Queensland stars in U20s team of the year

Emerging NRL stars Kalyn Ponga (Cowboys), Jaydn Su’A (Broncos), Gideon Gela-Mosby (North Queensland Cowboys), Robert Jennings (Penrith Panthers) and Luciano Leilua (St George Illawarra Dragons) are among the players honoured in the 2016 Holden Cup Team of the Year today.

The team was announced at today’s 2016 NRL Telstra Premiership Finals Series Launch at Allianz Stadium.
 
NRL Head of Football Brian Canavan said 90 % of players who made the Holden Cup Team of the Year went on to play in the NRL.
 
“It’s become clear that the Holden Cup Team of the Year is a virtual preview of the next batch of NRL talent,” Canavan said.
 
“In fact a number of this year’s team have already made their mark in the NRL.
 
“But just as important as their NRL statistics, I am also pleased to see the education and training that these players are undertaking.
 
“Last year’s Team of the Year included Tom Trjbojevic, Ashley Taylor, Te Maire Martin and Latrell Mitchell.
 
“I’m looking forward to see what this next group of players do in the NRL.”

Simon McNamara, GM Holden Motorsport and Sponsorship Manager, added: “We’re proud of our association with the Holden Cup and warmly congratulate those selected in the Holden Cup Team of the Year.
 
“Holden fully supports young Australians living their dreams and reaching their potential, which is why we’ve committed $5 million to support local sporting clubs across Australia as part of our Holden Home Grown Advantage community grants program.” 
 
This year’s team joins an honour roll that includes some of the NRL’s most talented stars, including Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Valentine Holmes, Daly-Cherry Evans, Ben Barba, Kieran Foran, Marika Koroibete, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Ben Matulino, Dane Gagai, Jesse Bromwich, Jason Taumololo, Shaun Fensom, Tariq Sims, Gareth Widdop, Ben Hunt, Trent Merrin, David Klemmer, Dylan Napa, James Segeyaro, Konrad Hurrell, Luke Brooks and Bryce Cartwright.

The 2016 Holden Cup Team of the Year is: