• Welcome to the Green and Gold Rugby forums. As you can see we've upgraded the forums to new software. Your old logon details should work, just click the 'Login' button in the top right.

NSW Schools - Trial Games and Selections 2013

Status
Not open for further replies.

Roar

Herbert Moran (7)
NSW Schools have a veritable tribe of assistant selectors at the games. The key games between the I's teams will typically have about 15 - 20+ "clipboards" watching the game in detail. Most of these will be assessing one functional group in detail such as Front row, wings, loose forwards etc. Others will be assessing the "vibe" of the game and how the players performed against more general aspects of the game.

At the end of the days games the clipboard panel will discuss performances under the coordination of the head selector. It is a long day for them, but ultimately the idea is to whittle down the number of contenders for the positions as the trials unfold.

The Selectors know most of the boys and what they are capable of, but the briefing at the start from the head selector is to select based on observations at the trials, not reputation or past performances. The propensity of the previous incumbents to get selected again is not based on bias, but the fact that they have generally continued to challenge themselves over the season, and have maintained their comparative advantage over the other boys. Plenty of (rightly) proud parents perceive this as bias against their boys who are struggling to "break in". Just because the selector doesn't see the same awesomeness in your boy that you do, doesn't mean that the Selector is sh!t, or that your boy is likewise sh!t.

With regard to "tainting" the process by introducing reputation, familiarity or performances from games outside the trials etc, at best a Selector may tell another that player X should be watched a little more closely because they seem to have picked up a yard or 5 in pace since last year, or aren't dropping off tackles like they used to or .. The Selectors still need to observe that during the games they see, and like boxing judges, those observations need to be recorded by more than one person. Humans are involved, so there will always be things missed but it appears to be rather fair, objective, and performance based.

Many of the selectors see a lot more footy than spectators, and IMHO are more committed to the success of the team they select than how many kids they "get in" from their school. If that means that their 1stXV captain is not chosen in the I's because there is a smokie from CCC that played a better trial than their "golden boy" then they will have no problems selecting the CCC smokie.

How do they get the lists finalised so quickly to meet the deadlines for the Papers on Saturday?
Basically they are good at their job. They are extremely efficient and are using a procedure that has heen proven to work over many years.

Above is how "the system" was describe to me a year or two back.

Looking around the grandstands and sidelines, I see the same sorts of groupings of people with clipboards doing the same sort of things as they did when I was a little closer to the selection process than I am now. On that basis I can only assume that the process is still as above or remarkably similar.
Great Info ! Thanks.
 

Roar

Herbert Moran (7)
Adding a little more to Sideline's observation, I can confirm that both boys were a no show at the NSWRL U/18's medical tonight, so it would strongly indicate that rugby was the winner and that the dynamic duo played!

I personally didn't go to the game (that area during peak hour is abdominal), besides, and as Brian Westlake will attest, I don't even travel that far for my annual holidays.
My Info. Is that both boys are Concentrating on NSWSRU. They have pulled out of NSWRL 18S Side. They have been Advised properly.
 

Brainstrust

Watty Friend (18)
Interesting that the "big debate" seems to be around the #2. The opinion polls seem to be in CHS#2 Craig's favour so far, but there are some key head to heads coming up on Friday. Myself, provided they can throw reliably and accurately, I'd toss a coin over who gets the gig. The reality is that the teams each need 2 hookers named in the squad so the chances are fairly good that there will be a mix of new blood and returning veterans when the teams are finally announced. From there the lads will get a further chance to showcase their skills at Nationals at a higher level of intensity. Regardless of whether they are bench or starting in the Squad list, the competition rules state that all players must get a run on start at some stage over the tournament.

I think that the success of a side is determined more by the loosies (particularly #7) and the #9/#10 combination than any other positions.

CHS#7 Paenga-Amosa has to be the leading contender for the NSW I's #7 jumper based on what I have seen so far. He is quick, seldom misses tackles, links well, and is like the Rock of Gibraltar over the ball in the breakdown contest.

#9 and #10 seems to be an open market.
Of those on display on Sunday, the ISA I #10 while small seemed to be a decent sort of playmaker and was probably the pick of the bunch. His size may count against him.
Not having seem the CAS or GPS lads at trial, I'll reserve my judgement until Friday.
Agree on the 9 and 10 issue. The CAS v GPS showed that the CAS 9 and 10 aren't up to it from what I saw. CAS 9 box kicked out on the full on a number of occasions and took a run option when it just wasn't on, the CAS 10 was very lateral, actually facing straight across field when passing, causing absolutely no problems for the GPS defence. While the GPS halves were only marginally better the GPS 9 had a fair game around the park, especially in defence, and the 10 was reasonable in the wet conditions. The pick of the CAS backs was the 13..had a very strong game, and the CAS 3 was very strong up front, as was the GPS 3. GPS backs , Kellaway very strong at 15, and Milne was by far the better of the GPS centres, with Tepai having an unhappy night with his ball handling. NSW selectors have a job ahead of them finding the right 9 and 10, as what was on display on Tuesday night wasn't too exciting.
 

