The Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League National Championships will commence this weekend in Coffs Harbour, showcasing the nation’s top under-18 rugby league talents with aspirations of reaching the NRL. A recently compiled ranking features the 50 most promising young players, highlighting the next generation poised to make an impact in professional rugby league.
The Newcastle Knights lead club representation with 10 players selected, followed by the Sydney Roosters with seven, and the Parramatta Eels with six. Notably, four prominent NRL clubs—the Brisbane Broncos, Canterbury Bulldogs, North Queensland Cowboys, and Wests Tigers—have no players on the list this year. The distribution of players by region shows a strong New South Wales presence with 34 selections, compared to 11 from Queensland, two from the Australian Capital Territory, and three from Victoria. Public schools account for 28 of the players, while the remaining 22 hail from independent or Catholic schools.
Topping the list is Manly Sea Eagles-affiliated Ashton Large, a hooker from The Scots College who has already participated in three NRL pre-seasons and captained his SG Ball team to the finals for the first time since 2022. Large has received multiple accolades this year, including the SG Ball Player of the Year and the Jake Trbojevic Award, and is a two-time Australian Schoolboys champion.
Other key players include Talen Risati, a dual-code five-eighth from The King’s School signed with the Parramatta Eels, who has twice been crowned an Australian Schoolboys champion and represented Australia in under-16 rugby union. Kingston Seve, a powerhouse centre for the Newcastle Knights from Hunter Sports High, has also earned considerable attention after gaining NRL approval to join the Knights’ first-grade pre-season squad at the age of 17.
Queensland’s contingent is led by Derek Ahwang, a fullback for the Dolphins from Ipswich Grammar School. After being named Player of the Carnival at the Queensland state championships, Ahwang is expected to don the Queensland Maroons’ No.1 jersey at the upcoming under-18 national championships. Another standout is Jai Bilish, a hooker with the Gold Coast Titans and Palm Beach Currumbin State High, signed to a long-term deal through 2030, who already competes at the NRL Queensland Under-21 level.
Among the forwards, Penrith Panthers’ prop Cordell Arama has drawn comparisons as one of the country’s most dynamic junior forwards, having excelled as the Harold Matthews Cup MVP. Despite strong rugby union interest, Arama remains committed to the Panthers with a contract secured through 2029. Parramatta’s Hayden Bell is also noted for his versatility across spine positions, while Steven Nunn, a prop from Patrician Brothers College Blacktown, has earned junior player of the year honors and extended his contract into 2027.
The list also highlights emerging talents such as South Sydney Rabbitohs halfback Payton Tarau, who was set to lead the competition before a hamstring injury, and Newcastle Knights centre Baxter Best, younger brother of NRL player Bradman Best, who remains sidelined with a shoulder injury.
This annual championship and ranking serve as a key milestone for scouting and development, providing NRL clubs with insights into future stars as they prepare for their professional careers. The nationwide competition will not only determine the top schoolboy rugby league talent but also influence pathways into elite-level rugby league over the coming years.