Some of the most exciting teenage prodigies will make their mark in the representative arena once again with the 2019 UNE SG Ball Cup kicking off this weekend.
The Under-18’s competition acts as the perfect pathway for those with first-grade aspirations with the likes of Nathan Cleary, Latrell Mitchell, and Curtis Scott graduating from the SG Ball in previous years.
The South Sydney Rabbitohs will host the first game of the 2019 season when they take on the Western Suburbs Magpies at Redfern Oval but will be without star forward Lachlan Gale due to injury.
The reigning Premiers and National Champions the Penrith Panthers will start their title defence against the Sydney Roosters after both sides finished the 2018 regular season undefeated.
The Roosters finished as Minor Premiers with the best attack and defence in the competition at the end of the regular season but were unable to capitalise in the finals series after they were eliminated in straight sets.
The 2019 campaign will also welcome the addition of the Victoria Thunderbolts and will start their campaign against Manly Warringah Sea Eagles.
The Sea Eagles remain as one of the premiership heavyweights in 2019 with a host of graduates from the premiership-winning UNE Harold Matthews Cup side making the transition to Under-18's.
Elsewhere, 2018 Grand Finalists Bulldogs will look to avenge their defeat in the decider with a big performance in Round One as they host the Newcastle Knights.
Keep an eye on NSW Under 16’s star Kaeo Weekes as he takes his place for the Sea Eagles in the No.1 jumper, while Mavrick Geyer, the son of Panthers legend, Mark, will line-up for Penrith in the back-row.
Keep up to date with all the UNE SG Ball action in 2019 via NSWRL.com.au/draw
