A growing wave of rugby league talent from Victoria is preparing to make a significant impact on the national stage, driven in part by the success of Melbourne Storm star Su’a Fa’alogo. Fa’alogo’s rise from the Combined Affiliated States (CAS) schoolboys program to the National Rugby League (NRL) has inspired increased confidence and ambition among younger players in the region.
CAS under-18 coach Ash Lanfranchi highlighted how Fa’alogo’s progress has contributed to a strong sense of belief within his squad ahead of the Australian Schoolboys Rugby League (ASSRL) National Championships in Coffs Harbour. Nearly half of the CAS under-18 players participated in the Melbourne Storm’s SG Ball Cup team, which finished second in the under-19s season, providing valuable experience against some of New South Wales’ top youth talent.
Lanfranchi said that in previous years, players might have been overwhelmed by the standard of competition, but now the team understands the caliber of their opposition and what it takes to compete. “It gives you confidence that they know what they need to do,” he said. The coach emphasized that their goal is not simply to participate but to be competitive and aim for victories, noting, “We’re not going to Coffs Harbour for a week-long holiday.”
A key figure leading the forward pack will be Jactin Samaeli, a promising player contracted to the Melbourne Storm. Samaeli, who attends Hallam Secondary College, earned the Storm’s Harold Matthews Cup player of the year award in 2025 and has stepped up to the under-19s level this season. Lanfranchi praised Samaeli’s development, leadership, and growing influence on games, describing him as an “alpha wolf” among a pack featuring other tough Hallam players such as Jayden Matatumua, Connor Leota, and Harrison Plummer.
The CAS under-18 squad also features a strong contingent from The Grange College, the reigning Storm Cup champions. Standout playmakers Emmanuel Walker and Levi Kanongataa, along with centre Texas Esera-Saluni, are among the notable talents expected to contribute to the team’s aspirations.
The growing depth of rugby league talent in Victoria and the wider Combined Affiliated States program reflects a broader evolution of the sport beyond its traditional heartlands, with emerging players eager to challenge established teams at national tournaments. The upcoming championships in Coffs Harbour will offer a key opportunity for these young athletes to validate their progress and ambition on a wider stage.