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The National Youth Competition for players under 20 ran from 2008 to 2017, unearthing some of the NRL stars that are household names today — and it could be set to return in 2026.
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The Warriors won three NYC competitions over a decade, while the Panthers won two and the Raiders, Storm, Tigers, Roosters and Sea Eagles all claimed one before it was disbanded in 2017.
Josh Dugan, Jesse Bromwich, Shaun Johnson, Siliva Havili, Nathan Brown, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Tuimoala Lolohea, Jarome Luai, Victor Radley and Haumole Olakauátu are just some of the NRL stars who got their start in the NYC.
Foxsports.com.au looks back at the 10 NYC premiership teams from 2008 to 2017 to see how many of their players graduated to the NRL ranks.
2008: CANBERRA RAIDERS 28 def. BRISBANE BRONCOS 24
JACK GIBSON MEDAL (grand final MOM): Josh Dugan (Raiders)
Raiders
1. Josh Dugan
2. Drury Low
3. Jarrod Croker
4. Daniel Vidot
5. Michael Brophy
6. Michael Picker
7. Matt Smith
8. Andrew Edwards
9. Travis Waddell
10. Nick Skinner
11. Jarrad Kennedy
12. Zach Merritt
13. Shaun Fensom (c)
14. Brock Dunn
15. Justin Carney
16. Todd Rheinberger
17. Levi Freeman
What happened that season:The Raiders won the minor premiership by five points with 18 wins and just six losses. In a tight ladder, the second-placed Broncos and the Warriors, Panthers and Eels all finished on 35 points, while the Dragons, Bulldogs and Titans rounded out the top eight; the Dogs led by a stunning onslaught from future Dally M Medallist Ben Barba, and the Broncos by a certain Ben Hunt. The Cowboys won the wooden spoon after winning just four games. The Raiders’ stunning season was all the more impressive by the fact they beat a Broncos team in the decider that featured a number of future club greats. The Broncos boasted future NRL stars Hunt, Andrew McCullough, Alex Glenn, Josh McGuire and Jharal Yow Yeh. Yow Yeh grabbed a double in the grand final, while Hunt had eight points from a try and two conversions, but he also missed three goals, which proved costly. Raiders five-eighth Michael Picker scored a double in the title match, while Dugan scored a try and kicked four goals from as many attempts on his way to man-of-the-match honours, as the Raiders won a thriller 28-24 to claim the premiership.
What happened next: Josh Dugan and Jarrod Croker headline the list of 10 players that went on to play NRL. Croker needs no introduction after playing scoring a club record 136 tries and 2,374 points in 307 games, retiring in 2023 after captaining a grand final appearance in 2019. Dugan made his NRL debut in Round 4 of 2009 and not only cemented his spot in the No.1 jersey, but was also the joint winner of the Mal Meninga Medal in his rookie season. After captaining the Raiders to the NYC premiership and landing a spot in the NYC Team of the Year, Shaun Fensom debuted the following season and eventually became a consistent member of the NRL team — even winning back-to-back Mal Meninga Medals in 2011 and 2012. Daniel Vidot also made his NRL debut the following year and enjoyed a 114-game career in the NRL over stints with the Raiders, Dragons, Broncos and Titans. He retired in 2017 and then made a drastic career change to become a professional wrestler with the WWE. Travis Waddell and Drury Low backed up their premiership-winning season with another stellar campaign, with both included in the 2009 NYC Team of the Year — the latter was also named NYC Player of the Year. Waddell made his NRL debut in ‘09 and went on to play a total of 78 games for the Raiders, Knights and Broncos. Low had to wait until 2010 to make his NRL debut and struggled to get many more opportunities. He played just two games before being granted an early release to join the Bulldogs, where he also didn’t have a whole lot of luck, and finished his career with a total of 11 NRL games — his last in 2014. Jarrad Kennedy (55 games), Justin Carney (37), Michael Picker (4) and Nick Skinner (6) all played NRL.
