On Thursday, June 20, Michael Gabrael, a member of the NRL squad, and rising female athletes Manilita Takapautolo and Tia-Jordyn Vasilovski will play for the Sharks in the under-19 State of Origin.
The three have been chosen to play Queensland in the corresponding men’s and women’s matches at Leichhardt Oval, as revealed by the NSWRL on Tuesday.
Arriving on a three-year contract over the summer, Gabrael made an immediate impression in Jersey Flegg with his speed and try-scoring prowess while playing for the club’s SG Ball team.
Usually a centre, the 19-year-old will play on the wing for the young Blues, who will also include Jesse McLean and Chevy Stewart, two recent NRL debutants.
This year’s Tarsha Gale Cup featured two Sharks 2024 NRLW standouts: Vasilovski and Takapautolo, the former as a development player.
Due to their performances, both players were chosen to play for City NSW against a Country team last month. In the 26-18 loss, the devastating Takapautolo was named Player of the Match.
Vasilovski will play on the wing for NSW, where Takapautolo will provide impact in the front row, despite her success at fullback for the Sharks.
The top developing rugby league players can be seen in the 19s Origin games. The men’s match begins at 7.45 p.m., and the women’s match starts at 5.45 p.m.
The women’s match will also air on 9Gem, while the men’s match will air on Channel Nine. Both games will be televised live on Fox League and 9Now.
State of Origin Under 19s Women
5.45pm, Thursday 20 June, Leichhardt Oval
Westpac NSW Under 19s Women
1. Lilly-Ann White (Newcastle Knights)
2. Tia-Jordyn Vasilovski (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
3. Indie Bostock (Illawarra Steelers)
4. Lindsay Tui (Parramatta Eels)
5. Maria Paseka (Illawarra Steelers)
6. Evie McGrath (Illawarra Steelers)
7. Kasey Reh (Illawarra Steelers)
8. Manilita Takapautolo (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
9. Chelsea Savill (Illawarra Steelers)
10. Hope Millard (Illawarra Steelers)
11. Evah McEwen (Newcastle Knights)
12. Charlotte Basham (Illawarra Steelers)
13. Ryvrr-Lee Alo (Parramatta Eels)
14. Evie Jones (Newcastle Knights)
15. Ella Koster (Illawarra Steelers)
16. Claudia Brown (Wests Tigers)
17. Bronte Wilson (Illawarra Steelers)
18. Abby Aros (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
19. Waimarie Martin (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
20. Sienna Yeo (Illawarra Steelers)
Coach: Kate Mullaly
State of Origin Under 19s Women
5.45pm, Thursday 20 June, Leichhardt Oval
Westpac NSW Under 19s Women
1. Lilly-Ann White (Newcastle Knights)
2. Tia-Jordyn Vasilovski (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
3. Indie Bostock (Illawarra Steelers)
4. Lindsay Tui (Parramatta Eels)
5. Maria Paseka (Illawarra Steelers)
6. Evie McGrath (Illawarra Steelers)
7. Kasey Reh (Illawarra Steelers)
8. Manilita Takapautolo (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
9. Chelsea Savill (Illawarra Steelers)
10. Hope Millard (Illawarra Steelers)
11. Evah McEwen (Newcastle Knights)
12. Charlotte Basham (Illawarra Steelers)
13. Ryvrr-Lee Alo (Parramatta Eels)
14. Evie Jones (Newcastle Knights)
15. Ella Koster (Illawarra Steelers)
16. Claudia Brown (Wests Tigers)
17. Bronte Wilson (Illawarra Steelers)
18. Abby Aros (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
19. Waimarie Martin (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
20. Sienna Yeo (Illawarra Steelers)
Coach: Kate Mullaly
State of Origin Under 19s Men
7.45pm, Thursday 20 June, Leichhardt Oval
CABE NSW Under 19s Men
1. Chevy Stewart (Canberra Raiders)
2. Jesse McLean (Penrith Panthers)
3. Casey McLean (Penrith Panthers)
4. Hayden Buchanan (St George Dragons)
5. Michael Gabrael (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
6. Jake Elliott (Sydney Roosters)
7. Mitchell Woods (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
8. Loko Pasifiki Tonga (St George Dragons)
9. Matthew Arthur (Parramatta Eels)
10. Fanafou Seve (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
11. Jermaine McEwen (Newcastle Knights)
12. Noah Martin (Canberra Raiders)
13. Blake Steep (Sydney Roosters)
14. Zane Harrison (Tweed Seagulls)
15. Jacob Halangahu (St George Dragons)
16. Kaiden Lahrs (North Queensland Cowboys)
17. Sam Tuivaiti (Parramatta Eels)
18. Connor Votano (Newcastle Knights)
19. Cody Hopwood (Newcastle Knights)
20. Logan Spinks (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Coach: Andrew Ryan
