Tag: Souths Logan Magpies

Baxter Best Joins Souths Logan Magpies on Path to NRL

The Best family legacy in rugby league is about to double, with rising star Baxter Best joining the Brisbane Broncos. The promising 16-year-old outside back will line up for the Souths Logan Magpies under-17s this season, taking on older, tougher competition as he continues to refine his skills against elite opposition.

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Family Ties and Future Rivalries

Baxter’s rise through the junior ranks further cements the Best family’s imprint on the game, as he showcases the same explosive qualities that have made Bradman a powerhouse for the Newcastle Knights and New South Wales Blues. This season, he will test himself in the Souths Logan Magpies’ under-17s squad, demonstrating a playing style already drawing compelling comparisons to his accomplished sibling.

A Souths Logan official praised his potential, stating, “Baxter plays the game in a very similar mould to Bradman—he will go a long way in this game. We’re glad he’s with our club.”

“He has speed, size and the right attitude—the Broncos have got themselves a fine prospect,” the official told Nine’s Wide World of Sports.

Queensland’s Next Generation

Beyond club football, Baxter’s move to Queensland adds another twist to his career trajectory. With the family relocating to the Sunshine State, he is eligible to represent the Maroons, setting the stage for potential State of Origin clashes against Bradman in the years to come. Despite this, his older brother insists the younger Best remains a Blues supporter at heart.

Baxter Best Rises Through the Ranks

Baxter’s emergence in junior rugby league has already turned heads. His performances for Queensland’s under-15s schoolboys team and the Cyril Connell Cup have reinforced the excitement surrounding his development. His decision to join the Broncos through the Magpies’ system establishes a clear pathway toward his NRL aspirations, positioning him within one of the most renowned development programs in the game.

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The signing marks a significant milestone for both the Broncos’ youth system and the Souths Logan Magpies’ production line of talent. As Baxter steps up to tougher competition in the upcoming season, the rugby league community eagerly anticipates whether he can carve out his own legacy and add new chapters to the Best family’s remarkable sporting story.

Published 30-January-2025

Former NRL Premiership Winner Ricky Leutele Returns Home, Joins Souths

After four years in the English Super League, former NRL premiership winner Ricky Leutele is set to make an impactful return to Australia, signing with the Souths Logan Magpies for the 2025 season in what is widely perceived to be a major boost to QLD rugby league.

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Veteran centre signs with Souths Logan Magpies

The 34-year-old Brisbane native was part of Cronulla’s historic 2016 premiership-winning team. He now joins the Souths Logan Magpies following successful stints with Huddersfield Giants and Leigh Leopards in the UK competition.

Leutele’s return comes after speculation about his future, with initial reports suggesting a second spell with Huddersfield Giants. Instead, the seven-time Samoan international has chosen to conclude his decorated career in his home state, where joining Souths—a Broncos’ feeder club—offers him a pathway back to the Australian top-flight.

Ricky Leutele, a decorated career that spans both hemispheres

Throughout his decade-long NRL career, Leutele made 128 appearances for the Cronulla Sharks between 2010 and 2018, followed by a brief stint with the Melbourne Storm in 2020. In the English Super League, he accumulated 85 appearances and scored 31 tries across multiple clubs. Notably, he was part of the Leigh Leopards’ Challenge Cup-winning team in 2023, although an injury ruled him out of the final.

Leutele’s resilience shone during his time with Leigh, where he successfully returned to the field after recovering from a serious spinal cord injury. His leadership qualities earned high praise from Leigh’s head coach Adrian Lam, who commended Leutele’s impact both on and off the field.

Magpies strengthen squad

The Souths Logan Magpies have been active in their recruitment drive, with Leutele’s signing adding significant experience and leadership to their squad. Alongside Leutele, the Magpies have secured former NRL playmaker Anthony Milford from the Dolphins, as well as Prinston Estera, Teapo Stoltman, and rugby union converts Floyd Aubrey and Viliami Lea.

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With 259 career games across all competitions and 50 NRL tries to his name, the Samoan international’s addition bolsters the Magpies’ aspirations for Queensland Cup success in 2025. His wealth of experience, combined with his resilience and leadership, is expected to inspire the next generation of rugby league talent in West End.

Published 29-December-2024