Canberra celebrate winning the 2008 Toyota Cup grand final over the Broncos.Source: News LimitedPlayer of the Year: Ben Hunt (Broncos)
Top point scorer: Ben Barba (Bulldogs) 254 — all tallies are for entire season, not regular
Top try scorer: Ben Barba (Bulldogs) 28 — all tallies are for entire season, not regular
Team of the Year
1. Lachlan Coote (Panthers)
2. Jharal Yow Yeh (Broncos)
3. Justin Carney (Raiders)
4. Tony Williams (Eels)
5. Kevin Gordon (Titans)
6. Ben Barba (Bulldogs)
7. Chris Sandow (Rabbitohs)
8. Russell Packer (Warriors)
9. Masada Iosefa (Panthers)
10. Sione Kite (Bulldogs)
11. Joel Thompson (Raiders)
12. Daniel Harrison (Bulldogs)
12. Shaun Fensom (Raiders)
14. Ben Hunt (Broncos)
15. Matt Mundine (Dragons)
16. Jordan Rapana (Titans)
17. Ben Matulino (Warriors)
Ben Hunt during the 2008 NYC grand final.Source: Getty Images*****
2009: MELBOURNE STORM 24 def. WESTS TIGERS 22
JACK GIBSON MEDAL: Luke Kelly (Storm)
Storm
1. Gareth Widdop
2. Sam Joe
3. Justin O’Neill
4. Pita Maile
5. Matt Duffie
6. Dane Chisholm
7. Luke Kelly (c)
8. Pulou Vaituutuu
9. James Woolford
10. Jesse Bromwich
11. Rob Rochow
12. Theodore Stuart
13. Billy Rogers
14. Jai Jones-Wiegold
15. Jordan McLean
16. Kevin Proctor
17. Fred Makimare
What happened that season:The Manly Sea Eagles won the minor premiership by a single point over the Dragons and Storm on 42, after winning 19 games to go with one draw; at that stage, Beau Henry looked every inch a superstar in the making for the Red V. The Tigers, Broncos, Rabbitohs, Warriors and Raiders rounded out the top eight, while the Sharkswon the wooden spoon with just four wins. However, neither the Sea Eagles or the second-placed Dragons made the grand final, with the Storm meeting the fourth-placed Tigers in the decider. Tigers fullback Jake Mullaney was the leading point scorer and try scorer that season, and scored two tries and three goals to have the Tigers leading 22-18 late in the game. However, English Storm fullback Gareth Widdop clinched the grand final for the Storm with a 74th minute try and a pressure conversion. Widdop finger-nailed a late grubber, his second try of the match, to draw his side level at 22-22, before calmly potting the conversion and delivering the second NYC title to the Storm; remarkably matching the NRL side’s achievement of winning a premiership in season two.
What happened next: Gareth Widdop scored 43 tries and 1,003 points in 195 NRL games for the Storm and Dragons, winning a premiership in 2012 and playing 32 Tests for his country. Jesse Bromwich played 338 NRL games for the Storm and Dolphins and 34 Tests for New Zealand, while winning multiple premierships. Kevin Proctor played 283 NRL games for the Storm and Titans and 22 Tests for the Kiwis. Jordan McLean has played 223 games for the Storm and Cowboys and is set to play on in 2025. Justin O’Neill played 190 NRL games for the Storm and Cowboys, four Origins and two Tests for the Kangaroos. Rob Rochow (95 games), Matt Duffie (62), Luke Kelly (49), Billy Rogers (5), Sam Joe (2), and Dane Chisholm (1) all played NRL.
Melbourne’s 2009 Toyota Cup-winning team.Source: News LimitedPlayer of the Year: Beau Henry (Dragons)
Top point scorer: Jake Mullaney (Tigers) 320
Top try scorer: Jake Mullaney (Tigers) 29
Team of the Year
1. Malcolm Webster (Rabbitohs)
2. Joe Vickery (Dragons)
3. Junior Vaivai (Rabbitohs)
4. Siuatonga Likiliki (Warriors)
5. Drury Low (Raiders)
6. Robert Lui (Wests Tigers)
7. Beau Henry (Dragons)
8. Trent Merrin (Dragons)
9. Travis Waddell (Raiders)
10. Jesse Bromwich (Storm)
11. Jake Marketo (Dragons)
12. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (Sea Eagles)
13. Jamie Buhrer (Sea Eagles)
14. Kieran Foran (Sea Eagles)
15. Joel Romelo (Panthers)
16. Gareth Widdop (Storm)
17. Daly Cherry-Evans (Sea Eagles)
Beau Henry in a 2010 NRL trial for the Dragons.Source: Getty Images*****
2010: NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS 42 def. SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS 28
JACK GIBSON MEDAL: Carlos Tuimavave
Warriors
1. Glen Fisiiahi
2. Omar Slaimankhel
3. Sosaia Feki
4. Siuatonga Likiliki
5. Elijah Niko
6. Carlos Tuimavave
7. Shaun Johnson
8. Neccrom Areaiiti
9. Henry Chan Ting
10. Mark Ioane
11. Elijah Taylor (c)
12. Matthew Robinson
13. Sebastine Ikahihifo
14. Nafetalai Seluini
15. Charlie Gubb
16. Sam Lousi
17. Daniel Palavi
What happened that season:The Rabbitohs won the minor premiership by a point ahead of the Warriors, with the Bulldogs and Cowboys rounding out the top four. The Roosters, Raiders, Sea Eagles and Titans completed the top eight, while the Eels finished with the wooden spoon on just three wins. Souths thrashed the Raiders in the prelim to go into the decider as hot favourites, with a team boasting Adam Reynolds, James Roberts, Nathan Peats and Josh Mansour. But the Warriors led 12-10 at half-time in the decider and three tries in 10 minutes saw the New Zealand side run over the top of the Rabbitohs in the second half. Warriors skipper Elijah Taylor scored a double, while Shaun Johnson was superb with his running and kicking game, slotting seven from seven from the tee, but his halves partner Carlos Tuimavave who was a deserved man-of-the-match. There were potential superstars everywhere for the Warriors; fullback Glen Fisiiahi was soon after branded by Andrew Johns as the most talented player he’d ever seen.
