Playing for Family, Pride and State: Meet the Victorian Youth Ready for the ASSRL National Championships

The Australian Secondary School Rugby League competition kicks off this weekend, and for the representatives of Victoria’s girls and boys u16 teams, the weekend cannot come fast enough.

“Everyone is together, everyone is always having fun together, and I’m so excited for the tournament,” girls halfback Peyton Folomu-Koria said.

Photo credit: Gerrad Jarred

Rugby League in Victoria continues to rise in popularity and participation. It was announced last month that there were 6250 registered participants across the state this year, breaking the record and reflecting the continued growth of the game.

The stories of each of the players reflects the different pathways to representative football.

“My dad grew up with rugby league, so I took a lot from him and started at a young age,” boys hooker Baniamina Tare recalled.

“It's an honour to play for your state, especially if you've been born and raised here – to get to play footy and make your family proud.”

Prop Carla Aho summed it up: “It's just in my blood.”

Both teams are coming off successful tournaments last season. The boys are the reigning holders of the John Allen trophy while the girls had their best ever run last year, winning 3 of 4 games.

“To see how far we went just says a lot about Melbourne,” girls centre Anaviela Weatherby said.

In 2026, the Storm fielded seven teams across the NRL and the male and female pathways. Five boys in the U16s were involved in the Melbourne Storm U17s Harold Matthews squad, while nine of the girls were part of the U17s Lisa Fiaola squad.

Photo credit: Gerrad Jarred

Success at this level means that there is a clear pathway forward for these players. Many see a professional career in their future, one that can be achieved both here in this state and elsewhere.

“My goal is to become one of the youngest girls to ever make it to the NRLW,” second-rower Shema Scanlan expressed.

For halfback Jake Slater, following in his fathers’ footsteps to become a Storm legend is well within his sights.

“The pathways are just as good as any club at the moment, if not better,” he said.

“We have one club down here in the whole state, so you get a lot of support and time from all the coaches, rather than trying to like fight over different clubs. We have a really good development program down here.”

After eight full weeks of preparation, the teams are now ready to head to Coffs Harbour to take on the best age group players in the country.

“It's an achievement, but also it shows the hard work and dedication that we've put into it,” Marina Taula-Augafaapae said.

“We are also playing for our family and friends who've done the most for us.”

And for the boys, while development both on and off the pitch is the key focus, the players - including Baniamina Tare - have one thing in mind.

“I reckon our boys are all ready to win the cup again this year.”

Whatever happens, it will be an exciting and hard-fought week on the pitch for all of the players representing Victoria next week.

Article written by Taryn Heddo