2025 Canberra Raiders Junior Representatives

[greeneyed]

Huge congratulations to Ben Guy for being selected in the Canberra Raiders scholarship program! Ben’s off to Canberra in January to train with the SG Ball squad and will soon join the squad in camp. While Ben has signed with the Wingham Tigers for next season, he'll be part of the Raiders program in 2025.

Wingham Tigers

[greeneyed]

Hearing that Peter Marrapodi will be the Harold Matthews coach in 2025 and Rourke O’Sullivan will switch places and take over SG Ball.

Trials:

December 14 v Parramatta Eels at Camden
Harold Matthews 10:30am
SG Ball 12:15pm
Lisa Fiaola 10:30am
Tarsha Gale 11:45am

January 18 v Wests Mapies/Tigers at Mittagong

Not seen any Canberra squads announced.

2025 NSWRL Junior Reps squads: Harold Matthews and SG Ball Cup: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newsl ... 7bde06b55b

2025 NSWRL Junior Reps squads: Lisa Fiaola and Tarsha Gale Cup: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newsl ... 526630cf9f

2025 regional Junior Reps squads: Andrew Johns and Laurie Daley Cup: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newsl ... ec77c6c7b7

[greeneyed]

25 for 2025: Tarsha Gale talents who can make the leap to the NRLW next season

The Tarsha Gale Cup featured some of the country’s best female talent with a number poised to take the next step. We look at 25 players who can make the leap towards the NRLW in 2025.

LARA COSGROVE (CANBERRA)

An exciting outside back who knows her way to the line and can kick goals to boot as well. Has taken that form back to the very strong Katrina Fanning Shield where she is impressing for the Woden Valley Rams.

ELISE SIMPSON (CANBERRA)

With a background in touch and union, rugby league would be wise to keep her in the game for as long as possible. Genuine excitement machine at fullback who was among the competition’s leading scorers, the Raiders would be mad to let her go.

Read more: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newsl ... 08449457ba

[greeneyed]

[greeneyed]

Raiders and Monaro Lisa Fiaola Cup squads join forces at training

The Canberra Raiders and Monaro Lisa Fiaola Cup squads had the opportunity to train together last weekend as the teams prepare for their respective 2025 representative seasons. The Raiders will enter a team in the Lisa Fiaola Cup (17s girls) for the first time in 2025, with the club extending its junior female pathway.

Read more: https://www.raiders.com.au/news/2024/12 ... -training/

[The Greenhouse]

Canberra Raiders Junior Representatives draw for 2025 announced

The NSWRL has announced the draws for the 2025 Junior Representative season.

The Canberra Raiders will compete in the Lisa Fiaola Cup for Under 17 female players for the first time in 2025. It became a full, formal competition only this year, and will include 13 teams next season. The Raiders will continue in Tarsha Gale Cup for Under 19 female players, with 13 teams participating.

Sixteen teams will contest the SG Ball Cup (Under 19 men) and 17 will participate in the Harold Matthews Cup (Under 17 boys). The Raiders play four of their eight matches at home in Harold Matthews, while the SG Ball team will again play only four of their nine matches at home.

The region's junior representative team, the Monaro Colts will again turn out in the Laurie Daley Cup (Under 18 boys) and Andrew Johns Cup (Under 16 boys). The Colts will also participate in the regional Lisa Fiaola Cup (Under 17 girls) competition. The Colts include players from the Canberra district down to the NSW Far South Coast, with home games played at NSWRL HQ at Bruce in Canberra.

CANBERRA RAIDERS JUNIOR REPRESENTATIVES DRAW

Round 1

Saturday 1 February

Lisa Fiaola Cup: Canberra Raiders v Parramatta Eels, Raiders Belconnen, 11:00am
Tarsha Gale Cup: Canberra Raiders v Parramatta Eels, Raiders Belconnen, 12:30pm
Harold Matthews: Canberra Raiders v Canterbury Bulldogs, Raiders Belconnen, 2:00pm
SG Ball: Canberra Raiders v Canterbury Bulldogs, Raiders Belconnen, 3:30pm

Round 2

Saturday 8 February

Lisa Fiaola Cup: Wests Tigers v Canberra Raiders, Kirkham Oval, 11:00am
Tarsha Gale Cup: Wests Tigers v Canberra Raiders, Kirkham Oval, 12:30pm
Harold Matthews: Cronulla Sharks v Canberra Raiders, Shark Park, 1:30pm
SG Ball: Cronulla Sharks v Canberra Raiders, Shark Park, 3:15pm

Round 3

Saturday 15 February

Lisa Fiaola Cup: Canberra Raiders v Newcastle Knights, Raiders Belconnen, 11:00am
Tarsha Gale Cup: Canberra Raiders v Newcastle Knights, Raiders Belconnen, 12:30pm
Harold Matthews: Canberra Raiders v Illawarra Steelers, Raiders Belconnen, 2:00pm
SG Ball: Canberra Raiders v Illawarra Steelers, Raiders Belconnen, 3:30pm

Round 4

Saturday 22 February

Harold Matthews: St George Dragons v Canberra Raiders, Kogarah Jubilee Stadium, 12:00pm
SG Ball: Sydney Roosters v Canberra Raiders, Mascot Oval, 12:00pm
Tarsha Gale Cup: Canberra Raiders v St George Dragons, Raiders Belconnen, 12:30pm
Lisa Fiaola Cup: Canberra Raiders v St George Dragons, Raiders Belconnen, 2:00pm

Round 5

Saturday 1 March

Lisa Fiaola Cup: BYE
Tarsha Gale Cup: BYE
Harold Matthews: BYE
SG Ball: Canberra Raiders v Manly Sea Eagles, Raiders Belconnen, 3:00pm