What happened next: Shaun Johnson scored 85 tries and 1,476 points for the Warriors and Sharks and played in the 2011 NRL grand final. Elijah Taylor played 186 NRL games for the Warriors, Panthers and Tigers. Sosaia Feki scored 67 tries in 148 NRL games for the Sharks. Charlie Gubb (45 games), Sebastine Ikahihifo (39), Matthew Robinson (38), Mark Ioane (28), Nafetalai Seluini (27), Glen Fisiiahi (25), Carlos Tuimavave (14), Omar Slaimankhel (5), Siuatonga Likiliki (3), Sam Lousi (3) and Neccrom Areaiiti (1) all played NRL.
Shaun Johnson (L) and Elijah Taylor celebrate their victory after the New Zealand Warriors defeated the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the 2010 Toyota Cup Final.Source: News LimitedPlayer of the Year: Tariq Sims (Broncos)
Top point scorer: Aidan Sezer (Bulldogs) 289
Top try scorer: Drury Low (Raiders) 22
Team of the Year
1. Dane Gagai (Broncos)
2. Kalifa Faifai Loa (Dragons)
3. Dylan Farrell (Rabbitohs)
4. Siuatonga Likiliki (Warriors)
5. Josh Mansour (Rabbitohs)
6. Aidan Sezer (Bulldogs)
7. Sam Williams (Raiders)
8. Tariq Sims (Broncos)
9. James Segeyaro (Cowboys)
10. Andrew Clayton (Broncos)
11. Ryan James (Titans)
12. Sam Mataora (Raiders)
13. Ethan Cook (Knights)
14. Brad Murray (Roosters)
15. Dale Finucane (Bulldogs)
16. Matt Hyland (Wests Tigers)
17. Lama Tasi (Sea Eagles)
Coach: Andrew Patmore (Bulldogs)
2010 Toyota Cup Player of the Year Tariq Sims.Source: News Corp Australia*****
2011: NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS 31 def. NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS 30
JACK GIBSON MEDAL: Jordan Meads
Warriors
15. George Maka
2. Adam Henry
3. Sosaia Feki
4. Konrad Hurrell
5. Dylan Collier
6. Carlos Tuimavave
7. Jordan Meads
8. Ligi Sao
9. Eko Malu
10. Donald Tony
17. Sio Siua Taukeiaho
12. Ben Henry (c)
13. Sebastine Ikahihifo
11. Sam Lousi
14. Siliva Havili
16. Agnatius Paasi
21. John Palavi
What happened that season:The Warriors romped to the minor premiership by five points ahead of the Cowboys, after losing just four games all season. The Cowboys, Sharks and Storm finished in the top four, while the Roosters, Bulldogs, Tigers and Knights rounded out the top eight. The Sea Eagles got the spoon that season with just four wins. The Warriors and the Cowboys played each other twice in the finals, with the New Zealand side winning 54-48 in week one and they thrashed the Bulldogs in the prelim 64-0 to start favourites in the decider. The Cowboys did it the hard way to qualify for the decider, from eighth spot with a win over the Sharks. Warriors fullback Omar Sleimankhel was the top try-scorer that season but was injured and missed the grand final, replaced by George Maka. The decider was a thriller, but halfback Jordan Meads got the Warriors home in a one-point extra time epic to be crowned man-of-the-match.
