Caceres weighs up ALM future as World Cup looms
Knowing a World Cup spot is up for grabs, Socceroos midfielder Anthony Caceres is still weighing up his playing future at Sydney FC.
Caceres, 32, went from believing his national team dream was dead to being a genuine option for Socceroos coach Tony Popovic within six months.
The classy midfielder helped Australia seal direct qualification to the 2026 tournament in their crunch clashes against Japan and Saudi Arabia.
Viewing the upcoming club season as "the most important year of my career", Caceres said he hasn't made a call on whether he'll stay at the Sky Blues.
Caceres has played at the ALM heavyweights since 2019, having arrived on loan from Manchester City.
He has been linked with a move to Macarthur FC, after Sydney failed to make finals last season under coach Ufuk Talay.
Highly rated Sky Blues forward Adrian Segecic has already sealed his move after earning a three-year contract at English Championship side Portsmouth.
"I'm still weighing it up, that's the thing," Caceres said on Thursday at the Commbank sponsorship announcement.
"I've had a few sniffs in Asia and actually some countries in Europe.
"Ultimately, the league needs to be competitive enough to keep me in the frame for national team football.
"It's tempting to stay in Australia because our league gets recognised by the national team coach.
"I understand the league well, and I think it's a great option."
Should he make the cross-town switch to the Bulls, he'll be reunited with former Sky Blues teammate Luke Brattan.
It was Bulls captain Brattan's long-awaited Socceroos debut, at 34, last year that reignited Caceres's national team hopes.
"When I saw my good mate Luke Brattan get a call, that told me that age isn't the deciding factor," Caceres said.
"Not that I'm old, but there's certain perceptions that come with it.
"Before then, it's safe to say that I had almost given up on it.
"At my age, at 32, you never stop learning and improving. That fuels my energy to kick on in my career."
While his eyes are set firmly on retaining his spot for the 2026 finals, Caceres admits he's still pinching himself after their deciding 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia.
"I know other boys have been there and done it before, so maybe they feel a bit differently," Caceres said.
"For me, disbelief is the word. It takes a while to actually understand what is happening.
"You've gone from not being involved in the national team and watching them over decades, to one day being there in a crucial moment like that."
Knowing a World Cup spot is up for grabs, Socceroos midfielder Anthony Caceres is still weighing up his playing future at Sydney FC.
Caceres, 32, went from believing his national team dream was dead to being a genuine option for Socceroos coach Tony Popovic within six months.
The classy midfielder helped Australia seal direct qualification to the 2026 tournament in their crunch clashes against Japan and Saudi Arabia.
Viewing the upcoming club season as "the most important year of my career", Caceres said he hasn't made a call on whether he'll stay at the Sky Blues.
Caceres has played at the ALM heavyweights since 2019, having arrived on loan from Manchester City.
He has been linked with a move to Macarthur FC, after Sydney failed to make finals last season under coach Ufuk Talay.
Highly rated Sky Blues forward Adrian Segecic has already sealed his move after earning a three-year contract at English Championship side Portsmouth.
"I'm still weighing it up, that's the thing," Caceres said on Thursday at the Commbank sponsorship announcement.
"I've had a few sniffs in Asia and actually some countries in Europe.
"Ultimately, the league needs to be competitive enough to keep me in the frame for national team football.
"It's tempting to stay in Australia because our league gets recognised by the national team coach.
"I understand the league well, and I think it's a great option."
Should he make the cross-town switch to the Bulls, he'll be reunited with former Sky Blues teammate Luke Brattan.
It was Bulls captain Brattan's long-awaited Socceroos debut, at 34, last year that reignited Caceres's national team hopes.
"When I saw my good mate Luke Brattan get a call, that told me that age isn't the deciding factor," Caceres said.
"Not that I'm old, but there's certain perceptions that come with it.
"Before then, it's safe to say that I had almost given up on it.
"At my age, at 32, you never stop learning and improving. That fuels my energy to kick on in my career."
