Canterbury Bulldogs: 17 junior reps to watch in 2024 Matthews, Ball and Tarsha Gale Cups
Canterbury might be feeling the pinch in the NRL, but success in the juniors points to a bright future. Here’s 17 players to watch next year in the SG Ball, Harold Matthews and Tarsha Gale Cup.
Jason Hosken
Jason Hosken
@HoskenJason
6 min read
November 10, 2023 - 3:37PM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
Canterbury Bulldogs, NSWRL junior reps, 2024.
Canterbury Bulldogs, NSWRL junior reps, 2024.
While it’s been a rough ride for Bulldogs fans in the NRL, the success of the club’s junior program points to a bright future.
With an astute mix of locals and carefully selected outside talent, last season was one to remember.
The women’s under-19s went within minutes of upsetting the highly fancied Roosters in the Tarsha Gale Cup decider, while in the Harold Matthews Cup, the U17s defied the odds in a memorable finals charge to claim the title.
Then in September, the Jersey Flegg boys (U21) held off the Roosters in an epic grand final at CommBank Stadium.
Now the wheels are in motion for a repeat performance in 2024.
After going through the summer squads and speaking to club reps, here’s 17 players to watch.
Check out all the junior rep teams and coaching staff announced by every club.
Kylani Koloamatangi on the fly for Canterbury in last season’s Tarsha Gale Cup.
Kylani Koloamatangi on the fly for Canterbury in last season’s Tarsha Gale Cup.
KYLANI KOLOAMATANGI (TARSHA GALE)
The younger sister of NRL powerhouse Keaon, Kylani is a backrower forging her own status on the sporting stage.
Possess a big engine and can pick apart the best defence with a combination of raw power and clever ball skills.
Also a talented swimmer, Canterbury officials say she’s on track to start the season in the open-age Harvey Norman Women's Premiership.
JOPE RAQUI (HAROLD MATTHEWS)
A genuine speed machine, Raqui’s bag of tricks for Canterbury last season were rewarded with a City U16s wing spot.
Doubles as an aerial specialist and often comes down with the ball at either end of the park.
Jope Raqui for Canterbury in last season’s Harold Matthews Cup. Picture: Sean Teuma/NewsLocal.
Jope Raqui for Canterbury in last season’s Harold Matthews Cup. Picture: Sean Teuma/NewsLocal.
ALEX CONTI (SG BALL)
A high profile signing from the Tigers, the gifted playmaker and Junior Blues rep arrives with big expectations after leading Balmain in the Harold Matts last season.
With a background in rugby union at St Patrick’s College, Strathfield, Conti brings reliability with the boot and is just as capable at half or in the No.6 jumper.
Among elite company at this year’s ASSRL Nationals at Redcliffe, the young organiser held his own for NSWCIS.
Rising playmaker Alex Conti is a major signing from the Balmain Tigers. Picture: Pete Kenny Photography @ Framing Life
Rising playmaker Alex Conti is a major signing from the Balmain Tigers. Picture: Pete Kenny Photography @ Framing Life
BRAITH SLOANE (HAROLD MATTHEWS)
Recognised by a host of clubs for his athletic prowess, the Condobolin speedster has opted to continue his development in Canterbury’s successful pathways program.
A long striding outside back, Sloane caught the eye of talent scouts at the Koori Knockout and will kickstart his Bulldogs career in the U17s after impressing for NSWCHS at this year’s U15 ASSRL Nationals in Port Macquarie.
CHRISTOPHER MAKHLOUF (SG BALL)
A product of local club St Christophers, Makhlouf was a standout off the bench in Canterbury’s march to last season’s Harold Matts title.
Blessed with strength and balance, the outside back has a happy knack of bouncing off defenders and finding his way across the stripe.
With a never say die attitude and uncanny anticipation, Makhlouf won’t be out of place in Canterbury’s starting line-up.
Christopher Makhlouf takes off in last season’s finals of the Harold Matthews Cup. Picture: Thomas Lisson.
Christopher Makhlouf takes off in last season’s finals of the Harold Matthews Cup. Picture: Thomas Lisson.