What happened next: Sio Siua Taukeiaho played 169 games for the Warriors and Roosters, winning two premierships and played 16 Test matches; and will now run out with Manly in 2025. Siliva Havili has played 150 NRL games for the Warriors, Dragons, Raiders and Souths to date, plus 22 Test matches. Sosaia Feki scored 67 tries in 148 NRL games for the Sharks and two Tests for Tonga. Konrad Hurrell scored 55 tries in 116 games for the Warriors and Titans and 13 Tests for Tonga, as well as 49 tries in 118 Super League games. Agnatius Paasi played 107 NRL games for the Warriors and Titans and one Test match for Tonga. Ben Henry (52 games), Ligi Sao (47), Sebastine Ikahihifo (39), Carlos Tuimavave (14), Omar Sleimankhel (5), John Palavi (5) Adam Henry (4) and Sam Lousi (3) all played NRL.
Toyota Cup grand final 2011: the Warriors celebrate their golden point win.Source: News LimitedPlayer of the Year: Jack de Belin (Dragons)
Top point scorer: Dylan Collier (Warriors) 312
Top try scorer: Omar Sleimankhel (Warriors) 27
Team of the Year
1. Omar Slaimankhel (Warriors)
2. Dane Gagai (Broncos)
3. Konrad Hurrell (Warriors)
4. Mahe Fonua (Storm)
5. James Roberts (Rabbitohs)
6. Carlos Tuimavave (Warriors)
7. Jacob Miller (Wests Tigers)
8. Kane Evans (Roosters)
9. Kurt Baptiste (Broncos)
10. Dale Finucane (Bulldogs)
11. Jason Taumalolo (Cowboys)
12. Alex McKinnon (Dragons)
13. Tyrone Peachey (Sharks)
14. Kenneath Bromwich (Storm)
15. Timoteo Lafai (Bulldogs)
16. Jack de Belin (Dragons)
17. Kyle Feldt (Cowboys)
Coach: John Ackland (Warriors)
Jack De Belin in action for the 2011 Dragons NYC team.Source: Getty Images*****
2012: WESTS TIGERS 46 def. CANBERRA RAIDERS 6
JACK GIBSON MEDAL: Matt Mulcahy
Tigers
1. Kurtis Rowe
2. David Nofoaluma
3. Brodie Monroe
4. Asipeli Fine
5. Marika Koroibete
6. Matt Mulcahy
7. Jacob Miller
8. Sauaso Sue
9. Ben Saunders
10. Mosese Fotuaika
11. Joel Luani
12. Kyle Lovett
13. Soni Paasi
14. Nathan Brown
15. Brenden Santi
16. Sitaleki Akauola
17. Shane Lalogafau
What happened that season:The Bulldogs won the minor premiership with 39 points and a better points differential than the Warriors, led by phenomenal young prop David Klemmer, while the Raiders and the Tigers completed the top four. The Panthers, Rabbitohs, Roosters and Dragons rounded out the eight, while the Titans picked up the wooden spoon. The Tigers beat the Roosters in the prelim in a tight game, while the Raiders smashed the Dragons. But the Tigers romped to victory in a one-sided grand final to be crowned 2012 champions from fourth place in the regular season after a stunning charge through the finals; with five-eighth Matt Mulcahynamed player-of-the-match among a line-up littered with future NRL stars.
What happened next: Nathan Brown has played 170 NRL games for the Tigers, Rabbitohs, Eels, Roosters and Sea Eagles, and two Origins for the Blues. David Nofoaluma scored 104 tries in 198 NRL games for the Tigers and Storm and played five Tests. Marika Koroibete scored 46 tries in 74 NRL games, before going onto a brilliant rugby union career with the Wallabies. Sauaso Sue has played 172 NRL games for the Tigers, Bulldogs and Knights. Kyle Lovett (50 games), Sitaleki Akauola (32), Asipeli Fine (11), Brenden Santi (11), Jacob Miller (9), Joel Luani (9) and Kurtis Rowe (8) all played NRL.
