Juniors - Pathways General Discussion

[balmain boy]

This is what Phil Gould tweeted this morning. I wish our club would provide some context like this about the progression of our pathways players.

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@NRL_Bulldogs
Fans. Just a quick update.

Now that the Junior Rep Football season has concluded, we will enter into a new phase of the Bulldogs Pathways Academy for the next three months of the 2024 season.

Recapping to this point in the year …

Our Harold Matthew’s Cup Under 17s team finished Minor Premiers

Our SGBall Cup Under 19s team played in the Grand Final

After 9 rounds our Jersey Flegg Cup Under 21s team currently sits in second place. Our NSW Cup Senior team also sits in second place.

There is obviously a long way to go in season 2024, and an even longer way to go in the overall development of our club, but we have built strong foundations that hopefully leads us to sustainable success in our longer term future.

The aim is not so much to be winning these lower grade Pathways competitions, but rather our priority is to run programs that develop future NRL talent.

Over the next three months, we will start to promote younger players into higher grades and into open age competitions like the NSWRL Ron Massey Cup and NSW State Cup.

These are great development Competitions and the final testing ground for those players we hope will eventually graduate to NRL level.

Players will be regularly rotated from one grade to another, between the restricted age and open age competitions.

Some players will be tried in different grades and in different positions to assist with their education and development.

It’s all part of the process of learning how to become a professional rugby league player.

During this period it may be difficult for fans to keep up with team changes, and game results may become a little random. These are very competitive competitions. But the priority here is the development of these players as individuals and giving them valuable education and experience.

Every week the coaches and Academy staff meet to review performances and monitor individual progress.

The program is designed to find a level of football for every player at every age.

Progression through the system is an individual thing. Some will develop quicker than others. There is no hard and fast rule to this process. Patience and perseverance is the key.

For the younger players, some will return to junior league competitions. Others will return to their home towns to play in local senior leagues. We monitor all these performances as well.

Selected groups will come to Belmore at regular intervals to continue in Academy programs.

I will provide a further update on our progress in a couple of months.

Hope you are enjoying the 2024 season so far. Our players and coaches are working extremely hard and I could not be happier with the character and culture I see in our players, coaches and staff every day.

Our Football Club Board has done an outstanding job over the past few years to provide the funding and support to make these Academy programs a reality. They are all passionate rugby league people and they are all BULLDOGS.

Our major sponsor Arthur Laundy and his family, have become heavily invested in our club and provided us with tremendous support and stability.

So too have all our Corporate partners and Members. We wouldn’t be able to build and run these programs for our players without your support.

And of course, a special thanks to our major supporter and financial contributor, Canterbury Leagues Club. You are always there for us.

We are all in this together.

I will provide an update on our Women’s Rugby League program in the next few weeks as we work towards our introduction into the NRLW competition in season 2025. There is plenty of excitement around our club regarding the Women’s program and the NRLW.

I look forward to seeing you all at the football.

#ProudtobeaBulldog

So simple yet even if we beg WT still refuse to give us ANY information

 

[Vicious]

So simple yet even if we beg WT still refuse to give us ANY information

I do t think anyone from WT knows who all these kids are.
Maybe Gallant, is he allowed to send out any communication?
BB you and a few others from this forum are on the pulse, maybe they can give you a job ?

 

[Tucker]

So simple yet even if we beg WT still refuse to give us ANY information

Ill do it for you;

• Andrew Johns Cup saw Macarthur Wests Tigers do well and make the GF
• Harold Mats Wests did well, making the GF
• Harold Mats Balmain covered themselves in glory becoming a winless wooden spooner
• Laurie Daley Cup saw MaCarthur wests Tigers do well and make the major semi final
• SG Ball Wests were a dissappointing 8th and missed the finals
• SG Ball Balmain decided to replicate their HM team also becoming a pathetic winless wooden spooner
• Jersey Flegg are doing quite well and after 9 rounds sit in 3rd with 6 wins and 3 losses.
• Koe Cup are shit on a stick coming dead last with 1 win from 8 games

