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
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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
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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
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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.
“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
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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,
Among the players to watch, Kian Edmed has shown great leadership throughout pre-season and Xavier Tuiaga 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 Alume
Team Manager Dane Ryan
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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.
Wests Tigers pathways teams have been confirmed ahead of the 2024 representative season.
www.weststigers.com.au