Done that

Ron Walden (29)
Agree on the 9 and 10 issue. The CAS v GPS showed that the CAS 9 and 10 aren't up to it from what I saw. CAS 9 box kicked out on the full on a number of occasions and took a run option when it just wasn't on, the CAS 10 was very lateral, actually facing straight across field when passing, causing absolutely no problems for the GPS defence. While the GPS halves were only marginally better the GPS 9 had a fair game around the park, especially in defence, and the 10 was reasonable in the wet conditions. The pick of the CAS backs was the 13..had a very strong game, and the CAS 3 was very strong up front, as was the GPS 3. GPS backs , Kellaway very strong at 15, and Milne was by far the better of the GPS centres, with Tepai having an unhappy night with his ball handling. NSW selectors have a job ahead of them finding the right 9 and 10, as what was on display on Tuesday night wasn't too exciting.
Matt Arnold ,the ISA no. 10 , was a stand out in the weekends games , & looked likely to get one of the 5/8 spots then.
After yesterdays games he looks even more likely to get a gig with NSW schools , I would think in the 1's .
 

Ted S Hunter

Peter Burge (5)
GPS II v CAS II

A game that had moments of hype, then would quickly be ruined by silly drop balls and errors. GPS never looked like being headed in this one, and in realty CAS never looked likely to cross the chalk all game. Tries to a range of GPS boys from wingers to locks, a very solid game from most. Rather then a recount, here are my game notes:

GPS II’s:
- Scrum was massive against CAS. Don’t know if there scrum was a seriously week one, however it was a carbon copy of the Scots v Shore scrums last week (however much better policed by the ref). GPS scrum gave a great platform, and the lineout was also very solid.

- McCalman (6) was very strong. In fact the two GPS flankers McCalman (6) and Woodhill (7) played a role reversal. McCalman was MOM in the forwards, had a very strong game over the ball, and with ball in hand (when it stayed in hand).

- Hunt (8) did a lot of work, had some strong runs. GPS had total dominance in the forwards, so hard to single one out for doing their job as they all did it well. Coaches will be very happy.

- Short (9) very good service again (becoming his trademark). His quick service allowed Deegan (10) and Starkey (12) time to move which caused all sorts of headaches.

- Halves were very slick for GPS. Deegan (10) had some great touches, carving the line open a few times (as did Starkey (12)), however later in the game handling let them down a bit. Deegan’s defence was brilliant!

- Handling from 10 and 12 got sloppy late in the game with some silly drop balls, but some great line breaks from both.

- Centres defended well in particular Hutchinson (13 playing in 20). Defended like a rock, not much of a chance in attack, but was in the right spot.

- Fullback Clancy (15) played well and opened up space a couple of times an covered very well in defence. Needs an extra toe of pace on him would be my only comment as he gets run down a bit quickly, but reads the game exceptionally well.

CAS II’s:
- Not much of note, however I thought 13 caused headaches when he ran, and got through a couple of times causing a scrambling cover defence to fly across from GPS.

- 10 looked controlled, but was sliding across field to much cutting down the space and not engaging the defensive line, otherwise quite a composed showing in attack, lack of communication with 12 let GPS 10 & 12 open them up a few times.

- No other notes on CAS, unfortunately GPS never looked like getting rolled in this one, so was hard to focus on much from CAS. They were committed to the end, but lacked the sort of punch required to break the GPS defensive line, which was very strong.

Best on Ground:
GPS II: 6,8,9,10 Special mention to the tight 5 on a brilliant set piece!
CAS II: 6,10,13,
 

Ted S Hunter

Peter Burge (5)
The 1’s game started after a solid 30 minute shower, ensuring the ground and ball would like iceskating, throwing around a cake of soap, however what followed was so much worse. The handling in this game (and the lack of discipline from GPS) made for a blow-a-thon from the poor ref. GPS getting stung with a card for repeated infringements to Winger Latrell (14 joeys).

An Early try to Crafts (11 scots) after a beautiful sweeping backline play using Clancy(10 Shore) to loop around Moroea (12 Newington) to find Kellaway (15 Scots) on the fly before coming back inside to Crafts was a great start. Unfortunately that was about the highlight of the game.

CAS hit back almost instantly through sustained work from the pigs, who rolled on up field with very little resistance from the supposed “bigger” forwards. Not sure who barged over but a great forwards try.