Round 6

Saturday 8 March

Lisa Fiaola Cup: Central Coast Roosters v Canberra Raiders, Mascot Oval, 11:45am
Tarsha Gale Cup: Sydney Roosters v Canberra Raiders, Mascot Oval, 1:15pm
Harold Matthews: Parramatta Eels v Canberra Raiders, Eric Tweedale Stadium, 2:30pm
SG Ball: Parramatta Eels v Canberra Raiders, Eric Tweedale Stadium, 4:30pm

Round 7

Saturday 22 March

Harold Matthews: Canberra Raiders v Sydney Roosters, Raiders Belconnen, 12:00pm
Lisa Fiaola Cup: Canberra Raiders v North Sydney Bears, Raiders Belconnen, 1:30pm
Tarsha Gale Cup: Canberra Raiders v North Sydney Bears, Raiders Belconnen, 3:00pm
SG Ball: Melbourne Storm v Canberra Raiders, Seabrook Reserve, 2:00pm

Round 8

Saturday 29 March

SG Ball: St George Dragons v Canberra Raiders, Kogarah Jubilee Stadium, 12:00pm
Harold Matthews: Canberra Raiders v North Sydney Bears, Raiders Belconnen, 2:00pm

Sunday 30 March

Lisa Fiaola Cup: South Sydney Rabbitohs v Canberra Raiders, Redfern Oval, 1:00pm
Tarsha Gale Cup: South Sydney Rabbitohs v Canberra Raiders, Redfern Oval, 2:30pm

Round 9

Saturday 5 April

Lisa Fiaola Cup: Manly Sea Eagles v Canberra Raiders, Brookvale Oval, 1:30pm
Tarsha Gale Cup: Manly Sea Eagles v Canberra Raiders, Brookvale Oval, 3:00pm
SG Ball: Canberra Raiders v Western Suburbs Magpies, Raiders Belconnen, 2:00pm
Harold Matthews: Melbourne Storm v Canberra Raiders, Seabrook Reserve, 2:00pm

MONARO COLTS JUNIOR REPRESENTATIVES DRAW

Round 1

Sunday 9 February

Northern Rivers Titans v Monaro Colts, Murwillumbah Leagues Club
Andrew Johns Cup, 10:00am
Laurie Daley Cup, 11:20am
Lisa Fiaola Cup, 1:00pm

Round 2

Sunday 16 February

Monaro Colts v Macarthur Wests Tigers, NSWRL HQ Bruce
Andrew Johns Cup, 10:00am
Laurie Daley Cup, 11:20am
Lisa Fiaola Cup BYE

Round 3

Saturday 22 February

Western Rams v Monaro Colts, Glen Willow Stadium, Mudgee
Andrew Johns Cup, 10:00am
Laurie Daley Cup, 11:20am
Lisa Fiaola Cup, TBA

Round 4

Sunday 2 March

Monaro Colts v Riverina Bulls, NSWRL HQ Bruce
Andrew Johns Cup, 10:00am
Laurie Daley Cup, 11:20am
Lisa Fiaola Cup, 12:40pm

Round 5

Saturday 8 March

North Coast Bulldogs v Monaro Colts, Port Macquarie Regional Stadium
Lisa Fiaolo Cup, TBA

Sunday 9 March

Monaro Colts v Illawarra South Coast Dragons, NSWRL HQ Bruce
Andrew Johns Cup, 10:00am
Laurie Daley Cup, 11:20am

* Raiders and Colts home games denoted in bold

A report for The Greenhouse

FULL 2025 DRAWS: viewtopic.php?t=36399

NSWRL releases draws for 2025 season: https://www.nswrl.com.au/news/2024/12/1 ... 25-season/

[greeneyed]

[NoMan]

Hopefully they announce some squads soon.

[greeneyed]

Don’t have scores from the trials. Harold Matthews played well reportedly and won. SG Ball were scrappy, is all I’ve heard, which is presumably a loss.

[greeneyed]

[greeneyed]

Brightest, best emerging teenagers in rugby league

Chevy Stewart, fullback, Canberra

Still only 19, the former Sharks junior seems to have been around forever. Courageous under the high ball and a constant menace in attack, the one-time schoolboys sensation headed south two seasons ago and this year cracked the NRL under the guidance of Ricky Stuart.

Noah Martin, second-rower, Canberra

On a development contract at the Raiders, the talented back-rower will be pushing to break into the NRL squad in 2025. It has been a big couple of years for Narooma Devils junior, who stepped up into NSW Cup this year before representing the Blues in the U19s Origin clash.

Xavier Cacciotti, hooker, Canberra

One of the brightest young prospects in the national’s capital, Cacciotti is a crafty hooker who is deadly close to the line. An Australian Schoolboy representative in 2023, the 19-year-old took his game to another level this year as he took out the Raiders’ players’ player award in the SG Ball Cup.

Jonah Anderson, halfback, Canberra

A classy ballplayer, great runner of the ball and with the ability to put the ball on a string with his kicks, Anderson has got plenty of people excited in Canberra. After picking up player of the competition and leading the Monaro Colts to the Laurie Daley Cup title early in the year, he progressed through the Raiders’ ranks all the way to Jersey Flegg and was impressive for the ACT in the ASSRL Nationals in July.

Mitchell Brophy, hooker, Canberra

Tough, skilful and with a good footy head on his shoulders, Brophy saw his star rise over the course of 2024. He was part of the Monaro Colts team that took out the Laurie Daley Cup, represented NSW Country under-18s and was the ACT’s player of the tournament at the Schoolboys nationals.

Luke Tuialii, wing/centre, Canberra

A powerful outside back, Tuialii starred for both the Monaro Colts in the Laurie Daley Cup and Erindale College in the Peter Mulholland Cup to earn a spot in this year’s Australian Schoolboys team. The younger brother of Canberra NSW Cup player Mark Tuialii, Luke is also signed the Raiders and looms as one of the club’s most promising local prospects.