Wests Tigers celebrate their 2012 Toyota Cup grand final win.Source: News LimitedPlayer of the Year: David Klemmer (Bulldogs)
Top point scorer: Manaia Rudolph (Tigers) 216
Top try scorer: Chanel Mata’utia (Knights) 22
Team of the Year
1. Evander Cummins (Dragons)
2. Marika Koroibete (Wests Tigers)
3. Edrick Lee (Raiders)
4. Nathan Green (Dragons)
5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Roosters)
6. Carlos Tuimavave (Warriors)
7. Mitchell Cornish (Raiders)
8. David Klemmer (Bulldogs)
9. Michael Lichaa (Sharks)
10. Korbin Sims (Knights)
11. Michael Chee-Kam (Raiders)
12. Vaipuna Tia Kilifi (Panthers)
13. Paul Carter (Bulldogs)
14. Caleb Timu (Broncos)
15. Chris Grevsmuhl (Cowboys)
16. Luke Keary (Rabbitohs)
17. Dylan Napa (Roosters)
Coach: Garth Brennan (Panthers)
David Klemmer with his 2012 Toyota Cup Player of the Year trophy.Source: News Limited*****
2013: PENRITH PANTHERS 42 def. CANBERRA RAIDERS 30
JACK GIBSON MEDAL: James Roberts
Panthers
1. Kieran Moss
2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
3. James Roberts
4. Waqa Blake
5. George Jennings
6. Doug Hewitt
7. Daniel Foster
8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard
9. Kierran Moseley
10. Andy Saunders
11. Bryce Cartwright
12. James Dunley
13. Michael Ross
14. Isaah Yeo
15. Mitch Clark
16. Tekina Vailea
17. Brendan Attwood
What happened that season:The Raiders won the minor premiership by five points ahead of the Panthers and Roosters, while the Bulldogs finished fourth in the regular season. The Tigers, Warriors, Rabbitohs and Broncos rounded out the finals teams, while the Sea Eagles won the spoon. The Warriors smashed the Bulldogs in the prelim to make the decider, while the Panthers edged the Raiders to make the title match, with the extraordinary skills of backrower Bryce Cartwright leading the way. On the back of a man-of-the-match display from centre James Roberts, a lightning-fast prodigy who seemingly had the world at his feet, the Panthers were too strong in the grand final and took the chocolates in high-scoring affair.
What happened next: Isaah Yeo has scored 31 tries in 245 NRL games for the Panthers and played 14 Origins for the Blues and 11 Tests for Australia to date, and also won four premierships from five grand finals. Reagan Campbell-Gillard has played 221 NRL games for the Panthers, Eels and Titans and three Origins for the Blues and 11 Tests to date. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has scored 101 tries in 212 games for the Panthers, Bulldogs and Warriors and played 13 Tests for the Kiwis to date. Bryce Cartwright has played 185 NRL games for the Panthers, Titans and Eels. James Roberts scored 77 tries in 166 games for the Rabbitohs, Panthers, Titans, Broncos and Tigers as well as playing three Origins for the Blues. Waqa Blake scored 62 tries in 165 NRL games for the Panthers and Eels. George Jennings (56 games), Kierran Moseley (21) and Andy Saunders (1) all played NRL.
The Panthers celebrate their 2013 Holden Cup grand final win.Source: Getty ImagesPlayer of the Year: Bryce Cartwright (Panthers)
Top point scorer: Patrick Templeman (Bulldogs) 307
Top try scorer: Jonathon Reuben (Raiders) 28
Team of the Year
1. Jack Ahearn (Raiders)
2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (Panthers)
3. Hymel Hunt (Titans)
4. Charly Runciman (Dragons)
5. Jonathon Reuben (Raiders)
6. Samisoni Langi (Roosters)
7. Luke Brooks (Wests Tigers)
8. Matthew Lodge (Storm)
9. Michael Lichaa (Sharks)
10. Jake Trbojevic (Sea Eagles)
11. Bryce Cartwright (Panthers)
12. Corey Oates (Broncos)
13. John Asiata (Roosters)
14. Mitchell Cornish (Raiders)
15. Reagan Campbell-Gillard (Panthers)
16. David Bhana (Warriors)
17. Cameron McInnes (Rabbitohs)
Coach: Mick Mantelli (Raiders)
Bryce Cartwright slips a tackle for the Panthers in NYC 2013.Source: News Limited*****
2014: NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS 34 def. BRISBANE BRONCOS 32
JACK GIBSON MEDAL: Solomone Kata
Warriors
1. Brad Abbey
2. Ngataua Hukatai
3. Nathaniel Roache
4. Solomone Kata
5. Paul Ulberg
6. Tuimoala Lolohea
7. Mason Lino (c)
8. Sam Lisone (c)
9. Kurt Robinson
10. Kouma Samson
11. Michael Ki
12. Adam Tuimavave-Gerrard
13. Jazz Tevaga
14. James Bell
15. Toafofoa Sipley
16. Ken Maumalo
17. Iulio Afoa
What happened that season:The Knights won the minor premiership by three points over the Broncos, with the Eels and Dragons making the top four. The Roosters, Tigers, Rabbitohs and eighth placed Warriors rounded out the finals teams; while young Gold Coast playmaker Kane Elgey dazzled with his passing game despite the Titans finishing second-last. The Warriors made a late season surge to stun the Broncos in a thrilling decider on the back of a man-of-the-match display from centre Solomone Kata to pick up their third title, the most in the competition’s history. While it was not ultimately a team loaded with high-end NRL talent, it was a marvel to watch as a unit that year.
