Congratulations to all the nominees for the Gold Coast Bulletin Junior Sports Star of the Year 2023!

These young athletes have shown exceptional dedication, talent, and hard work in their respective sports and are truly deserving of this recognition.

It’s inspiring to see such a diverse range of sports represented in the list of nominees, including rugby league, surfing, gymnastics, swimming, AFL, rugby union, canoeing, tennis, and more. This just goes to show the depth and breadth of talent on the Gold Coast, and the potential for future success in these sports.

The winner of the Gold Coast Bulletin Junior Sports Star of the Year 2023 will be announced at the 54th Gold Coast Sports Star of the Year Awards being held at the RACV Royal Pines Resort 25 March 2023.

It will be interesting to see who comes out on top, but regardless of the outcome, all of the nominees should be proud of what they have achieved so far and the bright futures that lie ahead for them.

First up, we have Keano Kini, a rugby league player who has made a name for himself as the fullback for the Palm Beach Currumbin school, Australian U18s and Queensland U18s teams. He was named co-MVP of the Langer Trophy and is expected to be a promising Future Titans player.

Next is Jed Walter, an impressive AFL player who played for the Allies and was named in the All-Australian team as centre half forward at the AFL National Championships. He also played in the U17s Futures match on AFL Grand Final day and is a member of the 2023 AFL Academy, expected to receive significant attention for the upcoming 2023 Draft.

Chantay Kiria-Ratu is another nominee, despite being too young for her NRLW debut. This Gold Coast Titans squad member who attends Keebra Park State High School played for the Queensland 19s in 2022 and participated in the Rugby League World Cup with the Cook Islands.

Skyla Adams, a talented dual code player, represented the Queensland Schoolgirls U18s and played for the Reds in their Super W side, which finished runners-up. She is also a Tweed Seagulls squad member and has been identified as a promising prospect for the Titans.

Flynn Southam, a 17-year-old swimmer from Bond University, won three Commonwealth gold medals in 2022 and four gold and two silver medals at the 2022 Junior Pan Pac Championships.

Ava Usher, a multi-code athlete, was a member of the Queensland U15s side that won the nationals and received All Australian honours. She was also a talented basketball player for Queensland, Gold Coast Rollers and Hillcrest Christian College and is an accomplished surf life saver.

Tavarna Papalii, a Keebra Park High student, led the first Australian Schoolgirls side against Fiji, captained Queensland’s team that defeated NSW in the State of Origin curtain-raiser, and plays lock in both 13-woman and Rugby 7s codes.

Jasmine Rayward, a multi-sport athlete, participated in four world championships across five weeks, including Junior and U23 Canoe Sprint World Championships in Hungary, the World Junior Open Water Swimming Championships in Seychelles, the World Surf Lifesaving Championships in Italy, and the Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships in Portugal.

Chloe Covell, a student at Palm Beach Currumbin State High School, had a successful 2022 which saw her win an X Games bronze medal, an SLS silver medal on debut, and become the first X Games athlete to earn two medals before the age of 13.

Jasmyn Smith, a Bond University product, made her AFLW debut for the Gold Coast Suns in her Year 12 at Emmanuel College and played four games in her first season.

Finally, we have Thomas Gadecki, a tennis star who won the U/16 Nationals at just 16 years old. He is now preparing to join the world junior tour for 2023 after being a wildcard entry into the Australian Open Junior Championships, where she lost in the first round in singles and doubles to top seed Kilian Feldbasush of Switzerland.

These young athletes have shown exceptional skill, determination, and dedication to their sports, making them all deserving nominees for the Gold Coast Bulletin Junior Sport Star of the Year.

Join us as we celebrate the amazing achievements of these young athletes and applaud their hard work and commitment to their sports. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to be part of a memorable night, and cheer on your favourite nominee!

Get your tickets now and join us for an unforgettable evening of celebration, inspiration, and entertainment. We can’t wait to see you there!