SPORTING FUTURE’S LOOKING BRIGHT
2023 brought glory to some of Gold Coast’s brightest young talents, from the netball court to speedcar raceway and everything in between. With our 100 Queensland prodigies of the year revealed, it’s time to turn our attention to the young guns already pre
ROXY RHIND
16
Netball
Gold Coast Titans Rhind has quickly made her name known in netball circles following a quick climb through the Queensland pathway ranks. In 2022 she was named in the extended U17 state squad but was not selected in the final 16, though in late 2023 she made it that one step further and will soon find out whether she will compete at the 2024 nationals. The niece of international great Cat Tuivaiti, Rhind is an accurate and strong goal shooter.
COOPER BROWN
13
Cricket
Surfers Paradise Brown is the second leading run scorer for the Gold Coast’s open juniors division 1 competition. He made a century on day one of the under 14s state titles in November and is gaining the attention of top local coaches. “He is our number three bat, and is a really good cricketer, probably will be one of the best bats in the whole tournament this year,” Callander said.
RILEY DEALY
14
Cricket Helensvale CC Fifteen-year-old Dealy has scored two hundreds already this season, dominating the junior competition. In one of the first rounds she scored a whopping unbeaten 149 off 96 balls against an all-boys side. The opposition coach had even offered a chocolate to the player who got her out – to no avail.
KYAH ANDERSON
16
Athletics (middle distance track) Sixteen-year-old Anderson boasts some stellar personal bests across all middle distance events. She has been a household name on the track since a breakout 2022 season.
Best times: 800m (2:16.75), 1500m (4:33.71), 3000m (9:45.09) and 5000m (16:56.10)
CHANTAY KIRIA-RATU
18
Rugby league Gold Coast Titans Kiria-Ratu was one of five teenagers that took the field in the NRLW grand final for the Titans in 2023. After a breakout season, she was awarded a Cook Islands jersey to represent her country in the Pacific Games in November.
KINGSLEY UYS
16
Rugby union Queensland Reds Now attending The Southport School learning his trade under champion coach Mike Wallace, the sky is the limit for this 16-year-old. He is tall, thickly set, with great hands and plenty of speed which makes him a nightmare to tackle. Kingsley was named captain of the under-16s side.
BEN TWEEDY
Under 18 Basketball
Gold Coast Rollers At 188cm (6’2), Tweedy is a guard for the Gold Coast Rollers’ NBL1 North side – one of the youngest faces of the team. While he continues to learn in the semi-professional landscape, the teen knows how to put on a show. The Southport School recently won the Basketball Australia School National Championships, Tweedy recording 42 points, 10 assists, and 14 rebounds.