What happened next: Toafofoa Sipley has played 83 games for the Warriors and Sea Eagles to date. Tui Lolohea played 71 NRL games and has played154 games in the Super League and 23 Tests to date. Jazz Tevaga has played 138 NRL games for the Warriors and Sea Eagles and seven Tests. Sam Lisone played 133 NRL games for the Warriors and Titans. Ken Maumalo has scored 63 tries in 135 NRL games for the Warriors, Tigers and Titans to date. Solomone Kata (93), Mason Lino (34), Nathaniel Roache (27), Brad Abbey (14) and James Bell (2) all played NRL.
The New Zealand Warriors claim another NYC title in 2015.Source: AAPPlayer of the Year: Kane Elgey (Titans)
Top point scorer: Bryce Donovan (Knights) 242
Top try scorer: Halauafu Lavaka (Eels), Jack Goodsell (Roosters) 27
Team of the Year
1. Jake Mamo (Knights)
2. Valentine Holmes (Sharks)
3. Sione Mata’utia (Knights)
4. Brendan Elliot (Roosters)
5. Nene MacDonald(Roosters)
6. Te Maire Martin (Tigers)
7. Drew Hutchison (Dragons)
8. Andy Saunders (Panthers)
9. Manaia Cherrington (Wests Tigers)
10. Sam Lisone (Warriors)
11. Nelson Asofa-Solomona (Storm)
12. Tepai Moeroa (Eels)
13. Willis Meehan (Roosters)
14. Danny Levi (Knights)
15. Joseph Tapine (Knights)
16. Addin Fonua-Blake (Dragons)
17. Kane Elgey (Titans)
Coach: Mick Crawley (Knights)
Kane Elgey runs the footy for Gold Coast NYC in 2014.Source: News Limited*****
2015: PENRITH PANTHERS 34 def. MANLY SEA EAGLES 18
JACK GIBSON MEDAL: Soni Luke
Panthers
1. Brent Naden
2. Fuimanu Enise
3. Robert Jennings
4. Maliko Filino
5. Dylan Edwards
6. Tyrone May
7. Jarome Luai
8. Oliver Clark
9. Soni Luke
10. Moses Leota
11. James Fisher-Harris
12. Corey Harawira
13. Reed Izzard
14. Kade Ellis
15. Thompson Tuigamala
16. Paea Pua
17. Jake Ennis
What happened that season:The Penrith Panthers clinched the minor premiership by a point over North Queensland Cowboys, as Cowboys winger Gideon Gela-Mosby electrified the competition with a record haul of 39 tries. The Broncos and Sea Eagles also making the top four; with Brisbane led by halfback Ash Taylor, who looked for all money a long-term superstar. The Tigers, Roosters, Warriors and Raiders completed the top eight, while the Rabbitohs came last. With a team that featured plenty of the mainstays of Penrith’s current NRL dynasty, including current Test fullback Dylan Edwards playing on the wing, the Panthers dominated the Sea Eagles in the decider on the back of hooker Soni Luke’s man-of-the-match display.
What happened next: Dylan Edwards has scored 52 tries in 151 NRL games and played two Origins for the Blues and six Tests for the Kangaroos to date, while winning four premierships from five grand finals. Jarome Luai has scored 25 tries in 131 NRL games and has played 10 Origins for NSW and 13 Tests to date to go with his four titles. His switch to the Tigers will finally see him in the halfback jersey he wore in the 2015 NYC GF. James Fisher-Harris has played 203 NRL games and 18 Tests for the Kiwis, while also winning four titles. Moses Leota has played 175 NRL games for the Panthers and seven Tests and also picked up four titles along the way. Corey Harawira-Naera has played 123 NRL games for the Panthers, Bulldogs and Raiders and three Tests. Robert Jennings (74), Brent Naden (72), Tyrone May (56), Soni Luke (25) and Oliver Clark (16) have all played NRL.
Penrith do it again, this time in the 2015 Holden Cup decider.Source: News Corp AustraliaPlayer of the Year: Ash Taylor (Broncos)
Top point scorer: Ash Taylor (Broncos) 203
Top try scorer: Gideon Gela-Mosby (Cowboys) 39
Team of the Year
1. Tom Trbojevic (Manly)
2. Gideon Gela-Mosby (Cowboys)
3. Jordan Drew (Broncos)
4. Addison Demetriou (Sea Eagles)
5. Joseph Manu (Roosters)
6. Te Maire Martin (Wests Tigers)
7. Ash Taylor (Broncos)
8. Viliame Kikau (Cowboys)
9. Jayden Berrell (Broncos)
10. Joe Ofahengaue (Broncos)
11. Coen Hess (Cowboys)
12. Tevita Pangai Junior (Raiders)
13. Jai Arrow (Broncos)
14. Latrell Mitchell (Roosters)
15. Brent Naden (Panthers)
16. Jayden Nikorima (Broncos)
17. Danny Levi (Knights)
Coach: Cameron Ciraldo (Panthers)
Ash Taylor dazzles for the U20 Broncos in 2015.Source: News Limited*****
2016: SYDNEY ROOSTERS 30 def. PENRITH PANTHERS 28
JACK GIBSON MEDAL: Nat Butcher
Player of the Year: Jayden Brailey (Sharks)
Roosters
1. Kiah Cooper
2. Johnny Tuivasa-Sheck
3. Joseph Manu
4. Jarred Anderson
5. Bernard Lewis
6. Paul Momirovski
7. Jesse Marschke
8. Poasa Faamausili
9. Grant Garvey (c)
10. Ben Thomas
11. Reuben Porter
12. Victor Radley
13. Nat Butcher (c)
14. Jarrett Boland
15. Brendan Frei
16. Sukamanu Raki
17. Sitili Tupouniua
What happened that season:The Penrith Panthers won the minor premiership by five points with the Cowboys, Dragons and Sharks completing the top four; hooker Jayden Brailey starring for Cronulla to mark himself as an elite hooking talent. The fifth-placed Roosters, the Tigers, Eels and Raiders rounded out the top eight, while the Sea Eagles won the wooden spoon. But the Roosters caught fire in the finals to down the Raiders 48-0, the Sharks 28-18 and the Dragons 26-20 to make the decider. The Panthers were favourites to win back-to-back titles, but the Roosters upset them in the decider on the back of a man-of-the-match display from Nat Butcher and two tries from centre Joseph Manu, whose natural ability screamed ‘superstar’.
What happened next: Joseph Manu has scored 69 tries in 181 NRL games and played 17 Tests for New Zealand to go with two premierships, before switching to rugby union. Victor Radley has played 141 NRL games for the Roosters and nine Tests to go with two titles of his own. Nat Butcher has played 149 NRL games to date scoring 25 tries and winning two titles. Sitili Tupouniua has scored 33 tries in 106 NRL games for the Roosters and played five Tests, before his switch to the Bulldogs. Paul Momirovski has played 60 NRL games for the Roosters, Tigers, Storm and Penrith and won a premiership with the Panthers in 2021. Poasa Faamausili (47), Reuben Porter (8), Jesse Marschke (7) and Grant Garvey (1) have all played NRL.
