Cowboys and Roosters Secured Young Talent
The North Queensland Cowboys signed Lenton Steven Funaki, while the Sydney Roosters extended Seymour Stower-Smith.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Football
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The North Queensland Cowboys have signed 16-year-old Lenton Steven Funaki from the Dolphins. Meanwhile, the Sydney Roosters have secured a contract extension with emerging talent Seymour Stower-Smith.
Why it matters
These roster moves highlight the aggressive recruitment strategies of top clubs looking to lock in high-potential young athletes early in their development cycles. Both teams are investing in long-term prospects to strengthen their pipelines for future seasons.
Lenton Steven Funaki is currently 16 years old after training with the Tongan national team as a 15-year-old in 2025. Seymour Stower-Smith previously led his team to a 2026 premiership, breaking a title drought dating back to 1917.
The players
Lenton Steven Funaki
He is a 16-year-old rugby league prospect who recently joined the North Queensland Cowboys.
Seymour Stower-Smith
He is a young player who captained St Andrew's College to a premiership and extended his deal with the Sydney Roosters.
Tanner Stower-Smith
He is a professional forward for the Warriors and the brother of Seymour Stower-Smith.
The details
Lenton Steven Funaki joins the Cowboys following his time with the Dolphins, while Stower-Smith opted to remain with the Roosters to continue his professional development. Stower-Smith is the brother of Warriors forward Tanner Stower-Smith and recently led St Andrew's College to a New Zealand First XV championship.
Timeline
In 2025, Funaki trained with the Tongan national team during the Pacific Championships.
St Andrew's College won their first premiership since 1917 during the 2026 season.
Seymour Stower-Smith is scheduled to compete in the Under-19s SG Ball Cup in 2027.
Season Trajectory
Stower-Smith's commitment to the Roosters aligns with the club's strategy to integrate championship-proven youth into their system. This move stabilizes their junior roster as they prepare for the 2027 SG Ball Cup competition.
Funaki is projected to reach the NRL by age 18, providing the Cowboys with a long-term prospect for their squad. Stower-Smith's continued presence in the Roosters system ensures he remains a primary focus for their Under-19s development path next year.
The takeaway
Securing young talent early allows clubs to cultivate team chemistry and long-term roster stability in a highly competitive sport. Fans should watch for these prospects as they transition from school-level success to elite professional pathways.
What happens next
Seymour Stower-Smith is confirmed to participate in the Under-19s SG Ball Cup during the 2027 season.
Further reading
For more updates on professional and youth development, visit our Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fox Sports.
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