Updated

Honour roll: Every 2025 Oztag Australian Junior Nationals winner from Coffs Harbour

The Oztag Australian Junior Nationals are in the books with the best young boys and girls strutting their stuff at Coffs Harbour. Catch up on every winner from all 18 divisions at the weekend.

Sonny O'Brien scored the winning try for Illawarra South Coast U14s. Picture: Contributed
Sonny O'Brien scored the winning try for Illawarra South Coast U14s. Picture: Contributed

A big weekend of Oztag is in the books from the Junior Nationals in Coffs Harbour.

18 divisions took to the fields with some of the brightest talents and future Tagaroos in action across three days.

Central Coast took out honours as the most successful team from the weekend, winning four divisions and making another four grand finals.

Illawarra South Coast were a model of consistency in making seven grand finals and winning two, while the West Sydney Tigers proved a force, making six grand finals and coming away with four titles.

DIVISION WINNERS

9s

Boys - South West Wolverines 11-3 Illawarra South Coast Steelers

Girls - West Sydney Tigers 5-1 Illawarra South Coast Steelers

10s

Boys - East Coast Orcas 4-3 Sutherland Stingrays

Girls - ACT Cougars 4-1 Central Coast Force

11s

Boys - West Sydney Tigers 5-0 Central Coast Force

Girls - Illawarra South Coast Steelers 2-1 Gold Coast Storm

12s

Boys - Central Coast Force 3-2 Illawarra South Coast Steelers

Girls - South West Wolverines 3-2 Sutherland Stingrays

13s

Boys - West Sydney Tigers 3-2 Illawarra South Coast Steelers

Girls - Central Coast Force 5-4 Sutherland Stingrays

14s

Boys - Illawarra South Coast Steelers 3-2 West Sydney Tigers

Girls - West Sydney Tigers 2-0 East Coast Orcas

15s

Boys - Gold Coast Storm 4-3 Central Coast Force

Girls - Gold Coast Storm 5-4 Illawarra South Coast Steelers

16s

Boys - Gold Storm 4-3 Central Coast Force

Girls - Sutherland Stingrays 1-0 West Sydney Tigers

17s

Boys - Central Coast Force 4-3 East Coast Orcas

Girls - Central Coast Force 2-1 Sutherland Stingrays

EVENT PREVIEW

The best young Oztag talent in Australia descends on Coffs Harbour for the 2025 Australian Junior Championships.

Played over three days from Friday, the action will be fast and furious.

We take a look at the NSW and ACT boys and girls who will make an impact at the nationals.

JUMP TO

UNDER 9s - UNDER 10s - UNDER 11s - UNDER 12s - UNDER 13s - UNDER 14s -UNDER 16s - UNDER 17s -

UNDER 9s

LILLIAN RHEINBERGER

ACT Cougars - Middle

Lillian is always switched on and ready to play. She consistently trains and plays hard, always giving it her best.

Lillian Rheinberger (left) and Tilly Gilligan of the ACT Cougars U9s. Picture: Contributed
Lillian Rheinberger (left) and Tilly Gilligan of the ACT Cougars U9s. Picture: Contributed

TILLY GILLIGAN

ACT Cougars - Middle

Tilly is a player who always puts in maximum effort in everything she does. Always communicating with her teammates on and off the field, leading by example.

BALIN CLARKE

East Coast Orcas - Middle

Balin is a nippy middle and an agile ballplayer who’s always happy to take on the defensive line. He’s a vocal force and key creative dynamo in the centre of the field.

Balin Clarke (left) and Klayton Chambers of the East Coast Orcas U9s. Picture: Contributed
Balin Clarke (left) and Klayton Chambers of the East Coast Orcas U9s. Picture: Contributed

KLAYTON CHAMBERS

East Coast Orcas - Middle

Klay is an organising middle with a strong running and kicking game. Equally at home at rover, he enjoys drifting wide and setting up tries for his outside boys if he’s not scoring them himself.