FANAFOU SEVE (SG BALL)
A powerhouse prop, Seve returns to the SG Ball squad after starting the majority of last season on the bench.
Spent the later part of 2023 playing above his weight in Flegg, and according to Canterbury officials, if not for an injured knee the local junior would have been selected in the Australian Schoolboys side.
Fanafou Seve spots a gap against Balmain in the SG Ball Cup. Picture: Sean Teuma/NewsLocal
Fanafou Seve spots a gap against Balmain in the SG Ball Cup. Picture: Sean Teuma/NewsLocal
MITCHELL WOODS (SG BALL)
Ice cool under pressure, last season the scheming half provided a glimpse into the future after captaining Canterbury from fourth spot to claim the Harold Matts trophy.
A natural leader and fierce competitor, Woods was named player of the grand final and with a vast array of skills developed in both AFL and rugby, the St Christophers junior is expected to make a seamless transition to SG Ball.
Mitchell Woods with the Harold Matthews Cup after Canterbury’s 32-6 grand final win over Newcastle. Picture: Thomas Lisson
Mitchell Woods with the Harold Matthews Cup after Canterbury’s 32-6 grand final win over Newcastle. Picture: Thomas Lisson
ABBY AROS (TARSHA GALE)
The exciting fullback returns for another shot at the title following last season’s heartbreaking grand final loss to the Roosters.
Showed her class in the decider with a try, and the quick stepping No.1 will be desperate to forge a series of new combinations from the opening round.
A focused Abby Aros in action for Canterbury in the Tarsha Gale Cup. Picture: Sean Teuma/NewsLocal
A focused Abby Aros in action for Canterbury in the Tarsha Gale Cup. Picture: Sean Teuma/NewsLocal
AMBRYN MURPHY-HAUA (TARSHA GALE)
An all-round footy talent, last season Murphy-Haua played mostly in the halves for Canterbury before rounding out her commitments in the No.7 for Milperra in the local women’s open age competition.
Also on rugby union’s radar, her utility value and strong defence means she will be a vital cog in Canterbury’s quest to climb the podium.
Ambryn Murphy-Haua is set for another season in the Tarsha Gale Cup. Picture: Sean Teuma/NewsLocal
Ambryn Murphy-Haua is set for another season in the Tarsha Gale Cup. Picture: Sean Teuma/NewsLocal
DAVID LEOTA (SG BALL)
Snapped up by the Dogs in 2022, the boom Ipswich State High prop stamped himself as a future star, playing his part off the bench in last season’s successful Matts combination.
Also turned out for the Maroons in the under-17s and is expected to thrive with the step up to SG Ball.
David Leota proved a handful last season in the Harold Matts. Picture: Thomas Lisson
David Leota proved a handful last season in the Harold Matts. Picture: Thomas Lisson
OLIVA SMITH (SG BALL)
Another recruit from Ipswich, Smith earned his spot in Steve Turner’s SG Ball squad after a barnstorming showing last season in the Harold Matts frontrow.
A starting prop in the finals, Smith got the better of a quality Penrith pack before repeating dose against Newcastle in the decider.
Oliva Smith takes on the Penrith defence last season in the Harold Matts finals. Picture: Thomas Lisson
Oliva Smith takes on the Penrith defence last season in the Harold Matts finals. Picture: Thomas Lisson
KAYLA HENDERSON (TARSHA GALE)
An off-season signing from Parramatta’s Lisa Fiaola Cup (U17s), Kayla is a dynamic fullback who recently travelled to Papua New Guinea with the Australian Schoolgirls team.
Light on her feet and explosive off the mark, don’t be surprised if she’s asked to ignite the ruck in the No.9 jumper.
ISLA TALAU (TARSHA GALE)
The niece of Willie Talua, Isla is a damaging outside back following in the footsteps of the Canterbury and Kiwi legend.
Also a handy goalkicker, the centre joins the Bulldogs from Brisbane where she was a standout rep for Queensland City U17s.
ITULA SEVE (HAROLD MATTHEWS)
The younger brother of Fanafou, Itula started at prop in last season’s grand final win over Newcastle.
