DoorDash National Youth Championships Players to Watch: 18s Girls

For over thirty years, the 18s Girls division at the DoorDash National Youth Championships (NYC) has provided a platform for emerging stars of the game to announce themselves to the world. With the division as stacked as it’s ever been, expect nothing different in 2024. Here are just a few names to keep an eye on this tournament.  

Anika Te Namu – QRSS 

When it comes to the NYC, Anika Te Namu is a constant winner. Whilst representing the Brisbane Cobras, she has won championships in the 14s (2020 and 2021) and 16s (2022) divisions. When competing in the 16s Girls division, she earned Player of the Finals honours as her side defeated the Central Queensland Bulls five tries to one. Come 2023 and the Brisbane Metro representative was selected for the Queensland Secondary Schools Touch (QSST) side, as they were crowned champions in the 18s Girls division. Her success isn’t just limited to the NYC stage, as the Queenslander starred for BMTA touch this July at Junior State Cup, winning the 18s Girls final.  

With one of most decorated trophy cabinets in the division, Anika has proven time and time again to be the ultimate team player across the park. Evident by her drives up the field, the young Queenslander will be one of the hardest workers in this side. A strong runner with ball and hand and showcasing great vision close to the line, expect the Queenslander to be instrumental on attack for Queensland Representative School Sport (QRSS) as they fight to retain their national crown. Look to Anika to be especially dangerous when running from dummy half.  

Alice Mitchell – NSWCHS 

An accomplished athlete, Alice Mitchell has already earned a wide array of awards in her career and will be looking to add a National Youth Championship to her resume. The 2023 Port Stephens Sportsperson of the Year will partake in her third NYC campaign for NSW Combined High Schools (NSWCHS) and is expected to be a strong presence for the team both on and off the field. Her speed and agility are well-matched by her vision and playmaking ability, making her one of the most unpredictable athletes in the division. The versatile middle is as effective attacking the line as she is setting up her teammates, scoring fifteen tries at the NYC in 2023.  

Always a threat with ball in hand, the Nelson Bay representative also has plenty of prior big game experience, including a stellar performance in the Peter Wilson Memorial tournament final, seeing her score two tries herself and creating another three. One of the top prospects heading in the division, Alice Mitchell is set for another outstanding campaign on the national stage this September.  

Lily Quigley – ACT Raiders

One of the top prospects coming out of the nation’s capital, Lily Quigley is back on the NYC stage after impressing for the Raiders in 2023. She was voted the team’s MVP on the Sunshine Coast – standing out on both ends of the field. 

Through incredible agility and vision, Lily is one of the best attacking threats in the 18s Girls division this year. Her ability to read the game goes well beyond her years, often breaking the line herself as soon as the opportunity is presented. Her biggest strength in attack arguably comes through her long-ball ability. A tireless worker across the park, expect Lily to be one the hardest runners in the division this year. Experienced playing at both link and middle, her versatility and team-first mentality is invaluable to this young ACT side as they look to cause a few upsets this tournament.  

Alyssa Medved – Sydney Scorpions

A complete all-round player, Alyssa Medved is guaranteed to be one of the hardest workers in this Sydney Scorpions outfit. A tireless workhorse, Alyssa has been in the Sydney Scorpions program for several years now, earning the Women’s 20s Scorpions Medal (Best & Fairest) at The Championships this March. In April, she also received the prestigious Sarah Peattie Medal, recognising Sydney Scorpions players for outstanding performance in the junior system.  

The Manly middle will be highly influential for the Scorpions on both ends of the field this September, controlling the tempo off the attack and making crucial touches on defence. Look to the Emerging Blues member to be most effective when scooping from dummy half and making big metres up the middle third. Playing the game with a lot of heart, expect Alyssa to lead by example this tournament.  

Lilly Clarke – NSWCIS 

After an exceptional 2023 campaign where she earned team MVP honours, Lilly Clarke returns to represent NSW Combined Independent Schools (NSWCIS) at the NYC. With speed to burn and an eye for the tryline, the Orange Touch representative is a player on the rise, proving to be a massive threat from 7-metres out. Her static play, vision, and diving ability make her a formidable challenge for defenders as she attacks the line with lightning speed. A dominant stop defender, the middle has emerged in recent years as one of the top regional prospects in NSW, continuing to improve her ballplaying skills. Returning to the NSWCIS lineup, Lily Clarke is poised for a breakout campaign this year in Coffs Harbour. 

The DoorDash National Youth Championships tap off Wednesday, September 25 at Coffs Harbour. Watch the action live and free on Kayo Sports in Australia, on Sky Sport in New Zealand, and Sky Sport Next in other global territories.