious talent, who was the Roosters’ Harold Matthews Player of the Year and was a part of rugby union’s Under 18s Australian team this year. The Dubbo product has committed to rugby league though with reports he’s inked a four-year deal with the Chooks.
WARRIORS
Jett Cleary, Moala Graham-Taufa, Daeon Amituanai, Kahu Capper, Jaydee Auloa, Makaia Tafua, Rodney Vea, Augustino Filipo, Etuate Fukofuka, Jason Salalilo, Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, Motu Pasikala, Brandon Norris
Analysis: The brother of four-time premiership-winning halfback Nathan Cleary headlines this list with Jett Cleary about to embark on his own NRL journey via a train-and-trial opportunity with the Warriors. He’ll progress to a development deal in 2026. Also making the move is Daeon Amituanai, who has spent the last three years in the Panthers system as a winger. Moala Graham-Taufa (centre) was the Warriors’ top tryscorer in NSW Cup for 2024 and was awarded with the club’s NSW Cup Player of the Year and Players’ Player honours. 19-year-old Eddie Ieremia-Toeava proved his worth this year, shifting between prop, second row and centre in NSW Cup. 18-year-old Motu Pasikala (fullback/winger) is another exciting prospect who played SG Ball, Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup in 2024.
WESTS TIGERS
Tim Johannssen, Jaxson Rahme, Tristan Hope, Lachlan Broederlow, Eiden Ackland, Marc Tannous, Heamasi Makasini
Analysis: Tim Johannssen (prop) has been on the rugby league rollercoaster the last year. He won the Jersey Flegg premiership with the Bulldogs in 2023 but wasn’t retained so decided to hang up the boots. However a phone call from Magpies feeder club Ryde-Eastwood saw the 22-year-old sign with the club and go from Sydney Shield to Ron Massey Cup to NSW Cup. Then, in Round 22, he made his NRL debut. 20-year-old second-rower Lachlan Broederlow has also come from the Tigers’ NSW Cup side and will move to a development deal in 2026. Vaka Aho, a 20-year-old prop, has earned a train-and-trial after impressing in Jersey Flegg this year and getting a taste of NSW Cup. Marc Tannous is a crafty halfback, who played SG Ball for Balmain this year. Meanwhile, 20-year-old prop Jaxson Rahme joins the Tigers from the Knights after previously being in the club’s pathways system. Eiden Ackland is a 26-year-old playmaker who has had stints in the Warriors and Sea Eagles systems and Tristan Hope arrives to the Wests Tigers from the Brisbane Tigers in the Queensland Cup. The 27-year-old hooker won the 2023 premiership and did a pre-season with the Storm ahead of the 2024 NRL season. Heamasi Makasini is in a unique situation. The 17-year-old centre is on a train-and-trial contract for now but will move to a development deal once he turns 18 in July. Makasini is in Year 11 at Newington College but there’s belief from some at the Tigers that he could make his NRL debut next year — while preparing for his HSC. Makasini has excelled in both rugby league and rugby union — he represented Australia at under 18s level in rugby union — but has committed to the Tigers on a three-year deal.