GPS followed up with a long range effort to Lussick (9 Newington) after little work from Crichton (8 Socts) and Latrell down the short side found Lussick in the clear, not a bad long range try.

GPS again over from close range with Moroea unstoppable from 5 meters out, poor CAS fullback became a speed bump from a moment and I’m sure saw his life flash before his eyes.

Following half time, CAS again scored through their forwards (I think a prop barged over), same story as their first try, GPS couldn’t stem the tide of barging red forwards.

GPS hit back after this try with an individual piece of brilliance to Centre Milne (13 Newington), wiggling through in the corner, taking 2 defenders with him.

GPS finished the game off through another try to Lussick after darting over from close range.

All in all a scrappy game, that had no real highlights per se, as both teams barged back and forth with the ref pretty keen to leave his mark on the game too.
Notes:

GPS 1’s:
- Forwards were very weak. CAS dominated up front. Front row struggled against the bigger CAS front row. Sandell (3 Joeys) only front rower to really leave a mark, has a great work rate for a prop! Locks didn’t make much of a mark, Hanigan (4 Joeys) tried hard, but didn’t get much support.

- Back row for GPS was very strange. Crichton (8 Scots) was MOM, ran for a ton of meters, controlled the defensive line, and was general pest all game. Dunbar (7 Scots) very quite in attack by his standards, and was almost missing at the break down however, saved GPS in defense a few times, covered ground well and shut down CAS a couple of times when their tails got up, by all standards a quiet game from him. Morris (6 Newington) didn’t do a whole lot, probably the quietest of the GPS back row, but again not the best games form the 6 or 7.

- Lussick has a great running game, but his passing is something to be questioned. Poor Clancy was shaving a tough enough time in wet conditions, Lussick didn’t help this all that much, although, was great in his support play and scored a neat little darting try toward the end. Someone has mentioned in an earlier post about his left to right passing being an issue. It seemed fine however there is a definite preference to go off his other hand, resulting in a few cases of turning blind of the base of the ruck to pass, which didn’t really help Clancy with quick ball.

- Clancy looked a lot less composed then on the weekend against Scots. Standing behind the posts, he looked to do a lot of sideways crabbing and really struggling to get the big centres moving forward, although handled the ball quite well considering the wet, and defended pretty well.

- The GPS Centers were massive. My sons comments were something along the lines of “how are the red centres going to stop them, they are bigger then all of the forwards”. The boys were fairly quiet, and really struggled to hold the pill. When they got their head of steam up they took 2 or 3 CAS boys to bring them in, however by their own standards I would suggest it wasn’t their best showing. Handling a major issue for both (especially 12).

- Wingers were quiet, with the exception of Crafts first half try, he may only have touched the ball 2 or three more times. Latrell the same, not much to do in the wet conditions, but when he did have something on did it well. A pass mark to both.

- Kellaway (15 Scots) at fullback was a pleasure to watch. His running game is back! And his work under the wet highball was exquisite! Could have looked to offload a bit more and look to link up, but otherwise a very strong performance in nasty conditions for an outside back. I hope the Scots coaches were paying close attention, HE IS MUCH BETTER AT THE BACK!

CAS 1’s:
- Their forwards were immense. Dominated the GPS forwards up and down the park. Held the GPS scrum dead still and didn’t give GPS the easy run they were expecting. The two props were hug for CAs, the big unit (junior I think) was a handful to stop, and had it not been for Dunbar would have scored 2 or three times!

- CAS loosies hunted as the pack Hugh Jarse has mentioned so many times and it made a difference at the breakdown, resulting in a huge penalty difference, however individually didn’t stand out, but a good team performance from them.

- CAS Half and 5/8 were a bit off, some wild balls and silly kicks, however they defended extremely well, not allowing much through their channel.

- Centres should both be awarded bravery medals. Fronted up to the much bigger GPS centres and took the challenge up to them big time. 12 making really good meters up the middle, and both shutting down most attacking raids from the centres. Only was GPS could score was to let them run from 5 meters out. Extremely strong pairing of Barker boys there.

- Wingers were both quiet, and weren’t up to the late attacking raids from GPS, but that said, had a similar problem to the GPS wingers in that it was not a night for wild expansive rugby and they suffered accordingly. Did nothing wrong though.

- Fullback for CAS (Jones) was their best and looked elusive in attack. Has a booming boot and kicked to great effect. Made some damaging runs and looked very good in attack when he got his moments. The only down fall for him was that the opposing 15 was the best back on the field. He will likely find himself on a wing for the NSW side, as you would be hard pressed to not pick the GPS fullback ahead of him, otherwise a strong game.