JIANNAH DRISCOLL-SIMPSON

East Coast Orcas - Middle

‘JiJi’ is an elusive ball runner and one of the team’s main strike weapons. She is the ultimate competitor.

Jiannah Driscoll-Simpson (left) and Elianna Willett of the East Coast Orcas U9s. Picture: Contributed
Jiannah Driscoll-Simpson (left) and Elianna Willett of the East Coast Orcas U9s. Picture: Contributed

ELIANNA WILLETT

East Coast Orcas - Link

Eli has speed to burn and a great understanding of the game. A dangerous ball runner and tenacious tagger.

KOA STONE

Illawarra South Coast Steelers - Link

Koa’s impressive acceleration and footwork allow her to step past defenders and create attacking opportunities. She plays an important role in defence, dropping back to cover line breaks and making crucial try-saving tags for her team.

Koa Stone (left) and Harlow Berry of the Illawarra South Coast Steelers U9s. Picture: Contributed
Koa Stone (left) and Harlow Berry of the Illawarra South Coast Steelers U9s. Picture: Contributed

HARLOW BERRY

Illawarra South Coast Steelers - Middle

Harlow’s straight, powerful runs drive her team forward, breaking through defensive lines and gaining valuable metres. In defence, she shows great teamwork and focus, making reliable tags and keeping her side organised.

MAKARIO RAIWALUI

Illawarra South Coast Steelers - Rover

Super talent with a sharp step off both feet, speed to burn, high footy IQ and plenty of flair. He has improved at every rep tournament over the last two years.

Makario Raiwalui (left) and Otis Millgate of the Illawarra South Coast Steelers U9s. Picture: Contributed
Makario Raiwalui (left) and Otis Millgate of the Illawarra South Coast Steelers U9s. Picture: Contributed

OTIS MILLGATE

Illawarra South Coast Steelers - Middle

One of the best footy talents in the Illawarra. This kid has vision, skills, speed and a deadly show and go. He has been working on bringing his teammates into the game and will be unstoppable when he does.

UNDER 10s

GEORGIA GIBSON

ACT Cougars - Rover

Despite being just 10, Georgia is already a Cougars veteran with plenty of tournaments under her belt. She brings experience, speed, and determination well beyond her years. Near impossible to stop in open space.

Georgia Gibson (left) and Chloe Mueck of the ACT Cougars U10s. Picture: Contributed
Georgia Gibson (left) and Chloe Mueck of the ACT Cougars U10s. Picture: Contributed

CHLOE MUECK

ACT Cougars - Middle

This will be Chloe’s third tournament with the Cougars. Throughout the campaign, she’s shown exceptional defence, elusive attacking skills, and strong communication with her teammates. Chloe plays with maturity and confidence beyond her years.

HARPER PACKMAN

East Coast Orcas

An incredible mover with the ball and always on the lookout for an opportunity not only for herself but for those around her. Highly motivational for everyone and puts in every game. Harper always puts it all out there no matter the situation.

Harper Packman (left) and Coco Vai of the East Coast Orcas U10s. Picture: Contributed
Harper Packman (left) and Coco Vai of the East Coast Orcas U10s. Picture: Contributed

COCO VAI

East Coast Orcas

Coco is ruthless in defence. Reliable to make a tag and be there in support play. Her running game is straight and hard she never takes a backward step. Will no doubt be in the thick of everything.

KYAHLIE ALEXANDER-GATT

Illawarra South Coast Steelers - Rover

Kyahlie showcases a deadly step that leaves defenders struggling to keep up. With a determined attitude and a deep understanding of the game, she consistently breaks through defensive lines and creates powerful attacking opportunities for her team.

Kyahlie Alexander-Gatt (left) and Kaylee Condello of the Illawarra South Coast Steelers U10s. Picture: Contributed
Kyahlie Alexander-Gatt (left) and Kaylee Condello of the Illawarra South Coast Steelers U10s. Picture: Contributed

KAYLEE CONDELLO

Illawarra South Coast Steelers - Middle

Kaylee is unbelievable in every aspect of the game, standing out with her ability to read the play and take control when it matters most. A powerful runner with relentless drive, she constantly creates scoring opportunities and keeps her team on the front foot.