While his eyes are set firmly on retaining his spot for the 2026 finals, Caceres admits he's still pinching himself after their deciding 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia.
"I know other boys have been there and done it before, so maybe they feel a bit differently," Caceres said.
"For me, disbelief is the word. It takes a while to actually understand what is happening.
"You've gone from not being involved in the national team and watching them over decades, to one day being there in a crucial moment like that."
Knowing a World Cup spot is up for grabs, Socceroos midfielder Anthony Caceres is still weighing up his playing future at Sydney FC.
Caceres, 32, went from believing his national team dream was dead to being a genuine option for Socceroos coach Tony Popovic within six months.
The classy midfielder helped Australia seal direct qualification to the 2026 tournament in their crunch clashes against Japan and Saudi Arabia.
Viewing the upcoming club season as "the most important year of my career", Caceres said he hasn't made a call on whether he'll stay at the Sky Blues.
Caceres has played at the ALM heavyweights since 2019, having arrived on loan from Manchester City.
He has been linked with a move to Macarthur FC, after Sydney failed to make finals last season under coach Ufuk Talay.
Highly rated Sky Blues forward Adrian Segecic has already sealed his move after earning a three-year contract at English Championship side Portsmouth.
"I'm still weighing it up, that's the thing," Caceres said on Thursday at the Commbank sponsorship announcement.
"I've had a few sniffs in Asia and actually some countries in Europe.
"Ultimately, the league needs to be competitive enough to keep me in the frame for national team football.
"It's tempting to stay in Australia because our league gets recognised by the national team coach.
"I understand the league well, and I think it's a great option."
Should he make the cross-town switch to the Bulls, he'll be reunited with former Sky Blues teammate Luke Brattan.
It was Bulls captain Brattan's long-awaited Socceroos debut, at 34, last year that reignited Caceres's national team hopes.
"When I saw my good mate Luke Brattan get a call, that told me that age isn't the deciding factor," Caceres said.
"Not that I'm old, but there's certain perceptions that come with it.
"Before then, it's safe to say that I had almost given up on it.
"At my age, at 32, you never stop learning and improving. That fuels my energy to kick on in my career."
While his eyes are set firmly on retaining his spot for the 2026 finals, Caceres admits he's still pinching himself after their deciding 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia.
"I know other boys have been there and done it before, so maybe they feel a bit differently," Caceres said.
"For me, disbelief is the word. It takes a while to actually understand what is happening.
"You've gone from not being involved in the national team and watching them over decades, to one day being there in a crucial moment like that."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Australian
2 hours ago
- The Australian
CommBank to sponsor Socceroos as well as Matildas
Football Australia has confirmed that CommBank will become the FIFA World Cup-bound Socceroos' new naming rights sponsor as part of the financial institution's growing investment in the sport. Already the main backer of the Matildas, CommBank will take over from Subway as the Socceroos' major sponsor in September. It's part of a new six-year deal, reportedly worth between $10m and $15m each year, that will result in the bank becoming FA's major sponsor at all levels. The FIFA World Cup-bound Socceroos have secured a new naming rights sponsor. Picture:'We are beyond delighted to take this next step in our relationship with CommBank and continue with our joint purpose of creating a game that is accessible to and loved by all Australians,' FA's interim chief executive officer Heather Garriock said. 'CommBank have been incredible partners since 2021. In the four years since, we have together taken the women's and para games from strength to strength, and we cannot wait to extend this success into other programs.' The sponsorship will also result in CommBank's naming rights scope expanding to the Olyroos, the Young Socceroos and the Joeys. CommBank chief executive Matt Comyn, said: 'With the Socceroos facing the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 and the Matildas preparing for the Australia-hosted AFC Women's Asian Cup, there has never been a more exciting time to be a fan of football in Australia.'