 

[Vicious]

Ill do it for you;

• Andrew Johns Cup saw Macarthur Wests Tigers do well and make the GF
• Harold Mats Wests did well, making the GF
• Harold Mats Balmain covered themselves in glory becoming a winless wooden spooner
• Laurie Daley Cup saw MaCarthur wests Tigers do well and make the major semi final
• SG Ball Wests were a dissappointing 8th and missed the finals
• SG Ball Balmain decided to replicate their HM team also becoming a pathetic winless wooden spooner
• Jersey Flegg are doing quite well and after 9 rounds sit in 3rd with 6 wins and 3 losses.
• Koe Cup are shit on a stick coming dead last with 1 win from 8 games

Now an update on the players representing Wests/Balmain and Wests Tigers that have been selected in the upcoming City v Country teams including their strengths etc.

 

[Tucker]

Now an update on the players representing Wests/Balmain and Wests Tigers that have been selected in the upcoming City v Country teams including their strengths etc.

ok...they are all average at best.

 

[Vicious]

ok...they are all average at best.

Thanks for your input.

 

[balmain boy]

MATCH REPORT
Match Report: Wests Tigers CUBS v Knights
Wests Tigers Under 18s CUBS have rounded off their tour of Tamworth with 30-4 win over Newcastle Knights at Scully Park.


The Knights were first on the board through winger Kryan Blair before Tigers prop Kohan Lewis crossed to make it 6-4 at half time.

Wests Magpies Harold Mattews half Alex Isdale scored the first points of the second half, slicing through from about 20 metres out to give the Tigers an 8-point lead early in the second half.


Left centre Callum Mc Meneny was next to find the line, stretching the lead out to 18-4 before adding a second try midway through the second period.


Wests Harold Matthews centre Glassie Glassie crossed for the final try of the match to round off a dominant second half with Wests Tigers running out 30-4 winners.

The victory over Newcastle makes it three wins from three matches played here in Tamworth over the past three years for Wests Tigers CUBS.

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

Here is my attempt at our best 17 in each age group from 21yos down to 16yos. I'm pretty confident of the ages but if anyone finds a mistake, let me know and I'll update my list.

No real purpose for these except to help us keep the faith with the quality. I've kept them in their age group (even though someone like a 19yo Heath Mason would be a best fullback up to 21yos).

Enjoy!

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

21yos in 2024
Note - the non-NRL contracted guys are really playing for their future at the club next season as they will be too old for Jersey Flegg. Potentially NSW Cup or T&T contracts.

Zakariya Agbere (21)
Tutonu-Junior Wright (21)
Cale Edmed (21)
Ma'u Fonua Fotu (21)
Joseph Delle (21)
Naati Teaupa (21)
Kyle King (21)
Justin Matamua (21) NRL
Brandon Tumeth (21) NRL
Sione Vaihu (21) T&T
Vaka Aho (21)
Bailey Hodges (21)
Herman Tofaeono (21)

Cayne Nicholas (21)
Kobie Wilson (21)
John Tuipolotu (21)
Tristyn Ball (21)

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

20yos in 2024
Note - still eligible for Jersey Flegg next season.

Tino Tavana (20)
Fangavulu Hammond (20)
Josh Feledy (20) NRL
Solomone Saukuru (20) NRL Dev
Te Umuariki Heremia Tukere (20)
Iverson Matai (20)
Jonathon Ibrahim (20)
Zak Clarke (20)
Samuela Fainu (20) NRL
Tony Sukkar (20) NRL Dev
Chris Faagutu (20) NRL Dev
Joshua Coinakis
Junior Taungatua (20)

Lachlan Broederlow (20)
Tom Fisher (20)
Adam Mehrez (20)
Brendan Naicori (20)

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

19yos in 2024
Note - Jersey Flegg eligible next season.