Read more: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newsl ... ec939d1675

Stewart and Martin already NSW Cup, Cacciotti and Anderson likely Flegg, Brophy and Tuialii likely SG Ball.

[greeneyed]

Four year deal for Deegan Lesniak. Lock it seems. Harold Matthews player from Tumbarumba, near Tumut. That should keep him in the system to the end of SG Ball, as a guess.

[NoMan]

Looks like he is a lock or prop. Must be a good prospect, that's a decent contract for a 16 year old.

[greeneyed]

Four year deal for Woden Rams junior, Campbell Lloyd, will see him through to the end of SG Ball.

Source: Map Sports on Instagram


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[NoMan]

Not sure where to put it but I thought this was kind of interesting. Shows the translation from SG Ball success to NRL. Really we need to aim to be right at the top of SG Ball every year to produce a steady stream of quality first graders. 2021 when they won it produced three (Savage, Mooney and soon enough Asomua).

Making the grade: How many SG Ball Cup premiers have featured at the NRL level?

The SG Ball Cup has long been the jewel in the crown of the junior reps landscape. A total of 17 players from the last five SG Ball grand final winning teams have progressed to the NRL, 20 per cent of the 85 players.

Just two players from Canberra’s 2021 side have gone on to play in the NRL. Electrifying winger Xavier Savage locked down his spot in the side during the 2024 season and led the club in tries for the season. Trey Mooney is another who became a regular last year. Michael Asaomua has signed an NRL top-30 contract for the next two seasons so there’s every chance the winger will be the next to make his debut.

Read more: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newsl ... a32b16a039

I have pretty high hopes for the side this year.

[greeneyed]

Raiders trials on Saturday at Wollongong



The Steelers take on the Canberra Raiders in pre-season trials at Robert Ziems Park, Corrimal this Saturday, 11 January.

12.30pm – Lisa Fiaola Cup
2.00pm – Harold Matthews Cup

Read more: https://illawarrarugbyleague.com.au/ste ... y-example/

[greeneyed]

Based on Instagram… the Raiders seem to have recruited prop Roman Tuaimau. Penrith Panthers Harold Matthews last year.

[NoMan]

Automatically sounds like a good pick up just based on the Panthers link.

It looks like he came off the bench for NSW CCC last year as well and made Australian under 15s previously.

[greeneyed]

[greeneyed]

Heard the Matthews strongest line up did very well in the first half, but Steelers reportedly won 24-20.

Final trials…

[NoMan]

The Telegraph finally posted some previews for Raiders junior sides. Still no squads but some write ups on a few players.

SG Ball Cup 2025 season preview

After just falling short of the grand final in 2023, the SG Ball Raiders failed to reach the top-six last year.

“The SG Ball is a tough competition,” said Raiders coach Rourke O’Sullivan. “The good teams are the ones that compete on every play and that is something we have focused on during the pre-season. It has been tough, but the boys have done everything asked of them. We have a strong squad.”

Players to watch: Jayze Tuigamala (backrow/middle forward), Sam Hyne (prop), Braydan (BJ) Darmody (outside back/halves)

Read more: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newsl ... cfd59635b2

Harold Matthews Cup 2025 season preview

After reaching the finals in 2023, things didn’t pan out as expected for Canberra last season.

“Last year was disappointing, but we are confident we will have a competitive side this season,” said Raiders mentor Peter Marrapodi, who last season coached SG Ball. “There’s plenty of fresh faces drawn from all over southern NSW including Albury, Wagga, Griffith, Narooma and Leeton. The commitment from the regional boys with respect to travel and work ethic certainly inspires the local lads to lift their intensity. ”

Players to watch: Geordan Amaiu (backrower), Kye Anderson, Viliami Siale (centre)

Read more: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newsl ... 91f7d7e3de

[greeneyed]

Tiger Campbell of U18s Norths Tigers, North Ipswich signs with Raiders, according to their Facebook page. Has played with Ipswich Jets, Mal Meninga Cup last year. Half or five eighth.

[greeneyed]

Tarsha Gale Cup 2025 season preview

Canberra wasn’t far off the pace last season and could well have played finals footy if not for several narrow defeats. Local product Mila Ah Key, a mobile middle forward, is an U17s Country rep. One of the Melbourne brigade, Katelyn Faifili-Boon is a strong ball-playing lock who has relocated to Canberra. Canberra local Sabrina Marela is a skilled five-eighth. Melbourne halfback Summer Luamanu is on a Raiders scholarship and has a sound kicking game. Electric fullback Elise Simpson returns.

Read more: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newsl ... 24e1dc015f

Lisa Fiaola Cup 2025 season preview

After missing out on last season’s first fully fledged Lisa Fiaola competition, Canberra starts 2025 as the new kids on the block. Gifted playmaker Ocean Kaiwai-Rangikauhata comes from Melbourne, while half and local junior Adelaide Norris was identified by the Raiders two years ago. Evie Perry joins from Wagga Wagga. The pacy centre is the daughter of former Canterbury NRL hooker, Adam.

Read more: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newsl ... c97fb4fbd1

[greeneyed]

NSWRL and BarTV partner to showcase more than 900 games

The NSWRL is excited to launch a new partnership with BarTV Sports, which will provide fans with the opportunity to live stream all Major Competitions and Junior Representative Competitions across the state.

The NSWRL Junior Representatives competitions covered include Andrew Johns Cup (Under 16s Boys), Lisa Fiaola Cup (Under 17s Girls, metropolitan and regional), Harold Matthews Cup (Under 17s Boys), Laurie Daley Cup (Under 18s Boys), Tarsha Gale Cup (Under 19s Women) and SG Ball Cup (Under 19s Men).