The Advertiser
5 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Caceres weighs up ALM future as World Cup looms
Knowing a World Cup spot is up for grabs, Socceroos midfielder Anthony Caceres is still weighing up his playing future at Sydney FC. Caceres, 32, went from believing his national team dream was dead to being a genuine option for Socceroos coach Tony Popovic within six months. The classy midfielder helped Australia seal direct qualification to the 2026 tournament in their crunch clashes against Japan and Saudi Arabia. Viewing the upcoming club season as "the most important year of my career", Caceres said he hasn't made a call on whether he'll stay at the Sky Blues. Caceres has played at the ALM heavyweights since 2019, having arrived on loan from Manchester City. He has been linked with a move to Macarthur FC, after Sydney failed to make finals last season under coach Ufuk Talay. Highly rated Sky Blues forward Adrian Segecic has already sealed his move after earning a three-year contract at English Championship side Portsmouth. "I'm still weighing it up, that's the thing," Caceres said on Thursday at the Commbank sponsorship announcement. "I've had a few sniffs in Asia and actually some countries in Europe. "Ultimately, the league needs to be competitive enough to keep me in the frame for national team football. "It's tempting to stay in Australia because our league gets recognised by the national team coach. "I understand the league well, and I think it's a great option." Should he make the cross-town switch to the Bulls, he'll be reunited with former Sky Blues teammate Luke Brattan. It was Bulls captain Brattan's long-awaited Socceroos debut, at 34, last year that reignited Caceres's national team hopes. "When I saw my good mate Luke Brattan get a call, that told me that age isn't the deciding factor," Caceres said. "Not that I'm old, but there's certain perceptions that come with it. "Before then, it's safe to say that I had almost given up on it. "At my age, at 32, you never stop learning and improving. That fuels my energy to kick on in my career." While his eyes are set firmly on retaining his spot for the 2026 finals, Caceres admits he's still pinching himself after their deciding 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia. "I know other boys have been there and done it before, so maybe they feel a bit differently," Caceres said. "For me, disbelief is the word. It takes a while to actually understand what is happening. "You've gone from not being involved in the national team and watching them over decades, to one day being there in a crucial moment like that." Knowing a World Cup spot is up for grabs, Socceroos midfielder Anthony Caceres is still weighing up his playing future at Sydney FC. Caceres, 32, went from believing his national team dream was dead to being a genuine option for Socceroos coach Tony Popovic within six months. The classy midfielder helped Australia seal direct qualification to the 2026 tournament in their crunch clashes against Japan and Saudi Arabia. Viewing the upcoming club season as "the most important year of my career", Caceres said he hasn't made a call on whether he'll stay at the Sky Blues. Caceres has played at the ALM heavyweights since 2019, having arrived on loan from Manchester City. He has been linked with a move to Macarthur FC, after Sydney failed to make finals last season under coach Ufuk Talay. Highly rated Sky Blues forward Adrian Segecic has already sealed his move after earning a three-year contract at English Championship side Portsmouth. "I'm still weighing it up, that's the thing," Caceres said on Thursday at the Commbank sponsorship announcement. "I've had a few sniffs in Asia and actually some countries in Europe. "Ultimately, the league needs to be competitive enough to keep me in the frame for national team football. "It's tempting to stay in Australia because our league gets recognised by the national team coach. "I understand the league well, and I think it's a great option." Should he make the cross-town switch to the Bulls, he'll be reunited with former Sky Blues teammate Luke Brattan. It was Bulls captain Brattan's long-awaited Socceroos debut, at 34, last year that reignited Caceres's national team hopes. "When I saw my good mate Luke Brattan get a call, that told me that age isn't the deciding factor," Caceres said. "Not that I'm old, but there's certain perceptions that come with it. "Before then, it's safe to say that I had almost given up on it. "At my age, at 32, you never stop learning and improving. That fuels my energy to kick on in my career." While his eyes are set firmly on retaining