Heath Mason (19) T&T
Navren Willett (19) T&T
Max Taotua (19)
Cameron Kanaan (19)
Will Craig (19) T&T
Latu Fainu (19) NRL
Lachlan Galvin (19) NRL
Kit Laulilii (19) NRL Dev
Mitchell Taotua (19)
Roy Quiroz-Mapasua (19)
Keenan Lawandos (19)
Tallyn Da Silva (19) NRL
Jordan Miller (19) NRL

Heith Pritchard (19)
Ryan Polsen (19)
James Folaumoetui (19)
Jeremiah Leatigaga (19)
Luke Keppie (19)
Michael Coady (19)
Kian Edmed (19)
Daniel Waqa (19)

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

18yos in 2024
Note - will be SG Ball final season next year

Luke Laulilii (18) T&T
Riley Oitmann (18)
Xavier Tauaifaiga (18)
Callum McMenemy (18)
Saint Fuatimau (18)
Sonny Edwards-Moeke (18)
Marc Tannous (18)
Denzel Schaafhausen-Mino (18)
Archie Duncombe (18)
Byron Laupepa (18)
Kohan Lewis (18)
Jared Haywood (18)
Dougie Tuala (18)

Kurtis Dupond (18)
Dylan Smith (18)
Jordan Bunt (18)
Lucas Rossi (18)

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

17yos in 2024
Note - will step up to SG Ball next season as bottom agers

Ali Karnib (17)
Tyson Walker (17)
Heamsai Makasini (17)
Glassie Glassie (17)
Antonio Harb (17)
Onitoni Large (17)
Alex Isdale (17)
Peter Ta'ai (17)
Pheonix Godinet (17)
Hayden Elkris (17)
Maddax Fui (17)
Brooklyn Milford (17)
Christian Taupau-Moors (17)

PJ French (17)
Malcolm Mailo (17)
Lorima Cosgrave (17)
Tyler Birnie (17)

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

16yos in 2024
Note - will be Harrold Matts seniors next year

Thomas Goodfield (16)
Ronel Ribucan (16)
Elijaf Sefo (16)
Harrison Aoeke (16)
Jonas Peni (16)
Jhevon Lele (16)
Curtis Lakeman (16)
Siotame Havea Jr (16)
Kye Penfold (16)
Andrew Sio (16)
Jake Gaffney (16)
Ashton Large (16)
Jaziyah Taiatu (16)

Forgiveness Tila (16)
Christian Azzi (16)
Dallis Taoai (16)
Brock Achurch (16)

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

21yos in 2024
Note - the non-NRL contracted guys are really playing for their future at the club next season as they will be too old for Jersey Flegg. Potentially NSW Cup or T&T contracts.

Zakariya Agbere (21)
Tutonu-Junior Wright (21)
Cale Edmed (21)
Ma'u Fonua Fotu (21)
Joseph Delle (21)
Naati Teaupa (21)
Kyle King (21)
Justin Matamua (21) NRL
Brandon Tumeth (21) NRL
Sione Vaihu (21) T&T
Vaka Aho (21)
Bailey Hodges (21)
Herman Tofaeono (21)

Cayne Nicholas (21)
Kobie Wilson (21)
John Tuipolotu (21)
Tristyn Ball (21)

Big watch on Aho, Tofaeono, Nicholas, Hodges & Vaihu for the rest of this season. These are the 5 (aside from Matamua & Tumeth) who could be looked at for T&T / NSW Cup deals.

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

20yos in 2024
Note - still eligible for Jersey Flegg next season.