The NSWRL Major Competitions covered include NSW Cup, NSW Women’s Premiership, Jersey Flegg Cup (Under 21s Men), Ron Massey Cup, Sydney Shield, Men’s Country Championships, Women’s Country Championships, Newcastle Cup and the Illawarra Premiership.

By subscribing to BarTV, fans will be able to watch more than 900 matches, which is three times the number of games that were live streamed in 2024. You will also have access to full match replays, highlights packages and exclusive behind-the-scenes content and interviews.

With Junior Representatives Competitions kicking off on Saturday 1 February, there’s no better time to sign up to BarTV Sports!

How do I sign up?

You can subscribe to your preferred plan by visiting bartvsports.com.au/account and select ‘NSWRL TV’ in the subscription process.

To protect your privacy, existing NSWRL TV account data cannot be transferred to BarTV Sports, so you will need to create a new account.

Read more: https://www.nswrl.com.au/news/2025/01/2 ... 900-games/

[greeneyed]

Andrew Johns Cup 2025 season preview

MONARO COLTS

Monaro Colts coach Jack Bramley says that while the rep teams of recent years seem to have been hindered by the pandemic disruptions, this current group shows no signs of those shortcomings.

“People might not see the damage that COVID did to local junior football,” he said. “The two or three teams before this missed a lot of football in that prime age of 12/13/14, whereas these guys have had a bit more coaching.

Players to watch: Halfback Drew Kemp, five-eighth Jack Ryan, Goulburn backrower/lock Marlowe Young

RIVERINA BULLS

After a couple of difficult years for Riverina teams, there is plenty of reason for optimism that this crop of young Bulls can seriously improve on results.

“This year’s squad is very deep in talent,” said coach Jordan Burley, who has selected a 32-player roster that he will carry through the whole tournament.

Players to watch: Five-eighth Kobe Gustowski, halfback Zayd Williams

Read more: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newsl ... 2a91aa620d

Laurie Daley Cup 2025 season preview

MONARO COLTS

While Monaro took out the Laurie Daley Cup last year, it will be a completely different-looking Colts side in 2025, with no players backing up from 2024’s triumph.

“It’s a pretty good group, we’ve got some size about us. I think we’ll be right,” coach Brendan Bradley said.

“We try and set the standards high every year, especially after being successful the last two years, winning one (grand final) and losing one. Being there or thereabouts is definitely something I emphasise to the group from day one and there’s no reason why we can’t continue to do it.”

“I think the camaraderie of the group and the willingness of them will be a positive. They’ve really bought into what it’s about it. They haven’t had much success as a group coming through. In the 16s they probably missed the boat and the boys who were involved in Harold Matts (with Canberra) weren’t so competitive, so there’s got to be a bit of fire there to excel now that they’re getting a bit older.”

RIVERINA BULLS

After a string of difficult years in both the Johns and Daley Cup competitions, the Bulls have placed a premium on attitude and commitment in what has been an overhaul of its season preparation for 2025.

“We’ve done a big turnaround,” said coach Mark Yates. ”We wanted to get a bunch of kids that will play for each other, really work together, not give up and play until the end.

Players to watch: Backrower Jack Walsh, halfback Diezel Watson, forward Vula Wate, centre/winger Isaiah Pulleine

Read more: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newsl ... 2a91aa620d

[NoMan]

2025 Canberra Raiders junior representatives squads

SG Ball Cup

Denzel Veikune
Luke Cannon
Reece Josephson
Preston Smallwood
Hardy Glover
Kruger Roache
Jamie Cowling
Troy Codey
Ezra Leota
Zildjian Tafili
Chaev Kolone
Natu Leota
Harvey Mahoney
Sylas Simon
Cooper Johnston
James Croker
Harry Hudson
Luke Tuialii
BJ Darmody
Mitchell Brophy
Sam Hyne
Alex Hardy
Jesse Milin
Brock Apolevski
Mahonri Tiotala
Roman Tuaimau
Sam Chapman
Jayze Tuigamala
Matt Cox

Harold Matthews Cup

Mitchell Sleigh
Viliame Siale
Geordan Amaiu
Jeziah Charles
Isaiah Cornforth
Sonny Lauvao
Tyler Jordan
Jude Cattle
Kai Stanmore
Kye Anderson
Okie Aldridge
Latrell Dyer
Kuluni Vaipuna
Altas Atilua
Zayd Williams
Bailey Logue
Rhys Chapman
Joaz Ayamiseba
Darnell Thomas
Tyran McLean
Campbell Lloyd
Kodi Roberts
Riley Ivanku
Deegan Lesniak
BJ Pumpa
Logan Summerell
Sebastian Jones

Tarsha Gale Cup

Mila AhKey
Heidi Brownlie
Halle Constable
Angelina Costa
Jayda Danilczak
Teresa Eli
Kirita Eli
Alysha Eti
Katelyn Faifili Boon
Jaida Faleono
Claudia Finau
Sienna Gerstenberg
Bridie Hampshire
Ella Kelly
Summer Luamanu
Sabrina Marela
Jessica Nicholas
Isabella Piper
Makenna Ravouvou
Gabriella Savage
Hollie Shepherd
Elise Simpson
Sara Small
Kaliyah Smith
Eliza Taylor
Uta Uatisone Poka
Imojean Vea
Magdalena Velovski
Reese Vidler
Holly Williams

Lisa Fiaola Cup

Meah Beecham
Mila Capello
Frankie Capello
Shayleen Coe
Jayda Cook
Havanna Cook
Saige Fattore
Charli Gault
Paualee Going
Kaelani Goolagong
Shanaya Harrison
Maddison Higgins
Ocean Kaiwai-Rangikauhata
Jaida Lee Lyons
Ellie McCormack
Jordyn McFadden
Adelaide Norris
Nevaeh Peace
Skye Pegg
Evie Perry
Lilly Pickering
Neha Smith
Kymiah Stewart
Chelsea Tyrrell
Layla Wellington
Jade White

Read more: https://www.raiders.com.au/more/junior-representatives/

The boys junior rep squads have been released. There's a few names like Jonah Anderson missing, I guess he might be playing up in Flegg?