his spot for the 2026 finals, Caceres admits he's still pinching himself after their deciding 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia. "I know other boys have been there and done it before, so maybe they feel a bit differently," Caceres said. "For me, disbelief is the word. It takes a while to actually understand what is happening. "You've gone from not being involved in the national team and watching them over decades, to one day being there in a crucial moment like that." Knowing a World Cup spot is up for grabs, Socceroos midfielder Anthony Caceres is still weighing up his playing future at Sydney FC. Caceres, 32, went from believing his national team dream was dead to being a genuine option for Socceroos coach Tony Popovic within six months. The classy midfielder helped Australia seal direct qualification to the 2026 tournament in their crunch clashes against Japan and Saudi Arabia. Viewing the upcoming club season as "the most important year of my career", Caceres said he hasn't made a call on whether he'll stay at the Sky Blues. Caceres has played at the ALM heavyweights since 2019, having arrived on loan from Manchester City. He has been linked with a move to Macarthur FC, after Sydney failed to make finals last season under coach Ufuk Talay. Highly rated Sky Blues forward Adrian Segecic has already sealed his move after earning a three-year contract at English Championship side Portsmouth. "I'm still weighing it up, that's the thing," Caceres said on Thursday at the Commbank sponsorship announcement. "I've had a few sniffs in Asia and actually some countries in Europe. "Ultimately, the league needs to be competitive enough to keep me in the frame for national team football. "It's tempting to stay in Australia because our league gets recognised by the national team coach. "I understand the league well, and I think it's a great option." Should he make the cross-town switch to the Bulls, he'll be reunited with former Sky Blues teammate Luke Brattan. It was Bulls captain Brattan's long-awaited Socceroos debut, at 34, last year that reignited Caceres's national team hopes. "When I saw my good mate Luke Brattan get a call, that told me that age isn't the deciding factor," Caceres said. "Not that I'm old, but there's certain perceptions that come with it. "Before then, it's safe to say that I had almost given up on it. "At my age, at 32, you never stop learning and improving. That fuels my energy to kick on in my career." While his eyes are set firmly on retaining his spot for the 2026 finals, Caceres admits he's still pinching himself after their deciding 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia. "I know other boys have been there and done it before, so maybe they feel a bit differently," Caceres said. "For me, disbelief is the word. It takes a while to actually understand what is happening. "You've gone from not being involved in the national team and watching them over decades, to one day being there in a crucial moment like that."
The Advertiser
5 hours ago
- The Advertiser
The Knights' six rising talents in State of Origin arena
There wasn't much Evah McEwen didn't do in 2024. The 19-year-old was the Knights' Tarsha Gale (under 19s) player of the year, represented NSW in the women's under-19 State of Origin, made her NRLW debut, helped Samoa secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup and was nominated on the Golden Boot long list for international player of the year. This year is poised to be even bigger for the powerful second-rower. The St Marys junior has been upgraded from Knights development player to top-24 roster, locked down until the end of 2027, and will be pushing for a starting spot following the departure of Laishon Albert-Jones to the New Zealand Warriors. The dynamic forward represented the Indigenous All Stars in February and was included in John Strange's extended NSW women's Origin squad in March. Newcastle NRLW coach Ben Jeffries has likened McEwen to Knights, NSW and Australian game-breaker Yasmin Clydsdale, arguably the best second-rower the women's game has seen. "She's just dynamic," Jeffries said. "She can break tackles, has speed. She's got effort areas. I can see a real resemblance of a young Yasmin Clydsdale. "She's got the best mentor in Yas next to her, so she can learn from arguably the best in the world." The teenager is taking nothing for granted as she lines up for NSW in the women's under-19 State of Origin showdown on the Sunshine Coast on Thursday (5.45pm). McEwen is one of up to six Knights set to feature in the under-19 Origin double-header. Mercedez Taulelei-Siala and Mariah Brown, both development