The Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League Council has unveiled the 2026 Australian Schoolboys and Schoolgirls teams, highlighting 36 of the nation's most gifted young rugby league athletes from schools in New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria.
The Schoolboys roster features a strong presence from Hunter Sports High School in Gateshead and Patrician Brothers' College in Blacktown, with each institution contributing four players to the lineup, along with talents from Westfields Sports High School and All Saints College.
Notably, the Schoolboys squad includes five players from the Eels' academy, making up a significant portion of the selected athletes.
Liam Martin, distinct from the Panthers backrower, is an exciting fullback emerging from the Parramatta junior pathways system.
He has secured a contract with the Eels that extends until the end of 2028 and is set to compete in their SG Ball team next season.
Cornelius Pupualii, part of the Dragons' development program, was signed last year until the conclusion of 2027 after joining from Penrith alongside his twin brother, Alexander.
The halfback position has been awarded to Liam Challenor, a De La Salle junior, who earned the prestigious Australian Schoolboys Player of the Tournament title.
Charlie Xuereb, listed as the 13, is regarded as one of the top prospects in his age group for both rugby leagues and rugby union.
Having played for Patrician Brothers, a school renowned for nurturing future NRL stars, Xuereb was instrumental in leading his team to consecutive Peter Mullhond Cup victories.