The Cazalys NT Talent Academy Under-18 boys’ team has been confirmed ahead of their trip to Melbourne to compete in the 2025 Coates Talent League.
Despite mixed results against the Western Jets and Tasmania Devils earlier in the year, the Academy made major strides in both player development and team cohesion throughout the 2024 season. A spirited performance in the curtain-raiser against AFL Cairns proved to be a turning point, igniting some of the Academy’s best football in recent memory.
The NT side is brimming with emerging talent, featuring a host of players who have already made their mark in the TIO NTFL Men’s Premier League with NT News Rising Star nominations. Among those selected are Deacon Summerville, Hau-Tze Rock, Taj Stanley, Clay Shadforth, Adrian Scott, Ryan Bonham, Taj Murray, Waylon Davey, Sonny Smiler, and Nathaniel Lampton.
Central Australia will also be well represented, with Malakai Le Rossignol (Rovers), Kryan Cole-Manolis (Pioneer), and Brock Sandry (Rovers) earning selection.
The NT Talent Academy will open its campaign on Thursday, May 1, taking on the Calder Cannons at 6:30pm at Highgate Recreation Reserve. They will then face the Murray Bushrangers on Sunday, May 4, at 11:30am at Tony Sheehan Oval.
FULL TEAM:
Backline: Hau-Tze Rock, Jack Hewett, Brock Sandry, Ethan Bush, Decon Summerville, Gus Trigwell
Centre: Malakai Le Rossignol, Clay Shadforth, Kalen Russell
Forward: Adrian Scott, Hugo Timms, Kyran Cole-Manolis, Waylon Davey, Issac Herold, Alijah Davey
Followers: Taj Murray, Sonny Smiler, Taj Stanley
Interchange: Zac Whithers, Nathaniel Lampton, Jordan Clyne, Ben Barnard, Ryan Bonham
Emergency: Aaron McWilliams
Both matches can be streamed live and free on the Coates Talent League App.