players this year, are in the Queensland squad. Knights trio Cody Hopwood, Connor Votano and Jack Hilliar are in the Blues men's squad. The men's exchange is at 7.45pm. "I'm just enjoying camp," McEwen told the Newcastle Herald. "This will probably be my last time pulling on the NSW jersey until I hopefully crack women's, so I'm very proud and privileged to put on this jersey again. "There's no other feeling like it. It just brings the dog out of everyone, so I'm keen to do that all over again." McEwen was one of nine tryscorers as NSW annihilated Queensland 46-4 last year. "It opened a lot of doors for me, that was just the beginning," McEwen said. "It was the atmosphere as well. I can't even explain it. I'll be trying to soak all of that in, and I can't wait to do that all over again because there's nothing like Origin footy. "I'm keen to rip in and bring the shield back home again." Taulelei-Siala and Brown are among just four players returning from last year's Maroons side. Taulelei-Siala, a power-packed outside back, also had a big 2024. The 18-year-old Goona Eagles junior was in the Australian schoolgirls side, represented Samoa at the Pacific Championships alongside McEwen and earned a development contract with the Knights. Brown, who turns 19 on Thursday, is only 164 centimetres tall but is a tough and versatile back. The Highfields Eagles junior has been likened to former Knights' premiership-winning centre Abigail Roache, who has moved on to the North Queensland Cowboys. Hopwood and Votano are set for their second year in a Blues jersey while Hilliar has earned his first call-up. Last year, NSW beat Queensland 14-10 in the men's match. "It means a lot to me and my family to represent the Blues," Hopwood said. "You never know when you get to do it again. And, it means the world to be in the team with Jack and Connor. It's awesome to be able to do it with your best mates as well." Hopwood has just turned 19 but is already carving out a reputation against men in NSW Cup and the West Maitland Wallaroos junior looks destined to reach the NRL. A stand-out in the Knights' junior pathways system, he was elevated to an NRL contract for 2025 and is signed until at least the end of 2028. Standing at 195 centimetres tall and weighing 105 kilograms, the former Australian schoolboy representative is a highly-fancied prop with pure presence. "He's a tough front-rower who's got good skill if he needs to pass the ball, but his best attribute is his running game, and just defensively he works really hard for the team," Knights' NSW Cup and transition coach Michael Dobson said. "He's a great young leader. He's been playing NSW Cup against men all year and he only just turned 19 a couple of weeks ago, so he's doing a really good job." MORE IN SPORT: The Entrance Tigers junior Votano, 19, is an athletic fullback who is playing NSW Cup. "He's been doing a really good job, learning all the time," Dobson said. "Connor is a really good ball-runner who has good ball skills out the back of shape." Hilliar, a 19-year-old front-rower and Cessnock junior, has also come through the Knights pathways system and has played SG Ball (19s) and Jersey Flegg (21s) this year. "He's really tough through the middle and has got good leg speed," Dobson said. "Jack did the pre-season with the NRL squad, so they've all had a taste of NRL training. Connor and Cody every day and Jack in pre-season, which puts them in a really good position to go out and do a good job in NSW Origin." There wasn't much Evah McEwen didn't do in 2024. The 19-year-old was the Knights' Tarsha Gale (under 19s) player of the year, represented NSW in the women's under-19 State of Origin, made her NRLW debut, helped Samoa secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup and was nominated on the Golden Boot long list for international player of the year. This year is poised to be even bigger for the powerful second-rower. The St Marys junior has been upgraded from Knights development player to top-24 roster, locked down until the end of 2027, and will be pushing for a starting spot following the departure of Laishon Albert-Jones to the New Zealand Warriors. The dynamic forward represented the Indigenous All Stars in February and was included in John Strange's extended NSW women's Origin squad in March. Newcastle NRLW coach Ben Jeffries has likened McEwen to Knights, NSW and Australian game-breaker Yasmin Clydsdale, arguably the best second-rower the women's game has seen. "She's just dynamic," Jeffries said. "She can break tackles, has speed. She's got effort areas. I can see a real resemblance of a young Yasmin Clydsdale. "She's got the best