Sport
12 January, 2026
Local talent is shining bright
LOCAL rugby league talent is shining, with 23 young players being selected in Northern Pride Elite Pathways squads.
Both boys and girls players from the Mareeba Gladiators and Atherton Roosters who made their name stand out in the 2025 season have been selected in development programs that could further their success in the sport.
The pathways for the males are the Mal Meninga Cup (U19s) and the Cyril Connell Cup (U17s), and for the girls; the Harvey Norman U17s and Harvey Norman Under 19s.
Among the 23 players, 11 were selected from Atherton and 11 from Mareeba. Mareeba’s Bryce Fincham was also offered a Hostplus Cup development contract with the Northern Pride.
Fincham will train with the Pride multiple times a week to further develop his skills, which could possibly lead to a future gig with the club.
Gladiators president Shaun Fincham said he was proud of all the young players selected and highlighted some who even stepped up to play A Grade this year.
“It’s great to see our local players getting recognised for their efforts during the season,” he said.
“Jason was part of the squad this year and gets another opportunity in the 2026 season. He also played his second year of A Grade footy this year.
“It’s been a big year for Ashton too, he made his A Grade debut and it’s no surprise he is part of this squad.
“And Bryce was rewarded with a good Mal Meninga Cup campaign with a development contract with the Hostplus Cup squad. He works hard and it’s a terrific opportunity for him – one that’s well-deserved.”
Roosters president Paul Pensini was also proud of his young club representatives.
“It’s really good to see. I think it’s just indicative of where our sides have finished in the last couple of years,” he said.
“Our 17s and 19s are mostly younger than they’re age group, being 16 and 18, but it just shows how our teams have performed. Some of our guys really put their best foot forward and now it’s showing.
“Part of being a senior club too is having a good organisation and setting standards, so the juniors can watch games being won and have aspirations to be part of it.
“And across the board there’s people here helping these young blokes develop, and that’s important, but what’s also important is them wanting to continue their development.
“So, we’re really pleased that these guys have gotten this opportunity, they’re definitely deserving of it.”
The teams are expected to play in their respective competitions early this year.
Players selected:
Mal Meninga Cup:
Atherton – Gariam Noah, Nathaniel Ross, Jackson Clark
Mareeba – Jason Hastie, Jay Mataio, Ashton Martin, Ethan Morgan, Zion Schaaf
Cyril Connell Cup:
Atherton – Beckett Fry, Brandon Freeman, Cooper Dockrill, Kai Brown
Mareeba – Wayne Douglas, Zephaniah Moorcroft-Kose
Harvey Norman U19s:
Atherton – Manaia Lunt, Nayita Joseph, Olivia Mason
Harvey Norman U17s:
Atherton – Angela Nane-Coe
Mareeba – Ainsley Martin, Madinah Bajramovic, Precious Baker-Esekia, Zahlia Tokarahi
Hostplus Cup 2025/26 Development Contract:
Bryce Fincham (Mareeba)
