Official 2023 Junior Rep Squads and Season Preview

The Sydney Roosters are pleased to announce the final Harold Matthews, SG Ball and Tarsha Gale squads for the 2023 season. 

With all three sides going deep into the semi-finals in 2022 and with plenty of talent retained in their respective squads, the Club is confident and looking forward to the continuation of strong on-field performances in 2023.

The Junior Representative seasons kick off this Saturday, with all three sides taking on the Eels at Morry Breen Oval on the Central Coast.

SG Ball

Returning in 2023 after claiming last year's minor premiership, the male under 19s squad will be looking to go one step further this year.

Squad:

Coach: David Swann

Captains: Michael Abdow & Benaiah Ioelu 

Players to Watch:

Salesi Foketi, an impressive forward who's been in the Roosters' system since arriving from New Zealand at 15 years old, looks set to go to another level in 2023.

Foketi is a force both in the middle and on the edge with his powerful running game and bone-rattling defensive hits. 2023 will be Foketi's second season with the SG Ball Squad.

Having been a Rooster since not long after his 13th birthday, Michael Abdow is one of the most experienced players in the development and pathways system.

Abdow made the Australian Schoolboys side at just 15 years old, taking home player of the tournament honours. Now with the 'c' next to his name, Abdow's experience will be vital for the squad going into the 2023 season.

Surprise Packet:

Cade Mellon. A local Central Coast product who's impressed during his time in the pathways, Mellon is looking to have a powerful SG Ball season. A natural footballer, Mellon can play anywhere on the park and will be instrumental for the side week in, week out.

2022 Finish: Minor Premiers 

Verdict: The SG Ball side has consistently been amongst the competition's best for the last two years, with their last regular season loss coming in March, 2019.

With two undefeated minor premierships (2021 & 2022), the side will be hungrier than ever to atone for last year's heartbreaking Grand Final loss.

With one of the competition's strongest rosters, a deep run into the finals with another title challenge appears likely in 2023.

View the 2023 SG Ball Draw here

Tarsha Gale

After a historic maiden premiership last year, the female under 19s squad will be looking to go back-to-back in 2023.

Squad:

Co-Coaches: Blake Cavallaro & Ray Windle

Captain: Ally Bullman

Players to Watch: 

In her first year at the Club, Brooke Talataina has been one of the best players throughout the trial program.

The half has a 7s and 15s Rugby Union background but is no stranger to Rugby League. She will be instrumental in leading the team around the park in 2023.

Tavarna Papalii is the incumbent Australian Schoolgirls Captain and arrives at the Roosters from QLD, which has been part of the Club's female academy program for some time. 

Papalii's versatility could see her play multiple positions in the team throughout the year, which will help boost the team's stocks each week.

Armed with a great footy brain, Papalii will support the halves in running the style of play the Roosters will look to impose this season.

Surprise Packet:

Krystal Bulmer is a Central Coast local junior who's come right through the Roosters' pathways.

Bulmer suffered an injury early on last year which kept sidelined in 2022, however is fit, firing and ready to take 2023 by storm.

A fullback who can slot in anywhere in the backline, Bulmer's communication and lethal running game will be something to watch out for.

2022 Finish: Premiers

Verdict: The Tarsha Gale Roosters have come along leaps and bounds since Blake Cavallaro took the coaching reins in 2021.

They have been in the last two grand finals, resulting in an undefeated premiership title in 2022. The Club is looking for another strong year, and with positive trial performances under their belt, another strong season is on the cards.

View the 2023 Tarsha Gale draw here.

Harold Matthews

A second placed finish and tight semi-final exit was a heartbreaking finish to 2022 for the male under 17s squad, who will be looking for an improved season in 2023.

Coach: Joel Morris

Co-Captains: Toby Rodwell & Zach Fittler

Players to Watch:

Toby Rodwell is a player to watch in 2023.

After playing a year young in the 2022 Harold Matthews season, Rodwell is a running half who loves taking control of the game with both hands. Rodwell was the City under 16s half in 2022, has a good head on his shoulders and was one of the leading Harold Matthews halves in the try assist category last year.

Zach Fittler is looking to really take more of a leadership role in his second Harold Matthews season. Fittler can play anywhere in the forwards, be it on the edge or in the middle.

His barnstorming runs and big collision defence will be vital for the team in 2023.

Surprise Packet:

Cameron McKenzie has been one of the squad's best in the trials since arriving in the pre-season.

Cameron’s big stature sees him play either back-row or centre, with his line running and ability to bump players off and create opportunities for the halves making him a key figure in the 2023 campaign.

2022 Finish: 2nd 

Verdict: The Harold Matthews season was one of the Club's best last year, coming second overall and just missing out on a Grand Final appearance. The Club has players in vital positions returning, which should see them be a competitive chance to again make the top six in 2023.

View the 2023 Harold Matthews draw here.

Under 16s Development Squad