Roosters players celebrate victory in the 2016 Holden Cup grand final.Source: News Corp AustraliaPlayer of the Year: Jayden Brailey (Sharks)
Top point scorer: Jesse Arthars (Storm) 224
Top try scorer: Marcus Jensen (Cowboys) 26
Team of the Year
1. Kalyn Ponga (Cowboys)
2. Gideon Gela-Mosby (Cowboys)
3. Robert Jennings (Panthers)
4. Nick Cotric (Raiders)
5. Joseph Manu (Roosters)
6. Tyrone May (Panthers)
7. Troy Dargan (Eels)
8. Alex Twal (Eels)
9. Brandon Smith (Cowboys)
10. Oliver Clark (Panthers)
11. Luciano Leilua (Dragons)
12. Jaydn Su’A (Broncos)
13. Nat Butcher (Roosters)
14. Jayden Brailey (Sharks)
15. Matt Dufty (Dragons)
16. Tyrell Fuimaono (Eels)
17. Dylan Edwards (Panthers)
Coach: Cameron Ciraldo (Panthers)
Holden Cup Player of the Year for 2016: Jayden Brailey.Source: News Corp Australia*****
2017: MANLY SEA EAGLES 20 def. PARRAMATTA EELS 18
JACK GIBSON MEDAL: Cade Cust
Sea Eagles
1. Jade Anderson
2. Alfred Smalley
3. Tevita Funa
4. Semisi Kioa
5. Bilal Maarbani
6. Tom Wright
7. Cade Cust
8. Jaiden Tarrant
9. Manase Fainu (c)
10. Elia Faatui
11. Blake Andrews
12. Josh Martin
13. Haumole Olakauátu
14. Kurtis Preece
15. Jesse Martin
16. Zaan Weatherall
17. John Tuivati
What happened that season: The final NYC season in 2017 before it was disbanded saw the Sharks take out the minor premiership by seven points ahead of the Panthers, while the Dragons and Eels rounded out the top four. The Cowboys, Broncos, Knights and eighth placed Sea Eagles completed the finals picture, as North Queensland No.7 Jake Clifford claimed Player of the Year honours, with the Warriors winning the wooden spoon after being the most successful club in the history of the NYC. However, Manly went on a giant killing run in the finals to beat the Cowboys 30-16, the Sharks 44-22 and the Dragons 34-18 to make the grand final from eighth spot. The Eels also came from fourth to make the decider, but their fairytale was ended by a man-of-the-match display from halfback Cade Cust, who led the Sea Eagles to a thrilling 20-18 win to clinch the last instalment of the original NYC. A sad footnote, in hindsight: the final NYC premiership captain was Manase Fainu, currently in jail due to a well-documented knife attack outside a church in October 2019, when he appeared on his way to stardom with the Sea Eagles’ NRL team. On the upside: the 2017 competition featured brilliant displays from some outrageous talent that adorns the NRL today, like Kalyn Ponga, Payne Haas and Pat Carrigan.
What happened next: The last NYC premiers was ironically the least stacked in terms of NRL talent. Haumole Olakauátu has scored 36 tries in 94 NRL games for the Sea Eagles and played two Origins for the Blues and eight Tests to date. Tom Wright played just four games for Manly before switching codes and he is the current starting Wallabies fullback. Manase Fainu (34), Cade Cust (27), Tevita Funa (16), and Alfred Smalley (2) have all played NRL.
The final premiers: Manly players celebrate after the 2017 Holden Cup decider.Source: News Corp AustraliaPlayer of the Year: Jake Clifford (Cowboys)
Top point scorer: Kyle Flanagan (Sharks) 360
Top try scorer: Sione Katoa (Sharks) 24
Team of the Year
1. Kalyn Ponga (Cowboys)
2. Sione Katoa (Sharks)
3. Phillip Sami (Titans)
4. Jesse Ramien (Sharks)
5. Greg Marzhew (Eels)
6. AJ Brimson (Titans)
7. Kyle Flanagan (Sharks)
8. Patrick Carrigan (Broncos)
9. Wayde Egan (Panthers)
10. Payne Haas (Broncos)
11. Briton Nikora (Sharks)
12. Jack Murchie (Raiders)
13. Billy Magoulias (Sharks)
14.Victor Radley (Roosters)
15. Blayke Brailey (Sharks)
16. Reed Izzard (Panthers)
17. Jake Clifford (Cowboys)
Coach: John Morris (Sharks)
Jake Clifford dominated the final season of NYC U20s.Source: News Corp Australia*****
TEAM OF THE DECADE (named by NRL.com)
1. Tom Trbojevic (Sea Eagles)
2. Gideon Gela-Mosby (Cowboys)
3. Konrad Hurrell (Warriors)
4. Siuatonga Likiliki (Warriors)
5. Wayne Ulugia (Cowboys)
6. Ben Barba (Bulldogs)
7. Shaun Johnson (Warriors)
8. Viliame Kikau (Cowboys)
9. Michael Lichaa (Sharks)
10. Jake Trbojevic (Sea Eagles)
11. Jason Taumalolo (Cowboys)
12. Sam Lousi (Warriors)
13. Nat Butcher (Roosters)
14. Jayden Brailey (Sharks)
15. Addison Demetriou (Sea Eagles)
16. Vaipuna Tia Kilifi (Panthers)
17. Carlos Tuimavave (Warriors)
Coach: John Ackland (Warriors)
