RED AND BLACK REPORT 2024: EDITION NO.19

The Red and Black Report shines a spotlight on Canterbury Rugby League juniors featuring in Australia’s elite and lower-grade competitions.

Canterbury products were in action in the latest rounds of the NRL, NSW Cup, Queensland Cup and Jersey Flegg Cup (NSWRL under-21s).

NRL

Another outstanding interchange contribution from Burnham Chevaliers junior Jazz Tevaga for the resurgent Warriors in Round 14, making nine runs for 71 metres and 23 tackles in just 28 minutes of their 42-12 thrashing of North Queensland.

West Coast Kiwi and former Halswell junior player Griffin Neame made 10 hit-ups for 82 metres and 33 tackles in a beaten Cowboys outfit.

Ex-Hornby winger and Super Rugby star Solomon Alaimalo made his fifth NRL appearance on a tough night for Wests Tigers, chewing off 115 metres from 13 runs in a 56-14 loss to St George Illawarra.

Hornby product Jordan Riki toiled for 33 tackles and nine runs for 91 metres in the second-row as his Brisbane side went down 22-12 to Cronulla.

Aranui junior Daejarn Asi received a late call-up at centre for Parramatta for Monday’s loss to Canterbury, making six runs for 76 metres and 15 tackles in a thrilling encounter.

Also an accomplished five-eighth, halfback and fullback, it was Asi’s sixth NRL start at centre from 33 appearances.

NSW CUP

With Sydney Roosters enjoying an NRL bye, Burnham junior Siua Wong turned out for their NSW Cup side and racked up 13 runs for 112 metres and 37 tackles in a 38-4 loss to Newtown Jets.

QLD CUP

Northern Bulldogs product Sheldon Pitama has spent most of the season in the second-row for Redcliffe, but the Dolphins stalwart shifted back to hooker for a 42-6 win over Mackay Cutters and made seven runs for 77 metres, along with 21 tackles.

JERSEY FLEGG

West Coaster Callum Donaldson, who spent time in Halswell’s juniors, started at lock in Canterbury-Bankstown’s 38-14 win over Souths.

Hornby prop Felix Faatili scored Cronulla’s opening try in its’ 18-10 victory over Sydney Roosters.

Riccarton product K-Ci Newton Whare played his fourth straight game at prop for Melbourne in a 22-18 win loss to Penrith.

Versatile ex-Halswell back Oliver Lawry scored a second-half try playing in the centres for Manly, but his side was edged out 26-24 by Newcastle.