VILIAMI AHIO

Illawarra South Coast Steelers - Rover

Liami is proud to co-captain the Steelers team this year. He is all about sharing the ball around, launching powerful kicks and backing up his teammates when the pressure’s on.

Viliami Ahio (left) and Jake Robinson of the Illawarra South Coast Steelers U10s. Picture: Contributed
Viliami Ahio (left) and Jake Robinson of the Illawarra South Coast Steelers U10s. Picture: Contributed

JAKE ROBINSON

Illawarra South Coast Steelers - Rover

Jake is a dedicated hardworking resilient player who always focuses on teamwork, effort and lifting and encouraging those around him. His never-say-die attitude drives both himself and his teammates to give their best every game.

RORY DOHERTY

Sydney Warriors - Middle

Rory is an unbelievable playmaker with a natural ability to read the game. With his skillful passing and ability to organise his team.

Rory Doherty (left) and Michael Bechara of the Sydney Warriors U10s. Picture: Contributed
Rory Doherty (left) and Michael Bechara of the Sydney Warriors U10s. Picture: Contributed

MICHAEL BECHARA

Sydney Warriors - Wing

Michael is speedy and determined on the wing for the Warriors.. He is always ready and never gives up.

FATATE KALACHE

Sydney Warriors - Middle

With the amount of knowledge and understanding she has of the game, backed by her hips and speed, she’s a major asset.

Fatate Kalache (left) and Georgie Chalker of the Sydney Warriors U10s. Picture: Contributed
Fatate Kalache (left) and Georgie Chalker of the Sydney Warriors U10s. Picture: Contributed

GEORGIE CHALKER

Sydney Warriors - Middle

Ever reliable, always there in defence when the team needs a tag to be made, and in attack her footwork and elusiveness make her very dangerous.

UNDER 11s

IMOGEN BRINCKLEY

East Coast Orcas - Link

‘Immy’ lives and breathes Oztag and goes from strength to strength each rep tournament. The way Immy reads the play, together with her speed, makes her one of the team’s most accomplished players.

Imogen Brinckley (left) and Karjarry Walker-Jerrard of the East Coast Orcas U11s. Picture: Contributed
Imogen Brinckley (left) and Karjarry Walker-Jerrard of the East Coast Orcas U11s. Picture: Contributed

KARJARRY WALKER-JERRARD

East Coast Orcas - Middle

Karjarry (KJ) is a born footballer with her sights set firmly on the NRLW and when you watch her play, you know why. Known for her long balls, impressive kicking skills and intercepts, KJ has all the show and go that you would want out of a player on your team.

HARLOW CONNING

Illawarra South Coast Steelers - Rover

Ann all-rounder who is fast, agile and powerful through the line. She has a deadly kicking game and is fearless with her dive tags.

Harlow Conning (left) and Maddi Timmins of the Illawarra South Coast Steelers U11s. Picture: Atmosphere Productions
Harlow Conning (left) and Maddi Timmins of the Illawarra South Coast Steelers U11s. Picture: Atmosphere Productions

MADDI TIMMINS

Illawarra South Coast Steelers - Middle

Versatile player with a sharp step and the go-forward to get up the field. Paired with her kicking game it makes her very dangerous.

ZIGGY EVANS

Illawarra South Coast Steelers - Rover

A NSW representative player, ‘Zippy Ziggy’ has blinding speed and skill. If he isn’t running the length of the field, he is chasing down a break. Incredible cover defender.

Ziggy Evans (left) and Tom Hallinan of the Illawarra South Coast Steelers U11s. Picture: JGsportssnaps
Ziggy Evans (left) and Tom Hallinan of the Illawarra South Coast Steelers U11s. Picture: JGsportssnaps

TOM HALLINAN

Illawarra South Coast Steelers - Rover

Captains both the Steelers and NSW rep team. Slick ball playing, speed to burn and a killer spin through the line. Known for catching his opponents napping.