[greeneyed]

2025 Round 1 Junior Representatives



SG Ball

Canberra Raiders v Canterbury Bulldogs
Saturday 1 February, 3:30pm
Raiders Belconnen
Live stream: Bar TV Sports

Canberra Raiders

1. Reece Josephson 2. Cooper Johnston 3. James Croker 4. Luke Tuialii 5. Sylas Simon 6. Braydan Darmody (c) 7. Jamie Cowling 8. Samuel Hyne 9. Mitchell Brophy 10. Jesse Milin 11. Roman Tuaimau 12. Mahonri Tiotala 13. Jayze Tuigamala

14. Ezra Leota 15. Sam Chapman 17. Chaev Kolone

Canterbury Bulldogs

1. Jai Callaghan 2. Jope Rauqe 3. Marcellus Iakopo 4. Genesis Ah Kam Sherlock 5. Paul Johnson 6. Bronson Reuben 7. Alex Conti 8. Oliva Smith 9. Kaawyn Patterson 10. Mohamed Hadid 11. Solomone Tupou 12. Sosaia Alatini 13. Mace Andrew

14. Hassan Rabaa 15. Tristan Burns 16. Zane Groves 17. Lyncoln Cliffe

18. Matthew Barakat 19. Carson Tmalii 20. Patrick Carey

AT A GLANCE: The Raiders finished 2023 as the SG Ball minor premiers - and was widely expected to again be a title contender in 2024. However, they ended up missing the finals. Big losses to the Knights and Steelers in the opening two rounds proved to be difficult to come back from. Canberra had a good mid season run, winning four of five matches. But the season was ended by a 54-16 defeat to the Dragons in Round 8 in Sydney.

Coach Rourke O'Sullivan has taken over from Peter Marrapodi at the Green Machine's SG Ball team in 2025, with Marrapodi to helm the Harold Matthews outfit.

"The SG Ball is a tough competition," O'Sullivan told The Daily Telegraph. "The good teams are the ones that compete on every play and that is something we have focused on during the pre-season. It has been tough, but the boys have done everything asked of them."

"We have a strong squad. There's a good mix of talent with players stepping up from Harold Matts, and there's a big chunk of players from the Monaro side that won last year’s Laurie Daley Cup."

So expectations are again high for 2025.

The Raiders take on last year's SG Ball Grand Finalists, the Canterbury Bulldogs, in Round 1. The Raiders defeated the Dogs in Round 4 last year at Seiffert Oval - the first time Canterbury had ventured to Canberra region in at least a decade. But the Bulldogs then produced a seven game winning streak to qualify for the Grand Final. It was a match they lost, however, 40-18, to the Dragons at Western Sydney Stadium.

The Bulldogs will likely be a tough opponent, after their Harold Matthews team won the minor premiership last year. They were knocked out in the finals by the eventual premiers in that grade, the Warriors. Players the Raiders will need to watch include half and captain Alex Conti and hooker Kaawyn Patterson - who has been recruited from the Warriors Matthews premiership team.

2024 Season record: Raiders 4 and 5 (11th, -62)
Bulldogs 6 and 2, 1 draw (4th, +130)
Form: Raiders LWWLL
Bulldogs WWWWL
Previous meetings: 2024 Round 4 Raiders 30 defeated Bulldogs 20 at Seiffert Oval
2021 Finals Week 1 Raiders 44 defeated Bulldogs 10 at HE Laybutt Field
2017 Round 7 Bulldogs 38 defeated Raiders 10 at Belmore Sports Ground
2015 Round 7 Raiders 42 defeated Bulldogs 22 at Belmore Sports Ground

Team news: Jamie Cowling and Braydan Darmody form the halves combination, while a recruit from the Northern Tigers, Reece Josephson will start at hooker. Locals James Croker and Luke Tuialii will be the centre pairing. Tuialii is the younger brother of another Raider, Mark, and was selected for the Australian Schoolboys in 2024. Another local star, Mitch Brophy will start at hooker. He'll be backed up by Ezra Leota, who hails from Brisbane and has been recruited from the Eels, on the bench. Braydan Darmody has been named as captain.

Harold Matthews

Canberra Raiders v Canterbury Bulldogs
Saturday 1 February, 2:00pm
Raiders Belconnen
Live stream: Bar TV Sports

Canberra Raiders

1. Kye Anderson 2. Kuluni Vaipuna 3. Viliami Siale 4. Altas Atilua 5. Sebastian Jones 6. Bailey Logue 7. Joaz Ayamiseba 8. Jezaiah Charles 9. Campbell Lloyd 10. Geordan Amaiu 11. Kodi Roberts 12. Jude Cattle 13. Sonny Lauvao

14. Darnell Thomas 15. Riley Ivanku 16. Billy Jai Pumpa 17. Tyran McLean

18. Rhys Chapman 19. Latrell Dyer 20. Mitchell Sleigh 21. Tyler Jordan 22. Deegan Lesniak 23. Logan Summerell 24. Zayd Williams

Canterbury Bulldogs

1. Jackson Winnett 2. Wesley Papalii-Afoa 3. Braith Sloane 4. Luca Te Awa 5. James Selesele Peni 6. Chinedu Udeh (c) 7. Feofa'aki Tupouniua 8. Vunivalu Niupalau 9. William Lewis 10. Dallis Taoai 11. Mikal Papalii-Talanai 12. Viliami Mahe 13. Billy Mulheran

14. Evander Tafua 15. Kanon Phillips 16. Esilome Makaui 17. Coby Pierce

18. Jaedyn Tuigamala-Nicholas 19. Pietro D'Aprile

AT A GLANCE: The Raiders made the finals in Harold Matthews in 2023, but the Green Machine was not so fortunate last season. They started the year with losses to the Knights and Central Coast Roosters - but the loss to the Sharks in Round 3 was even harder to take. They started strongly in that match, going to a 12-0 lead after 15 minutes. The Sharks scored the next three tries taking control of the game. But a try to Kruger Roache with 10 minutes remaining levelled the scores and gave the Raiders a chance of a victory. Green hearts were broken, however, when the Sharks produced the winning field goal with a minute left on the clock. 19-18.