mentor in Yas next to her, so she can learn from arguably the best in the world." The teenager is taking nothing for granted as she lines up for NSW in the women's under-19 State of Origin showdown on the Sunshine Coast on Thursday (5.45pm). McEwen is one of up to six Knights set to feature in the under-19 Origin double-header. Mercedez Taulelei-Siala and Mariah Brown, both development players this year, are in the Queensland squad. Knights trio Cody Hopwood, Connor Votano and Jack Hilliar are in the Blues men's squad. The men's exchange is at 7.45pm. "I'm just enjoying camp," McEwen told the Newcastle Herald. "This will probably be my last time pulling on the NSW jersey until I hopefully crack women's, so I'm very proud and privileged to put on this jersey again. "There's no other feeling like it. It just brings the dog out of everyone, so I'm keen to do that all over again." McEwen was one of nine tryscorers as NSW annihilated Queensland 46-4 last year. "It opened a lot of doors for me, that was just the beginning," McEwen said. "It was the atmosphere as well. I can't even explain it. I'll be trying to soak all of that in, and I can't wait to do that all over again because there's nothing like Origin footy. "I'm keen to rip in and bring the shield back home again." Taulelei-Siala and Brown are among just four players returning from last year's Maroons side. Taulelei-Siala, a power-packed outside back, also had a big 2024. The 18-year-old Goona Eagles junior was in the Australian schoolgirls side, represented Samoa at the Pacific Championships alongside McEwen and earned a development contract with the Knights. Brown, who turns 19 on Thursday, is only 164 centimetres tall but is a tough and versatile back. The Highfields Eagles junior has been likened to former Knights' premiership-winning centre Abigail Roache, who has moved on to the North Queensland Cowboys. Hopwood and Votano are set for their second year in a Blues jersey while Hilliar has earned his first call-up. Last year, NSW beat Queensland 14-10 in the men's match. "It means a lot to me and my family to represent the Blues," Hopwood said. "You never know when you get to do it again. And, it means the world to be in the team with Jack and Connor. It's awesome to be able to do it with your best mates as well." Hopwood has just turned 19 but is already carving out a reputation against men in NSW Cup and the West Maitland Wallaroos junior looks destined to reach the NRL. A stand-out in the Knights' junior pathways system, he was elevated to an NRL contract for 2025 and is signed until at least the end of 2028. Standing at 195 centimetres tall and weighing 105 kilograms, the former Australian schoolboy representative is a highly-fancied prop with pure presence. "He's a tough front-rower who's got good skill if he needs to pass the ball, but his best attribute is his running game, and just defensively he works really hard for the team," Knights' NSW Cup and transition coach Michael Dobson said. "He's a great young leader. He's been playing NSW Cup against men all year and he only just turned 19 a couple of weeks ago, so he's doing a really good job." MORE IN SPORT: The Entrance Tigers junior Votano, 19, is an athletic fullback who is playing NSW Cup. "He's been doing a really good job, learning all the time," Dobson said. "Connor is a really good ball-runner who has good ball skills out the back of shape." Hilliar, a 19-year-old front-rower and Cessnock junior, has also come through the Knights pathways system and has played SG Ball (19s) and Jersey Flegg (21s) this year. "He's really tough through the middle and has got good leg speed," Dobson said. "Jack did the pre-season with the NRL squad, so they've all had a taste of NRL training. Connor and Cody every day and Jack in pre-season, which puts them in a really good position to go out and do a good job in NSW Origin." There wasn't much Evah McEwen didn't do in 2024. The 19-year-old was the Knights' Tarsha Gale (under 19s) player of the year, represented NSW in the women's under-19 State of Origin, made her NRLW debut, helped Samoa secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup and was nominated on the Golden Boot long list for international player of the year. This year is poised to be even bigger for the powerful second-rower. The St Marys junior has been upgraded from Knights development player to top-24 roster, locked down until the end of 2027, and will be pushing for a starting spot following the departure of Laishon Albert-Jones to the New Zealand Warriors. The dynamic forward represented the Indigenous All Stars in February and was included in John Strange's