GEORGE TUIONE

Sydney Warriors - Wing

George has a need for speed. He is tough and has a very dominant side step, always dangerous from close range.

George Tuione (left) and Joshua Makdessi of the Sydney Warriors U11s. Picture: Contributed
George Tuione (left) and Joshua Makdessi of the Sydney Warriors U11s. Picture: Contributed

JOSHUA MAKDESSI

Sydney Warriors - Middle/Wing

Joshua is a driven player with great ability to read the game. He is known for his dive tags and strong defence.

UNDER 12s

AIDA MARRAPODI

ACT Cougars - Middle

Leading from the middle, Aida brings skill, strategy and composure. A natural communicator and on-field organiser, she directs play with confidence and ensures her team stays sharp in both attack and defence. Aida positions her teammates perfectly to exploit gaps and turn opportunities into points.

Aida Marrapodi (left) and Mia Woodland of the ACT Cougars U12s. Picture: Contributed
Aida Marrapodi (left) and Mia Woodland of the ACT Cougars U12s. Picture: Contributed

MIA WOODLAND

ACT Cougars - Middle

Tough, tireless, and always leading from the front, Mia is the engine room of the team. Playing through the middle, she’s a true workhorse who leaves everything on the field. A hard runner who drives her side forward with speed and intent, Mia sets the tone in both attack and defence. Solid and fearless in the contest, her determination lifts those around her.

JARVIS WIND

ACT Cougars - Rover

Given the opportunity to float around the field, Jarvis is a serious competitor and thrives for success.

Jarvis Wind (left) and Tommy Haskins of the ACT Cougars U12s. Picture: Contributed
Jarvis Wind (left) and Tommy Haskins of the ACT Cougars U12s. Picture: Contributed

TOMMY HASKINS

ACT Cougars - Middle

Tommy has great vision for the game and really steers the team around the field as one of their middles.

LONDON MAYNARD

East Coast Orcas - Middle

London is a fierce competitor, who is relentless in defence and attack and inspires the team through her ability to not only pick apart the opposition’s defence but also to run down any attacking players that manage to break the line.

London Maynard (left) and Lotti Bowman of the East Coast Orcas U12s. Picture: Contributed
London Maynard (left) and Lotti Bowman of the East Coast Orcas U12s. Picture: Contributed

LOTTI BOWMAN

East Coast Orcas - Middle

Lotti has a dominating presence in the middle of the field. With the ability to set up plays on both the right and left hand sides. Her attacking prowess is equally matched by her defensive reads and efforts.

BEAU CLARK

East Coast Orcas - Middle

Captain of the team for the last three years, Beau is a talented ballplayer and hole runner. Gives the side strong kicking options.

PADDY SPENCER

East Coast Orcas - Rover

The will to win from Paddy is undeniable. Has a huge engine in defence, an X-factor that can turn a game in a single play.

UNDER 13s

MIA NGUYEN-WELSH

East Coast Orcas

Has developed tremendously over the past few seasons at Souths. Her speed, confidence, and game awareness have all taken huge strides. She’s become a real threat with ball in hand, her footwork and ability to find the try line.

Mia Nguyen-Welsh (left) and Keira Beddy of the East Coast Orcas U13s. Picture: Contributed
Mia Nguyen-Welsh (left) and Keira Beddy of the East Coast Orcas U13s. Picture: Contributed

KEIRA BEDDY

East Coast Orcas

A hardworking and committed player who’s continued to grow every season. Her steady rise in athleticism is a direct result of the effort she’s put in, especially during the off-season and it’s showing in her performance. Tough, reliable, and always willing to put in the work.