Sadly, the Raiders lost their first four games straight - and no team can afford to do that in a short season. They ended the season with only two wins - the Round 6 victory over the Panthers (34-28) and the Round 8 win over the Dragons (34-14).

In the past, the Raiders have relied only on local talent in Harold Matthews. But they have increasingly looked to the broader region.

"Last year was disappointing, but we are confident we will have a competitive side this season," Raiders coach Peter Marrapodi said.

"There's plenty of fresh faces drawn from all over southern NSW including Albury, Wagga, Griffith, Narooma and Leeton. The Raiders run satellite programs in regional areas - it helps set standards and means the boys don't always need to travel to Canberra."

"The commitment from the regional boys with respect to travel and work ethic certainly inspires the local lads to lift their intensity. Traditionally we don't take on under age players, but this year we have seven that are still a year young. They were simply too good to leave out - it's a strong group."

The Green Machine's Round 1 opponents, the Bulldogs, were minor premiers last year. They were undefeated in the regular season, with a Round 5 draw with the Eels (20-20) the closest they came to a loss. Their only defeat in 2024 came in their semi final - with the Warriors taking the game, 12-10. The Bulldogs will be coached this year by former Canterbury prop, Mark O'Meley.

Season record: Raiders 2 and 6 (14th, -61)
Bulldogs 7 and 0, 1 draw (1st, +180)
Form: Raiders LWLWL
Bulldogs WWWWL
Previous meetings: 2023 Finals Week 1 Bulldogs 25 defeated Raiders 18 at Campbelltown Sports Stadium
2017 Round 7 Raiders 20 defeated Bulldogs 10 at Belmore Sports Ground
2016 Round 7 Bulldogs 50 defeated Raiders 6 at Belmore Sports Ground

Team news: Many new names in the Raiders' Harold Matthews line up. New recruit from the Illawarra, Kye Anderson takes the No. 1 jersey, while Woden Rams junior Campbell Lloyd will start at hooker. Queanbeyan Blues junior Joaz Ayamiseba and Windsor Wolves junior Bailey Logue will start in the halves.

Tarsha Gale Cup

Canberra Raiders v Parramatta Eels
Saturday 1 February, 12:30pm
Raiders Belconnen
Live stream: Bar TV Sports

Canberra Raiders

1. TBA 2. TBA 3. Ella Kelly 4. Sara Small 5. TBA 6. Sabrina Marela 7. Summer Luamanu 18. Jaida Faleono 9. Reese Vidler 25. Teuila Ahkey 12. Kirita Eli 12. TBA 13. Katelyn Faifili-Boon

14. Halle Constable 15. Isabella Piper 19. Jessica Nicholas 22. Imojean Vea

Parramatta Eels

1. Dallis Graham-Withell 2. Nelly Thomas 3. Jessamine Aloalii 4. Mariah Fasavalu-Faamausili 5. Alleya Scrivens 6. Sammy-Lee Gunn-Tauai 7. Aaliyah Soufan 8. Armarni-Lea Auvae 9. Rory Muller 10. Tess McWilliams 11. Fontayne Tufuga 12. Matoisha Kalepo 13. Ryvrr-Lee Alo

14. Ava Jones 15. Khyliah Gray 16. Taylah Falaniko 17. Alana O'Loughlin

18. Shire Thocolich

AT A GLANCE: The Raiders finished 2024 in seventh place on the ladder, just one competition point away from playing finals. They won three of their last four matches - and ended the season with a 60-6 victory over the Rabbitohs at Seiffert. The only top six team they beat was the Sharks. But the Raiders are establishing a solid base in this grade.

"Last year was a building year and now for the first time we have a group of 15-17s development players filtering through to Tarsha Gale," Raiders coach Nicole Fleming said. "So hopefully the upward trend is set to continue."

“We have seven girls returning from last season and the rest are from the club’s development programs. There are five in the squad from Melbourne who were selected after being identified in our Albury Thunder training program. It’s just one of many success stories from the out of town run programs.”

Halfback Summer Luamanu and lock Katelyn Faifili-Boon are two of the Melbourne players to watch in green in 2025, while dangerous running fullback, Elise Simpson returns.

The Raiders will be hoping for their first ever win over the Eels in this grade, when they host the Parramatta outfit in Round 1. The Eels had a very similar record to the Raiders in 2024, finishing one rung below Canberra on the competition ladder, on points differential.

The Eels lost narrowly to the Bulldogs in a trial in the second week of January, but won their final trial match against the Bulldogs.

Season record: Raiders 4 and 4 (7th, +48)
Eels 4 and 4 (8th, +24)
Form: Raiders LWLWW
Eels WLWWW
Previous meetings: 2024 Round 7 Eels 30 defeated Raiders 12 at Eric Tweedale Stadium
2023 Round 5 Eels 26 defeated Raiders 12 at Raiders Belconnen
2022 Round 9 Eels 52 defeated Raiders 0 at Kellyville Park
2021 Round 6 Raiders 16 drew Eels 16 at Seiffert Oval
2022 Round 1 Raiders 30 defeated Eels 8 at Raiders Belconnen

Team news: Plenty of gaps in the team named for the Raiders. Fullback Elise Simpson is a notable name missing. Sabrina Marela and Summer Luamanu are the new halves pairing, while star forward Jaida Faleono lines up at prop. Marela has been named as captain.