Tino Tavana (20)
Fangavulu Hammond (20)
Josh Feledy (20) NRL
Solomone Saukuru (20) NRL Dev
Te Umuariki Heremia Tukere (20)
Iverson Matai (20)
Jonathon Ibrahim (20)
Zak Clarke (20)
Samuela Fainu (20) NRL
Tony Sukkar (20) NRL Dev
Chris Faagutu (20) NRL Dev
Joshua Coinakis
Junior Taungatua (20)

Lachlan Broederlow (20)
Tom Fisher (20)
Adam Mehrez (20)
Brendan Naicori (20)

I feel Broederlow is one out of these that could progress to a Development or T&T contract next season. Be good to see Zak Clarke & Ibrahim back in Flegg next season as they both have something about them I reckon.

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

19yos in 2024
Note - Jersey Flegg eligible next season.

Heath Mason (19) T&T
Navren Willett (19) T&T
Max Taotua (19)
Cameron Kanaan (19)
Will Craig (19) T&T
Latu Fainu (19) NRL
Lachlan Galvin (19) NRL
Kit Laulilii (19) NRL Dev
Mitchell Taotua (19)
Roy Quiroz-Mapasua (19)
Keenan Lawandos (19)
Tallyn Da Silva (19) NRL
Jordan Miller (19) NRL

Heith Pritchard (19)
Ryan Polsen (19)
James Folaumoetui (19)
Jeremiah Leatigaga (19)
Luke Keppie (19)
Michael Coady (19)
Kian Edmed (19)
Daniel Waqa (19)

Outside of the existing contracted players, the Taotua twins have the athletic profile to progress further. I'd like to see Kanaan in our Flegg next season within a good team.

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

16yos in 2024
Note - will be Harrold Matts seniors next year

Thomas Goodfield (16)
Ronel Ribucan (16)
Elijaf Sefo (16)
Harrison Aoeke (16)
Jonas Peni (16)
Jhevon Lele (16)
Curtis Lakeman (16)
Siotame Havea Jr (16)
Kye Penfold (16)
Andrew Sio (16)
Jake Gaffney (16)
Ashton Large (16)
Jaziyah Taiatu (16)

Forgiveness Tila (16)
Christian Azzi (16)
Dallis Taoai (16)
Brock Achurch (16)

Magpies will be another great chance at a HM premiership again next season with majority of this group.

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

17yos in 2024
Note - will step up to SG Ball next season as bottom agers

Ali Karnib (17)
Tyson Walker (17)
Heamsai Makasini (17)
Glassie Glassie (17)
Antonio Harb (17)
Onitoni Large (17)
Alex Isdale (17)
Peter Ta'ai (17)
Pheonix Godinet (17)
Hayden Elkris (17)
Maddax Fui (17)
Brooklyn Milford (17)
Christian Taupau-Moors (17)

PJ French (17)
Malcolm Mailo (17)
Lorima Cosgrave (17)
Tyler Birnie (17)

There is going to be some great competition for SG Ball spots in the Magpies team next season.

 

[Vicious]

That is brilliant BlackWhiteGold 👍
Plenty of talent amongst them, just a matter of which ones knuckle down and develop the best and which ones Wests Tigers will prioritise.
A lot depends on his attitude and dedication, but I think Onitoni Large should we keep him has the attributes to become a potential superstar that we are craving.
In saying this he seems to hold back and not allow his elite running game to prosper when playing 5/8, I think he’s an elite fullback in waiting.
I’m also a big fan of Heath Mason and hope we can find an NRL spot for him, maybe initially as a 14 ?
Do we have an elite edge back rower emerging in Broederow, Clarke or Sukkar , or do we still need to recruit in this position ? Godinet a bit younger but looks very tough & uncompromising in the Jayden Su’a mould,
Have we got anyone within our ranks that can potentially be an NRL 14 to capably play as a hooker or other positions ?
I’ve mentioned Mason for that role, we cannot forget how talented Da Silva is, but is he versatile enough to play other positions ? Cayne Nicholas is one to watch as he’s only small for a forward, but has good leg speed, plays tough and has a bit of genuine playmaking in his game, I can’t discount him as a potential NRL 14 either.