Townsville’s top under-17 league stars ready to make their mark

This year’s competition is set to be fierce with five teams vying for silverware.

Keen to see their players out on the field, traditional rivals Centrals and Western Lions cast aside club loyalties to form a combined team this year.

Here’s a look at the star players to watch this season.

Kirsty Tuttle

Souths

Her excellent communication skills on and off the field make her a natural leader and quality dummy half.

Larvo Nona

Souths

A quiet achiever who is composed under pressure and puts her speed to excellent use at fullback.

Sammy Rapson

Souths

A powerful second rower whose relentless intensity is an excellent asset to the team.

Wendy Brie

Souths

A consistent and strong halfback who leads through her actions. Quick, fearless and thrives under pressure.

Holly Doble

Centrals

Playing in just her second full season of league Holly, 16, is making her mark. A hardworking second and front row player, she featured for the Townsville Blackhawks U17s this season and was named in the Michael Morgan Merit Team. Holly loves her footy and encourages others to play.

Rosella Solomon

Centrals

Another second year star, Rosella lines up at winger and centre. In a sign of how talented she is, Rosella was named Centrals’ best back last year in her first season. Like her teammate Holly Doble she loves the sport and encourages others to join up.

Madalyn Hernandez

Centrals

Despite being just 15 she is an experienced and talented player. Lining up at half or centre

she featured for the Townsville Blackhawks U17s and played in the RISE rugby league side in 2024. Maddie is passionate about football and motivates others to try it out.

Layne Prince

Western Lions

The Australian touch football rep has made the move to rugby league with ease. Layne troubles defenders with her explosive speed and plays great heads up footy.

Chloe Lane

Western Lions

A small but dynamic utility that can play anywhere. Chloe’s speed, agility and fitness allows her to break the line at ease and put opposition teams on the back foot.

Tah-Lucy Querro

Western Lions

An explosive runner who has enjoyed a breakout year to date. Tah-Lucy’s performances in the Harvey Norman U17s for the Blackhawks earned her a Queensland Country rep jersey.

Alice Gibia

Upper Ross Rams

The Northern Pride U17s representative is a powerhouse forward whose blistering runs straight down the middle always excite fans.

Aleeah Michael

Upper Ross Rams

A versatile star who can line up anywhere in the backline. Aleeah plays eyes-up footy and steers her team around the park with great communication.

The Pride U17s rep lives and breathes footy – hailing from Cooktown and boarding at NRL Cowboys House.

Faye Nawarue and Moana Michael

Upper Ross Rams

The dynamic centre pairing are quiet on the field but their actions speak louder than any words. They don’t shy away from big tackles and work hard to protect their sideline and wingers.

Makayla-Jayne Freeburn

Brothers

The talented five-eighth has shown good early season form, scoring four tries in just two matches, leading all pointscorers in the division at the time of publish.

Mia Pashley and Alkira Long

Brothers

Pashley (halfback) and Long (winger) have combined for just under half of Brothers’ points in the early rounds and will be exciting to watch as the season progresses.

Originally published as Townsville’s top under-17 league stars ready to make their mark