With the battle for gold intensifying, the U18 National Championships will feature a mix of powerhouse programs and emerging contenders across both the men’s and women’s competitions.
In a revised four team format, the National Junior Wheelchair Championship tournament is set to be ultra competitive, with every team vying to claim gold.
Western Australia emerge as the outright favorite, boasting five players that have represented Australia in international competition whilst being coached by former Australian Roller and Paralympic Gold Medallist, Shaun Norris.
Two names that feature for Western Australia include emerging talents Ebony Stevenson and Alex Blackmore, with both players displaying an all-round skillset.
New South Wales will be headlined by the duo of Talyn Reedy and one of the youngest players in the tournament Tallow Ra. Reedy, a ball handler that is strong off the pick will be prevalent in opposition coaches scouting reports, whilst Tallow Ra's raw excitement makes NSW a must-watch team across the tournament.
Queensland have one of the most improved players of the tournament on the wing in the form of Madi Kelton. A strong defender, Kelton’s ability to spread the floor and create turnovers will be a highlight for Queensland’s campaign.
Victoria aim to regain their throne this year and are bolstered by the experienced Rhys Higgins, following his tenure at the U23 IWBF World Championship in 2025. Teaming with Higgins is the successful rookie and proven scorer, Harriet Caldwell.
For the U18 men's and women's competitions, the tournament will also serve as a key scouting opportunity for national team coaches who will be assessing talent ahead of the U17 World Cup.
In the women’s competition, Queensland South has emerged as one of the favourites, led by standout players Isabel Smith, Lily Mapp and Eden Catip.
Reigning champions Victoria Metro will once again be guided by Madison Ryan, following a dominant 2025 by earning selection to the FIBA U16 Asia Cup All-Star Five.
Ryan will be joined by Centre of Excellence (CoE) talent Eliza Shanahan as the pair spearheads Victoria Metro’s campaign.
Victoria Country will strive to make a mark of its own, with Eliza Ashby leading the charge as the team looks to disrupt the top contenders.
On the men’s side, a suite of elite talent is spread across the field.
Victoria Country will be aiming to secure back-to-back titles with the CoE’s powerhouse forward William Hamilton headlining a well-rounded and deep roster.
Two CoE standouts that made their mark at last year's U18 National Championships are set to return.
Western Australia Metro’s Luke Paul and New South Wales Metro guard Antonio Browne will aim to replicate their impact at this year’s tournament.
Another player to watch is Queensland South’s Isaiah Jorgenson. Standing at 6’6”, the promising forward was a stalwart for Australia’s U16 Crocs at the 2025 FIBA U16 Asia Cup.
Meanwhile, Victoria Metro will feature the duo of Yahya Basaran and Max Pavey.
Both represented the Australia Crocs in 2025, with Basaran recently earning selection to the CoE.
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The U18 & Junior Wheelchair National Championships is supported by the City of Moreton Bay and the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.
