Players to Watch at The Championships: Men’s 20s

As teams begin to venture to Coffs Harbour for The Championships, we take a moment to highlight some of the key players to watch in the Men’s 20s division. In a sea of emerging talent, here are just some of star players expected to shine in this tournament.  

Jacob Richter – Brisbane Cobras 

One of the most exciting junior male players in Queensland, Jacob Richter continues to rise through the ranks in the state. With dynamic footwork and passing ability, the Southern Storm link’s pace is evident in all aspects of his game. What makes Jacob stand out amongst his peers is his formidable leadership capabilities. His finest moment without a doubt coming last May at the Asia Pacific Youth Touch Cup (APYTC), where he led his young Philippines side to an unbelievable upset against New Zealand in the Mixed 20s division. Through his silky skills on attack and spirited style of play, Jacob will be a source of inspiration for the Cobras next weekend in Coffs Harbour.  

Vaviakila Rawali – Sydney Mets 

2023 was a breakout year for Vaviakila Rawali, with standout performances for the Mets and Mixed 18s Australia side earning him plenty of plaudits. Putting on the green and gold last May at APYTC, Rawali was instrumental in the young Australian sides’ clean sweep against New Zealand. His ability to control the game on attack was apparent through his short ball ability and sharp feet on the try line. The capacity in his game to find defensive gaps and act on them in an instant is a key difference maker amongst his peers as he has shown to be effective in getting low beneath defenders’ hands. 

Before he was carving up in Brisbane, the Emerging Blues squad member was instrumental to his Sydney Mets’ 2023 National Touch League (NTL) campaign. Coming up agonizingly short in 2023, Rawali and the Mets will be aiming to go one step further in 2024, with the Parramatta reps’ Australian experience likely to be crucial to see how different this side will play.  

Wil Botham – Hunter Western Hornets 

Swift and agile, Wil Botham brings an abundance of attacking threat to any Touch Football side he reps. Incredible speed and footwork to match, the Walsend representative is difficult to catch once in open space, with his quick instincts and reactions, complementing his agility. 

Coming off a strong showing in 2023 (Placing 2nd in the Men’s 20s try scorers list) Wil Botham will be looking to improve on last year’s semi-final finish for the Hornets, with several players in the team backing up. Whether with ball in hand or running a supporting line, Wil Botham is incredibly dangerous from anywhere within the 7-metre line.  

Jai Charlton – South Queensland Sharks 

Attacking superstar, Jai Charlton continues to improve his skills year after year as the Queenslander will be looking to guide his side to another national title. In 2023, the Australian Men’s 20s representative contributed 9 tries and plenty of highlights, as the Sharks were crowned national champions in this division. 

A potent step to his game and one of the best long balls of his age group, Jai Charlton plays the type of eyes up footy which makes him almost impossible to stop. Lighting quick with ball in hand and displaying the footwork to match, the electric Queenslander will be looking to have another commanding national campaign.  

Ethan Semple – West South West Suns 

If his 2023 form is anything to go by, expect Ethan Semple to lead by example for his young Suns side this year at The Championships. Through his experiences as part of the Australian Mixed 18s side, NSW Combined High Schools team, and NSW Emerging Blues Program, Ethan enters 2024 as a different player to where he was a year ago.

One of the hardest workers in his age group, the Wagga Wagga representative is a strong runner of the ball, driving up in the middle of the field. He is also a very skilful player, evident by his high Touch Football IQ and nimble footwork. Expect the agile player to stand up for his Suns side at Coffs.   

The Championships Tap off Friday March 8th at Coffs Harbour. The Championships are available to watch live and free on Kayo Sports in Australia, on Sky Sport in New Zealand and Sky Sports Next in all other global territories.