Used his power and positional nous in the sem-final, crossing for a crucial try to help sink Penrith.
In 2024 the City U16s rep backs up for another season of Matts, and once again will be expected to rise to another level.
Itula Seve will back up for another season in the Harold Matthews Cup. Picture: Sean Teuma/NewsLocal.
Itula Seve will back up for another season in the Harold Matthews Cup. Picture: Sean Teuma/NewsLocal.
MARIAH FASAVALU-FA’AMAUSILI (TARSHA GALE)
Another recruit from the Eels, the talented centre can expect plenty of early ball in her new colours.
Electric off both feet, her power was on display last season for City U17s when she brushed aside several defenders on route to a memorable four-pointer.
Mariah Fasavalu-Fa’amausili for Cook Islands U18s at this year’s Harmony Nines. Picture: John Appleyard
Mariah Fasavalu-Fa’amausili for Cook Islands U18s at this year’s Harmony Nines. Picture: John Appleyard
SOLOMONE TUPOU (HAROLD MATTHEWS)
The Chester Hill Hornets backrower is no stranger to Harold Matts. A mainstay of last season’s title winning pack, Solomone now has the chance to guide the squads new faces.
With pace and skill, his presence on the edge is a nightmare for tiring opponents.
ELENOA HAVEA (TARSHA GALE)
One of a host of junior girls coming through Canterbury’s pathways program in New Zealand, Elenoa is definitely one to keep an eye on.
Excellent under the high ball, the powerfully built winger has been compared to former Bulldog wrecking ball, Matt Utai.
FULL SQUADS
HAROLD MATTHEWS:
Ahmad Hawat, Braith Sloane, Chayse Geros, Chinedu Udeh, Coby Pierce, Cooper Ward, Danny Ata, Elijah Tu’ifua, Fouad Turkmani, Hassan Rabaa, Isaac Thompson, Isaac Maarbani, Itula Seve, Jarom Collins, Jeremiah Laupepa, Jeremiah Quiroz-Mapasua, Jerome Gargoles, Jope Raqui, Luke Tiberti, Malaki Ah-Loo, Matthew Barakat, Maxwell Afualo, Mikal Papali‘i-Talanai, Mitchell Nathan, Olesa Tai, Paul Johnson, Pietro D’Aprile, Reign Fotu, Shane O’Callaghan, Solomone Tupou, Toufic Fakih, Tristan Burns, Viliami Mahe, Wesley Papali’i-Afoa, William Lewis, Zavier Peacock, Zinedine Lazkani
SG BALL:
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Alex Conti, Bailey Myers, Billy Arena, Bronson Reuben, Bud Smith, Christian Lopez, Christopher Makhlouf, Daniel Christodoulou, David Leota, Fanafou Seve, Hamish Wilson, Jayden Smith, Jed Reardon, Jeremiah Rainga, Jett Day, Jethro Rinakama, Joseph Teaupa, Lachlan Mifsud, Latrell Fing, Logan Spinks, Massimo Mari, Michael Gabrael, Mitchell Rogers, Mitchell Woods, Mohamed Hadid, Mohamad Rajab, Oliva Smith, Taj Hughes, Pat Young, Sheldon Abbey, Sione Lolohea, Sosaia Alatini, Sosaia Kaufusi, Sosefo Finau, Taj Matthews, Tyrus Salanoa, Zaidas Muagututia, Ryan Hutchinson
TARSHA GALE:
Casey Cowgill, Abby Aros, Jessica Patea, Ella-Rose White, Audrey Nadaya-Harb, Annika Franklin, Mariah Fasavalu-Fa’amausili, Elenoa Havea, Teora Dennis, Tia’ane Tavita Fesolai, Ambryn Murphy-Haua, Hannah Makira, Waimarie Martin, Shaquaylah Mahakitau-Monschau, Emiah Stokes, Claudia Finau, Bella McEachern, Paeu Uilou, Mackenzie Stephens. Kylani Koloamatangi, Grace Ata Leiataua, Aaliyah Nikua, Faustina Akeje, Jasmine Lane, Pauline Suli-Ruka, Ailani Penese, Kayla Henderson, Natalya Franklin