Lisa Fiaola Cup

Canberra Raiders v Parramatta Eels
Saturday 1 February, 11:00am
Raiders Belconnen
Live stream: Bar TV Sports

Canberra Raiders

1. Ellie McCormack 2. Saige Fattore 3. Paua-Lee Going 4. Evie Perry 5. Havana Cook 6. Ocean Kaiwai-Rangikauhata 7. Adelaide Norris 15. Chelsea Tyrrell 9. Frankie Cappello 25. Skye Pegg 11. Kymiah Stewart 12. Maddison Higgins 13. Meah Beecham

14. Jade White 16. Layla Wellington 17. Charli Gault 22. Nevaeh Peace

23. Neha Smith 10. Jaida-Lee Lyons 18. Kaelani Goolagong 20. Shanaya Harrison 21. Mila Cappello

Parramatta Eels

1. Irae Savea 2. Sienna Bonello 3. Cody Tuimaseve 4. Hine Rikiti 5. Freedom Crichton Ropati 6. Sharon Latapu 7. Temieke Withers 8. Leonia Vei 9. Bailey Ma-Chong 10. Isabella Bell 11. Kaizen Morgan-Pritchard 12. Mitszy Cairns 13. Catea Duff

14. Rylee Cash 15. Mere Sivo 16. Olivia Saba 17. Evelyn Kuwendu

19. Deja Vaivela

AT A GLANCE: The Canberra Raiders will participate in the Lisa Fiaola Cup for the first time in 2025. The Raiders are not far behind the pack, as the Lisa Fiaola Cup only became a formal competition last year. But it will still be an historic occasion for the Green Machine, when they host the Eels in Round 1. The club's first game and first home game in this grade.

"To gauge the level of player interest, the club ran an U15s development program late last year," Raiders coach Brian Summerell explained.

"The response was brilliant - 260 attended. It showed there was enough interest and talent in the region to sustain a Lisa Fiaola program. Then 160 players trialled for spots in the final squad. There were girls from Bathurst, Coffs Harbour and even as far away as Melbourne."

"It's hard to measure success in 2025 in terms of wins and losses. For many it's their first time in rep footy, so for now the focus is on development. Forty per cent of the squad are still a year young and will be available again next season. But the club is heavily invested in the program’s success."

Melbourne half Ocean Kaiwai-Rangikauhata is highly rated, while local Adelaide Norris is set to partner her in the halves. Centre Evie Perry, the daughter of former NRL player Adam Perry, has been recruited from Wagga.

The Eels finished in third place on the ladder in 2024, recording six wins and qualifying for the finals. However, they were knocked out in Week 1 of the play offs, losing to the Knights, 22-10, at Leichhardt Oval. Players the Raiders will have to watch include hooker Bailey Ma-Chong and winger Freedom Crichton Ropati. Crichton Ropati is the niece of Panthers winger Brian To'o. Half Sharon Latapu will be in her second season of Fiaola Cup.

The Eels are coming off a win in their final trial against the Panthers, but were well beaten by the 2024 premiers, the Bulldogs in early January. The Tigers scored a late try against the Raiders in Canberra's final trial - ensuring the match ended in a draw.

Team news: The very first Raiders Fiaola Cup team sees Ocean Kaiwai-Rangikauhata and Adelaide Norris team up in the halves, with Ellie McCormack at fullback and Frankie Cappello at hooker. Norris and Cappello have been named as co-captains.

[NoMan]

Looking forward to getting to watch them this year. Looks like SG ball is mostly pathways players with a few signings, which is good to see.

[greeneyed]

[NoMan]

Looks like Yuri Hromow has gone to the Sharks. Can't keep them all I guess but he was really good last year in the games I watched.

Didn't see any other departures base on a quick glance of the other teams.

[greeneyed]

Looks like Yuri Hromow has gone to the Sharks. Can't keep them all I guess but he was really good last year in the games I watched.

Didn't see any other departures base on a quick glance of the other teams.

I hadn’t noticed. That’s a real shame.

[greeneyed]

Here's a bit more background on the SG Ball squad... will see if I can find time to do other squads.

SG Ball Cup

Denzel Veikune - Australian Wallabies Under 16s team 2023 v Pasifika, junior Brumbies program, Daramalan College, outside centre

Luke Cannon - Griffith Waratah Tigers, St Gregorys College 2024, hooker

Reece Josephson - Northern Tigers Laurie Daley Cup 2024, Cobar Roosters, NSW Country junior representative, fullback

Preston Smallwood - Bilambi Jets, Macarthur Wests Tigers Andrew Johns Cup 2023, Canberra Raiders Harold Matthews 2024, centre



Hardy Glover - Young Cherrypickers, Canberra Raiders Harold Matthews 2024, Don Furner Snr NSW Country Scholarship 2024, centre/five eighth



Kruger Roache - Woden Valley Rams, Canberra Raiders Harold Matthews 2024, winger/centre

Jamie Cowling - Goulburn Bulldogs, Erindale College, Monaro Colts Andrew Johns Cup 2023, Canberra Raiders Harold Matthews 2024, Most Improved award 2024, five eighth

Troy Codey - Queanbeyan Blues, Erindale College, Monaro Colts Andrew Johns Cup 2023, Canberra Raiders Harold Matthews 2024, halfback

Ezra Leota - Mabel Park State High, Logan Brothers, Souths Logan Magpies Cyril Connell Cup 2023, Parramatta Eels Harold Matthews 2024, New Zealand Toa squad 2024, hooker,