extended NSW women's Origin squad in March. Newcastle NRLW coach Ben Jeffries has likened McEwen to Knights, NSW and Australian game-breaker Yasmin Clydsdale, arguably the best second-rower the women's game has seen. "She's just dynamic," Jeffries said. "She can break tackles, has speed. She's got effort areas. I can see a real resemblance of a young Yasmin Clydsdale. "She's got the best mentor in Yas next to her, so she can learn from arguably the best in the world." The teenager is taking nothing for granted as she lines up for NSW in the women's under-19 State of Origin showdown on the Sunshine Coast on Thursday (5.45pm). McEwen is one of up to six Knights set to feature in the under-19 Origin double-header. Mercedez Taulelei-Siala and Mariah Brown, both development players this year, are in the Queensland squad. Knights trio Cody Hopwood, Connor Votano and Jack Hilliar are in the Blues men's squad. The men's exchange is at 7.45pm. "I'm just enjoying camp," McEwen told the Newcastle Herald. "This will probably be my last time pulling on the NSW jersey until I hopefully crack women's, so I'm very proud and privileged to put on this jersey again. "There's no other feeling like it. It just brings the dog out of everyone, so I'm keen to do that all over again." McEwen was one of nine tryscorers as NSW annihilated Queensland 46-4 last year. "It opened a lot of doors for me, that was just the beginning," McEwen said. "It was the atmosphere as well. I can't even explain it. I'll be trying to soak all of that in, and I can't wait to do that all over again because there's nothing like Origin footy. "I'm keen to rip in and bring the shield back home again." Taulelei-Siala and Brown are among just four players returning from last year's Maroons side. Taulelei-Siala, a power-packed outside back, also had a big 2024. The 18-year-old Goona Eagles junior was in the Australian schoolgirls side, represented Samoa at the Pacific Championships alongside McEwen and earned a development contract with the Knights. Brown, who turns 19 on Thursday, is only 164 centimetres tall but is a tough and versatile back. The Highfields Eagles junior has been likened to former Knights' premiership-winning centre Abigail Roache, who has moved on to the North Queensland Cowboys. Hopwood and Votano are set for their second year in a Blues jersey while Hilliar has earned his first call-up. Last year, NSW beat Queensland 14-10 in the men's match. "It means a lot to me and my family to represent the Blues," Hopwood said. "You never know when you get to do it again. And, it means the world to be in the team with Jack and Connor. It's awesome to be able to do it with your best mates as well." Hopwood has just turned 19 but is already carving out a reputation against men in NSW Cup and the West Maitland Wallaroos junior looks destined to reach the NRL. A stand-out in the Knights' junior pathways system, he was elevated to an NRL contract for 2025 and is signed until at least the end of 2028. Standing at 195 centimetres tall and weighing 105 kilograms, the former Australian schoolboy representative is a highly-fancied prop with pure presence. "He's a tough front-rower who's got good skill if he needs to pass the ball, but his best attribute is his running game, and just defensively he works really hard for the team," Knights' NSW Cup and transition coach Michael Dobson said. "He's a great young leader. He's been playing NSW Cup against men all year and he only just turned 19 a couple of weeks ago, so he's doing a really good job." MORE IN SPORT: The Entrance Tigers junior Votano, 19, is an athletic fullback who is playing NSW Cup. "He's been doing a really good job, learning all the time," Dobson said. "Connor is a really good ball-runner who has good ball skills out the back of shape." Hilliar, a 19-year-old front-rower and Cessnock junior, has also come through the Knights pathways system and has played SG Ball (19s) and Jersey Flegg (21s) this year. "He's really tough through the middle and has got good leg speed," Dobson said. "Jack did the pre-season with the NRL squad, so they've all had a taste of NRL training. Connor and Cody every day and Jack in pre-season, which puts them in a really good position to go out and do a good job in NSW Origin." There wasn't much Evah McEwen didn't do in 2024. The 19-year-old was the Knights' Tarsha Gale (under 19s) player of the year, represented NSW in the women's under-19 State of Origin, made her NRLW debut, helped Samoa secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup and was nominated on the Golden Boot long list for international player of the year. This year is poised to be