UNDER-18S: ATHERTON V KANGAROOS, 2PM

ATHERTON 1. Aiden Carson

The playmaker holds the fate of his side in his trusty hands. Carson played several A-grade games this year, and brought that experience back to the under-18s to lead them to the grand final. A solid, consistent halfback, it will be up to him to lead his Roosters around the park. He scored six tries and 37 goals through the campaign.

2. Kaleb Nielsen

The hardworking back-rower is another who had the chance to play A-grade in 2022, and, like Carson, more than held his own. He is a rugged, nononsense footballer who refuses to take a backwards step. With a big work rate, expect plenty of big runs from the second-rower.

3. Zamien Gilbert

The centre was a joint winner of the FNQRL under-18s Moore

Family Award with Mareeba tyro Tyrone Williams. Gilbert is a jack-of-all-trades centre. He has pace, footwork, a great touch and the agility to match. His tryscoring ability makes him a dangerous proposition out wide. He finished equal fourth in the top tryscoring race, crossing the stripe 14 times.

KANGAROOS 1. Makgill Deemal-Neal

A smart playmaker with brilliant vision and a strong kicking game, much of Kangaroos’ best footy comes when Deemal-Neal has the footy. A best and fairest winner last season, he has long been considered a talent who could go on to bigger and better things, but his focus is on ensuring his Kangaroos go one step further than 2021 and win the premiership. Finished the season with 118 points, second overall, the majority coming from his goalkicking.

2. Elekana Suavai

The Cowboys-contracted centre will be among the key weapons for the Kangaroos. Suavai brings size, speed and mobility to the back line. And don’t be surprised if he jumps into the forwards for some hard yakka – the under-18 Emerging Origin squad member can do it all.

3. Vai Nanai

Chuck any number on his back and Nanai will get the job done. It’s what makes him such a commodity to this team, as he was for Trinity Bay State High in its NRL Schoolboy Trophy win a week ago. His name is recognised courtesy of his brother Jeremiah, who plays for the Cowboys and Maroons, but Vai is a quality footballer in his own right.