"A dummy half, Leota is an explosive player who is a little like his idol, premiership winning NRL star Api Koroisau. He is also very strong in defence and is always pinching tohose extra metres around the ruck. His twin brother Natu plays No. 13." The Courier Mail

Zildjian Tafili - Belconnen Sharks, Erindale College, Australian Under 15s 2022, Canberra Raiders Harold Matthews 2024, prop

Chaev Kolone - Mabel Park High School, Wynnum Manly Seagulls Cyril Connell Cup 2024, prop

"An absolute workhorse defender in the middle... the glue that held together Mabel’s defensive line... his repeat efforts were to be admired... would have been close to topping the tackle count." The Courier Mail 2024

Harvey Mahoney - St Brendan's College, Yepoon, Central Queensland Capras Cyril Connell Cup 2023 and 2024, second row, centre

Sylas Simon - Wynnum Manly Seagulls, Norths Devils Mal Meninga Cup 2024, fullback, outside back

"The Dolphins and Broncos have been ambushed by Ricky Stuart’s Raiders for one of Queensland’s top emerging talents. Fullback sensation Sylas Simon will head to Canberra at the end of the year after signing an NRL contract with the Raiders. Simon, 18, was Norths Devils’ player of the year in the Mal Meninga Cup and has been playing for Wynnum-Manly in the BRL." The Courier Mail



Cooper Johnston - Queanbeyan Blues, Monaro Colts 2023, Canberra Raiders Harold Matthews 2024, Players' Player of the Year, wing, fullback

James Croker - Crookwell Dogs, Goulburn Stockmen, St Gregory's College, Canberra Raiders Harold Matthews 2023, Monaro Colts Laurie Daley Cup 2024, NSW Under 18s Country representative 2024, the younger brother of Lachlan Croker and the nephew of Jason Croker, outside back, fullback

Harry Hudson - Belconnen Sharks, Erindale College, Monaro Colts Andrew Johns Cup 2022, Canberra Raiders Harold Matthews 2023, Monaro Colts Laurie Daley Cup 2024, NSW Under 18s Country representative 2024, outside back

Luke Tuialii - Queanbeyan Blues, Erindale College, Monaro Colts Laurie Daley Cup 2024, NSW Country U18s 2024, Australian Schoolboys 2024, centre, winger



Braydan "BJ" Darmody - Queanbeyan Blues, Canberra Raiders Harold Matthews 2023, Canberra Raiders SG Ball 2024, five eighth, fullback, outside back

Mitchell Brophy - Erindale College, Tuggeranong Bushrangers, Monaro Colts Andrew Johns Cup 2022, Canberra Raiders Harold Matthews 2023, Monaro Colts 2024, Jarrod Croker Scholarship 2024, hooker

Sam Hyne - Norths Devils Cyril Connell Cup 2022, Norths Devils Mal Meninga Cup 2023, Queensland City U17s 2023, Canberra Raiders SG Ball 2024, Queensland Under 18s Emerging squad 2024, prop

Alex Hardy - Belconnen Sharks, Canberra Raiders Harold Matthews 2023, Monaro Colts Laurie Daley Cup 2024, NSW Country U18s 2024, prop

Jesse Milin - West Belconnen Warriors, Canberra Raiders Harold Matthews 2023, Monaro Colts Laurie Daley Cup 2024, prop

Brock Apolevski - Erindale College, Queanbeyan Blues, Canberra Raiders Harold Matthews 2023, Canberra Raiders SG Ball 2024, Monaro Colts Laurie Daley Cup 2024, lock, second row

Mahonri Tiotala - Redbank Plains Bears, Ipswich State High, Souths Logan Magpies Cyril Connell Cup 2022, Souths Logan Magpies Mal Meninga Cup 2023, Canberra Raiders SG Ball 2024, second rower

Roman Tuaimau - Minchinbury Jets, Patrician Brothers Blacktown, Australian Schoolboys U15s 2022, Penrith Panthers Harold Matthews 2023 and 2024, second rower

Sam Chapman - Belconnen Sharks, Canberra Raiders Harold Matthews 2022, 2023, Canberra Raiders SG Ball 2024, five eighth

Jayze Tuigamala - Endeavour Sports High, Cronulla Sharks Harold Matthews 2022, 2023, Canberra Raiders SG Ball 2024, centre, backrower, missed bulk of 2024 due to injury

Matt Cox - Batemans Bay Tigers, Canberra Raiders Harold Matthews 2023, Monaro Colts Laurie Daley Cup 2024, lock

[NoMan]

Thanks for the write ups.

Interesting they brought in two dummy halves, I wonder if Brophy will play up when Flegg starts.

[RaiderHulk]

Anderson is injured I have heard which is why they’ve got a new halves pairing.
There are too many good hookers in Flegg and NSW Cup for Brophy to contend against. Pattie, Packer, Cacciotto and Alaia. All healthy competition nonetheless.

[greeneyed]

Nine Narooma girls make the cut for Canberra Raiders' Under 17s and Under 19s teams

Nine female rugby league players from Narooma have been accepted into this year’s elite Canberra Raiders’ female pathways program. Six from the South Coast Marlins Under 15 team will play in the inaugural Under 17 Lisa Fiaola competition, while three members of the South Coast Marlins Under 19s will be competing for the Under 19 Tarsha Gale Cup.

Narooma’s Meah Beecham, Shanaya Harrison, Layla Rix, Neha Smith, Kymiah Stewart, and Chelsea Tyrrell made the cut for the Under 17 Canberra Raiders team, while Heidi Brownlie, Halle Constable and Bridie Hampshire were selected for the Under 19 team.

Read more: https://aboutregional.com.au/nine-naroo ... _source=ar