Lachlan Higginbotham of the ACT Cougars U13s. Picture: Contributed
Lachlan Higginbotham of the ACT Cougars U13s. Picture: Contributed

LACHLAN HIGGINBOTHAM

ACT Cougars - Middle

Lachie has great game awareness, always with a team first mentality. He trains hard and has a positive mindset. Always keen to learn from his coaches.

SEAN MANSON

Illawarra South Coast Steelers

Top class player with and without the ball. Elusive runner with excellent skills and tagging is exceptional. Scores and sets up many tries each tournament which led Sean to making his debut for NSW this year.

Sean Manson (left) and Bailey Dumughn of the Illawarra South Coast Steelers U13s. Picture: Contributed
Sean Manson (left) and Bailey Dumughn of the Illawarra South Coast Steelers U13s. Picture: Contributed

BAILEY DUMUGHN

Illawarra South Coast Steelers - Link

Bailey is a very humble person who has come on in leaps and bounds in last couple of years to being on the NSW fringe. He has achieved this from his willingness to listen and learn. He is a brilliant tagger and on top of this his kicking game is exceptional.

UNDER 14s

WILL PATTERSON

ACT Cougars

Will is an exceptional Oztag player with five years of representative experience for ACT, demonstrating unmatched kicking skills and game sense. His outstanding leadership, including multiple captaincy roles, sets him apart as a true asset.

Will Patterson (left) and Lochie Wyeth of the ACT Cougars U14s. Picture: Contributed
Will Patterson (left) and Lochie Wyeth of the ACT Cougars U14s. Picture: Contributed

LOCHIE WYETH

ACT Cougars

Lochie is a standout player thanks to his incredible speed, agility, and impressive ball skills. His talent has not only earned him success on the field but also so lasting friendships across ACT and NSW through playing at state levels.

BRONTE SPRAGUE

Mid North Coast Miners - Middle

Plays in the middle and will give the Miners the combination of speed, agility and a strong kicking game.

ARMANI DALEY

Mid North Coast Miners - Middle

A real leader among the Mid North Coast U14s as captain of the team. Another who is lethal with the boot.

AMARLI DASZKOWSKI

Illawarra South Coast Steelers - Rover

Amarli is a dynamic attacking force, known for her remarkable ability to find space and break through defensive lines. Her agility, speed, and game sense make her a constant threat.

Amarli Daszkowski (left) and Rora Chase of the Illawarra South Coast Steelers U14s. Picture: Contributed
Amarli Daszkowski (left) and Rora Chase of the Illawarra South Coast Steelers U14s. Picture: Contributed

RORA CHASE

Illawarra South Coast Steelers - Middle

Rora possesses exceptional vision and game awareness, consistently setting the pace and controlling the flow of play. Her kicking game is smooth and precise, and she leads with strength and composure both on and off the field.

FRANKIE SELMES

Mid North Coast Mariners - Middle

2024 NSW squad member, he has silky ball skills to go with his fast footwork, he has great vision and kicking game, making him a handful in attack. Excellent defender, wherever he is on the field. Great communicator and leads from the front with his actions.

Frankie Selmes (left) and Max Pinder of the Mid North Coast Mariners U14s. Picture: Contributed
Frankie Selmes (left) and Max Pinder of the Mid North Coast Mariners U14s. Picture: Contributed

MAX PINDER

Mid North Coast Mariners - Middle/Edge

Max can play multiple positions, he is a great defender, strong ball runner on the edge and a skilful ballplayer when in the middle.

SIENNA KNIGHT

East Coast Orcas - Middle

A natural ball-playing middle who has ability to split the defence at will. Coming off a strong NSW performance where she was crowned as MVP.

Sienna Knight (left) and Katahra Boyle Rainga of the East Coast Orcas U14s. Picture: Contributed
Sienna Knight (left) and Katahra Boyle Rainga of the East Coast Orcas U14s. Picture: Contributed

KATAHRA BOYLE RANIGA

East Coast Orcas - Link

A defensive powerhouse. Katahra has speed to burn who can often be a nightmare for the best of defenders.