even bigger for the powerful second-rower. The St Marys junior has been upgraded from Knights development player to top-24 roster, locked down until the end of 2027, and will be pushing for a starting spot following the departure of Laishon Albert-Jones to the New Zealand Warriors. The dynamic forward represented the Indigenous All Stars in February and was included in John Strange's extended NSW women's Origin squad in March. Newcastle NRLW coach Ben Jeffries has likened McEwen to Knights, NSW and Australian game-breaker Yasmin Clydsdale, arguably the best second-rower the women's game has seen. "She's just dynamic," Jeffries said. "She can break tackles, has speed. She's got effort areas. I can see a real resemblance of a young Yasmin Clydsdale. "She's got the best mentor in Yas next to her, so she can learn from arguably the best in the world." The teenager is taking nothing for granted as she lines up for NSW in the women's under-19 State of Origin showdown on the Sunshine Coast on Thursday (5.45pm). McEwen is one of up to six Knights set to feature in the under-19 Origin double-header. Mercedez Taulelei-Siala and Mariah Brown, both development players this year, are in the Queensland squad. Knights trio Cody Hopwood, Connor Votano and Jack Hilliar are in the Blues men's squad. The men's exchange is at 7.45pm. "I'm just enjoying camp," McEwen told the Newcastle Herald. "This will probably be my last time pulling on the NSW jersey until I hopefully crack women's, so I'm very proud and privileged to put on this jersey again. "There's no other feeling like it. It just brings the dog out of everyone, so I'm keen to do that all over again." McEwen was one of nine tryscorers as NSW annihilated Queensland 46-4 last year. "It opened a lot of doors for me, that was just the beginning," McEwen said. "It was the atmosphere as well. I can't even explain it. I'll be trying to soak all of that in, and I can't wait to do that all over again because there's nothing like Origin footy. "I'm keen to rip in and bring the shield back home again." Taulelei-Siala and Brown are among just four players returning from last year's Maroons side. Taulelei-Siala, a power-packed outside back, also had a big 2024. The 18-year-old Goona Eagles junior was in the Australian schoolgirls side, represented Samoa at the Pacific Championships alongside McEwen and earned a development contract with the Knights. Brown, who turns 19 on Thursday, is only 164 centimetres tall but is a tough and versatile back. The Highfields Eagles junior has been likened to former Knights' premiership-winning centre Abigail Roache, who has moved on to the North Queensland Cowboys. Hopwood and Votano are set for their second year in a Blues jersey while Hilliar has earned his first call-up. Last year, NSW beat Queensland 14-10 in the men's match. "It means a lot to me and my family to represent the Blues," Hopwood said. "You never know when you get to do it again. And, it means the world to be in the team with Jack and Connor. It's awesome to be able to do it with your best mates as well." Hopwood has just turned 19 but is already carving out a reputation against men in NSW Cup and the West Maitland Wallaroos junior looks destined to reach the NRL. A stand-out in the Knights' junior pathways system, he was elevated to an NRL contract for 2025 and is signed until at least the end of 2028. Standing at 195 centimetres tall and weighing 105 kilograms, the former Australian schoolboy representative is a highly-fancied prop with pure presence. "He's a tough front-rower who's got good skill if he needs to pass the ball, but his best attribute is his running game, and just defensively he works really hard for the team," Knights' NSW Cup and transition coach Michael Dobson said. "He's a great young leader. He's been playing NSW Cup against men all year and he only just turned 19 a couple of weeks ago, so he's doing a really good job." MORE IN SPORT: The Entrance Tigers junior Votano, 19, is an athletic fullback who is playing NSW Cup. "He's been doing a really good job, learning all the time," Dobson said. "Connor is a really good ball-runner who has good ball skills out the back of shape." Hilliar, a 19-year-old front-rower and Cessnock junior, has also come through the Knights pathways system and has played SG Ball (19s) and Jersey Flegg (21s) this year. "He's really tough through the middle and has got good leg speed," Dobson said. "Jack did the pre-season with the NRL squad, so they've all had a taste of NRL training. Connor and Cody every day and Jack in pre-season, which puts them in a really good position to go out and do a good job in NSW Origin."