Best on Ground:
GPS I: 3,4,8,15
CAS I: 1,3,12,13,15

The GPS coaches will need to have a meeting or three to figure out what to change to knock of CHS, as I think their forwards could throw a big spanner in the works. If nothing changes, the 7 & 6 will need to get a lot more involved at the breakdown, and the 4 & 5 may need to bring their work I a bit tighter and look to control the breakdown, as they both play fairly loose (like backrowers :O). If Lussick can give a bit cleaner ball, Clancy should have a better day and be able to use his outside men better use of the ball. Scrum and lineout both need some serious work!

All in all an enjoyable afternoon/evening at the rugby, me and the young bloke had a great afternoon (albeit wet). Lets hope the weather holds off for Fridays game and the boys get a chance to run a bit more with a dry track!

Anyway best of luck to all teams this Friday.
 

Ted S Hunter

Peter Burge (5)
Wow big call for CAS 13 as best on ground - was only on the field for 20 mins until replaced by 22 for remainder of game.

May have been his replacement. I wasn't watching the numbers so much in the II's game, as was trying to deal with work matters by phone (hence the lack of a detailed report as to who scored what,when!). The bloke playing outside centre (whatever number) looked one of their best. Could well have been the replacement.
 

farr-jones fan

Frank Row (1)
Wow big call for CAS 13 as best on ground - was only on the field for 20 mins until replaced by 22 for remainder of game.

May have been his replacement. I wasn't watching the numbers so much in the II's game, as was trying to deal with work matters by phone (hence the lack of a detailed report as to who scored what,when!). The bloke playing outside centre (whatever number) looked one of their best. Could well have been the replacement.

22 was Ebeling from Trinity.. played a great defensive centre roll.
 

JstWaiting4amate

Frank Nicholson (4)
THANKS YOU FOR THAT MATCH REPORT HUNTER! very detailed. I only caught the second half and it was the #12 that was missing 22 was playing insdie centre and as hunter suggested i thought he played very well breaking a few tackles.
 

Brian Westlake

Arch Winning (36)
Ted S Hunter


Interesting thoughts on the back row of GPS1's as last year the GPS 1's had similar issues with players not wanting to do the "Meat and Potatoes " stuff. There were more than one boy who just wanted to go running around looking like he was an extra 12!
 

Lee Grant

John Eales (66)
Staff member
I have deleted the quotes of Ted S Hunter because they are too big.

Excellent stuff TSH - and if I knew you were doing a report like that I would have got you to do a blog.

As it is: I am doing one (belatedly).

Does anybody know the try scorer of the first CAS Ones' try? The CAS bench guys said it was Junior but they were at the other end of the park diagonallly. Someone else thought it was Justin McLean.

My photo from the other side of the try-line doesn't give a clue.
 

Hugh Jarse

Rocky Elsom (76)
Staff member
What you have described Brian Westlake is the crux of a issue that I have with the whole trial process.

Many kids approach the trials rather selfishly. They don't want to get stuck at the bottom of a ruck contesting for a ball because then they won't be able to position themselves off the #10 to take a Gilbert for a canter towards the chalk line at the end of the field.

The latter activity is a very public FIGJAM statement that may not always be in the best interests of the team or the gameplan, but it looks good and spectacular and will hopefully get their name in front of the spectators, selectors and keyboard selectors.

This phenomena is particularly prevalent with the #2, #6, #7 and #8.

History seldom records the solid and largely unseen graft of a thundering ox of a #4 or #1 who's efforts create and shape the game conditions so that the good looking fellow on the end of a flowing backline movement can stroll over untouched in the corner with the breeze lightly tussling their locks. The fortunate bloke who gets their name on the points scoring list is often someone seagulling out of position.

Great gravy. Pity the meat and veges are not cooked properly.
 

Snort

Nev Cottrell (35)
Does anybody know the try scorer of the first CAS Ones' try? The CAS bench guys said it was Junior but they were at the other end of the park diagonallly. Someone else thought it was Justin McLean.

My photo from the other side of the try-line doesn't give a clue.

No idea, but if it was McLean, best to call him Jackson not Justin.
 

JstWaiting4amate

Frank Nicholson (4)
I have deleted the quotes of Ted S Hunter because they are too big.

Excellent stuff TSH - and if I knew you were doing a report like that I would have got you to do a blog.

As it is: I am doing one (belatedly).

Does anybody know the try scorer of the first CAS Ones' try? The CAS bench guys said it was Junior but they were at the other end of the park diagonallly. Someone else thought it was Justin McLean.

My photo from the other side of the try-line doesn't give a clue.

The first try scored from CAS was from Junior SATIU, Mclean was on his side and help Satiu get over the line.​
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top