UNDER 16s

TAYLOR JONES

ACT Cougars - Rover

A veteran of the Cougars, Taylor’s known for her sharp cover defence, lightning speed, and agility. After representing the Barbarians in August, she’s back in top form. A key ballplayer and hard runner through the middle, she is light on her feet and full of flair.

Taylor Jones (left) and Ryley Arnold of the ACT Cougars U16s. Picture: Contributed
Taylor Jones (left) and Ryley Arnold of the ACT Cougars U16s. Picture: Contributed

RYLEY ARNOLD

ACT Cougars - Middle

Fierce, determined, and always in the thick of it. Ryley is a true workhorse who never stops. Their best kicker, she’s setting up tries and scoring them herself. Another proud Barbarians representative, she’s got the skills, the smarts, and the stamina to make a big impact.

RILEY WYETH

ACT Cougars - Middle

Riley is recognised for his speed, agility and unwavering commitment on the field. As a dedicated team player who has competed at the international level, he continues to set a high standard of performance.

Riley Wyeth (left) and Jaxon Kearns of the ACT Cougars U16s. Picture: Contributed
Riley Wyeth (left) and Jaxon Kearns of the ACT Cougars U16s. Picture: Contributed

JAXON KEARNS

ACT Cougars - Middle

Jaxon is a player to watch, showcasing excellent ball skills, sharp field vision, and a powerful kick. His ability to read the game and create opportunities makes him a standout on the field.

NIAH MORRIS

Sydney Warriors - Middle

Niah has strong defensive and organisation skills, along with great leadership. She communicates well on the field and helps organise her team. Her ability to stop opposition attacks makes her a key player.

Niah Morris (left) and Lucy Teplicanec of the Sydney Warriors U16s. Picture: Contributed
Niah Morris (left) and Lucy Teplicanec of the Sydney Warriors U16s. Picture: Contributed

LUCY TEPLICANEC

Sydney Warriors - Middle

Lucy is a standout player, known for her excellent game awareness and strong skills in both defense and attack. She reads the play brilliantly, and her kicking delivers accuracy and control when it’s needed most. A key asset to any team.

KATIE BYRNES

Mid North Coast Mariners - Utility

Katie can play any position from middle to link or wing. She’s played since she was 11 from State Cups to Nationals. Despite being only 15 she’s topped the scoring tallly in her local senior comp. Trains hard and plays harder.

UNDER 17s

GEORGIA PATTERSON

ACT Cougars - Middle

Georgia is an intelligent Oztag player who is unselfish, always setting up tries and saving them with sharp defence.

Georgia Patterson (left) and Mia Keen of the ACT Cougars U17s. Picture: Contributed/Australian Oztag
Georgia Patterson (left) and Mia Keen of the ACT Cougars U17s. Picture: Contributed/Australian Oztag

MIA KEEN

ACT Cougars - Fullback/Middle

Mia is a determined and skilful player known for her strong hole-running, impressive speed and reliable last-line defence. Consistent and has an impact at both ends of the field.

JADE BYRT

East Coast Orcas - Middle

Jade’s has great vision, skill and communication among other great assets which has again earnt her the captaincy of the Orcas.

Jade Byrt (left) and Evie Bowie of the East Coast Orcas U17s. Picture: Contributed
Jade Byrt (left) and Evie Bowie of the East Coast Orcas U17s. Picture: Contributed

EVIE BOWIE

East Coast Orcas - Link

Evie is very quick and athletic who plays with a lot of heart and effort, she can make something happen out of nothing with her speed and vision.

MIA MILLAURO

Sydney Warriors - Middle

Has an ability to bring the team together and direct them around the field to get strong results for the team.

MIKAYLA BROWN

Sydney Warriors - Middle

A player in the middle with plenty of X-factor for the Warriors. Has a great ability to read the play in front of her.

Originally published as Honour roll: Every 2025 Oztag Australian Junior Nationals winner from Coffs Harbour

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