NSW JRU State Championships & Representative Teams 2015

[Hugh Jarse]

Today is May 27. On May 27, 2014 on the 2014 version of this thread, there had been 293 posts across 18 pages and dialogue had been a little heated at times.

In 2015 the silence is almost eerie.

Have people forgotten how to rort the system, or have the Championships and rep teams lost their standing to such an extent that no one feels that they need to try and "favourably" interpret Competition and Championship eligibility criteria?

Is no one keeping an eagle eye on what the "competition" is doing?

Is everybody happy or does no one care anymore?

 

[CNorth]

I think the main problem is no one is playing in the older age groups. Look at the 15s. No ACT ,Illawarra next to nothing Norths lucky to get a side together. Gordon really the only half decent side going in with not much competition. Club land really struggling. Hunters hill down to 9 players. How do they pick a creditable NSW side??

 

[Chris McCracken]

In honest, I suspect JGC is taking away some of the emphasis on this competition. That said, I wasn't involved in last year's thread, so I'm not sure of what was said on it.

 

[Gary Owen III]

I think the main problem is no one is playing in the older age groups. Look at the 15s. No ACT ,Illawarra next to nothing Norths lucky to get a side together. Gordon really the only half decent side going in with not much competition. Club land really struggling. Hunters hill down to 9 players. How do they pick a creditable NSW side??

I am not so sure about that being too much different to the last couple of years.

There are 16 teams nominated for the 15 State Championships this year which is in line with previous years. ACT did not attend last year either in the U15's. And I take your point about some of the playing talent not returning - but this is hardly a new phenomenon. Country players moving to City schools (other thread topic), players being selected in schools 1st and 2nd XV's and rugby league (Harold Matts etc) have always drained the talent at the higher age groups.

So whilst JGC might have some effect, i don't think it is the only factor. In fact, many of the kids playing Reps now did not do JGC at all as they play cricket, basketball, rowing etc over Summer. Thus why i think both programs need to find a way to co-exist lest we never see some of the top talent play Reps if JGC was only pathway.

In fact the irony being that in the other JGC age group (U17's) the State Championships have 11 teams entered this year compared to 7 last year. I am not going to claim this as growth - just an observation.

I am sure the NSW U15's side selected will be more than credible - there is still plenty of talent that will be on show and a big opportunity to play the 16's sides from Sydney, Country and Schools at the NSW Invitational. Last years NSW U15's didn't such opportunities.

 

[rugby hunter]

The state cup and country championships have merged to get numbers involved in the 17s with some area's combining to get enough for a team. If they went it alone the numbers would have been down. There is to much rugby being offered to the rep level players, club, rep, JGC, school, school rep, and opportunities to play grade. Some boys are playing 4 games a week, for 6 weeks at this time of the year. They will not perform at their best and many will burn out.

 

[scrum-doctor]

I believe this is a vital pathway for all players. It is the first and important step for players to understand what rep footy is about and the step up needed.

Unfortunately the coaching doesn't assist with this often.

Do we know the representative coaching structures for the teams this year? (Sydney, zones, nsw & Baa Baa's)

I hear Guy Millar who is a new Western Force player from eastwood 1st grade is assistant coach of Sydney 16's.

 

[CatchnPass]

I think the main problem is no one is playing in the older age groups. Look at the 15s. No ACT ,Illawarra next to nothing Norths lucky to get a side together. Gordon really the only half decent side going in with not much competition. Club land really struggling. Hunters hill down to 9 players. How do they pick a creditable NSW side??

I think this might underestimate Parra if they get a reasonable no of last years premiership winning u14s Blacktown side. And Hunters down to 9? Certainly wasn't the case a few weeks ago but they could have been hit with significant injury toll.

 

[Hugh Jarse]

This list of rep team management fell off the back of a truck from a usually reliable truck driver.

Northern U15's
Coach: Michael Taylor
Asst Coach: James Blanch
Manager: TBA

Western U15's
Coach: TBA
Asst Coach: TBA
Manager: TBA
S&C Coach: TBA

Southern U15's
Coach: Mark Bernays
Asst Coach: Ross Bernays & John Hillery
Manager: Andrew Mrackovic

Barbarians U15's
Coach: Gary Tunks
Asst Coach: Kristian Berghofer & Tangi Mafi
Manager: Peter Holt

Northern U16's
Coach: Stuart Nolan
Asst Coach: Bernie Rorke
Manager: TBA

Western U16's
Coach: Kevin Harkin
Asst Coach: Wayne Africa
Manager: Andrew Knevitt

Southern U16's
Coach: Connell Byrne
Asst Coach: Tony Buchanon & Allan Conan
Manager: Craig Townsend

Barbarians U16's
Coach: Campbell Aitkin
Asst Coach: Mike Cross
Manager: Luke Ferris

Sydney JRU U14's
Coach: Andy Connors
Asst Coach: Will Eggleston
Manager: TBA

Sydney JRU U15's
Co-Coach: Bill Bell
Asst Coach: Ian Westwood & Derwent De-Roos
S&C Coach: John Villiami
Manager: Laurie McMartin

Sydney JRU U16's
Coach: Luke Ferris
Asst Coach: Guy Millar
S&C Coach: TBA
Manager: Geoff Ferris
Physio: TBA

Sydney JRU U17's
Coach: Doug Ryan
Asst Coach: Jack Lloyd
Manager: TBA

Sydney U18's
Coach: Robbie Barnard
Asst Coach: Sam Phipps
Manager: TBA
S&C Coach: Tim Dalecki

 

[Thomo77]

I think this might underestimate Parra if they get a reasonable no of last years premiership winning u14s Blacktown side. And Hunters down to 9? Certainly wasn't the case a few weeks ago but they could have been hit with significant injury toll.

Parra has retained all of last year's lads, bar the fly half, and has a number of newbies that have come across from league or elsewhere. Considering at a club level, they've lost one game in almost 2 years, it will be interesting to see how they go. There's plenty of talent in the side. Will really depend on how they play. At last count there were 6 lads that either played for NSW JGC, or have been picked in squads for either CHS, CCC or other schools U16 state sides for this year.

 

[CatchnPass]

Parra has retained all of last year's lads, bar the fly half, and has a number of newbies that have come across from league or elsewhere. Considering at a club level, they've lost one game in almost 2 years, it will be interesting to see how they go. There's plenty of talent in the side. Will really depend on how they play. At last count there were 6 lads that either played for NSW JGC, or have been picked in squads for either CHS, CCC or other schools U16 state sides for this year.

I don't think there's any sceptics amongst the opposition Thomo. From the far side at best they might be hoping that the pool of death (B) takes a toll on all who participate and leaves a wobbly team standing at semi final time. Otherwise Musika and the lads might have a field day!

 

[RedBlue]

Parramatta U15's

1. Netane Talanoa Blacktown NSW JGC, NSW CHS
2. Vaotangi Mafi Blacktown Western Sydney JGC
3. Liam Heka Blacktown
4. Johnneric Afele Blacktown Western Sydney JGC
5. Thomas Latu Blacktown
6. Tiakiwai Rangi Blacktown Sydney 2014
7. Spencer Leniu Blacktown Sydney 2014, NSW CCC, Penrith Panthers 14's
8. Musika Loto'aniu Blacktown Sydney 2014, NSWJGC, NSW CCC
9. Aaron Cairns Blacktown Western Sydney JGC
10. Tyreese Figota Blacktown
11. Henry Tuli-Togise Blacktown Penrith Panthers 14's
12. Ethan Mokoia Blacktown Sydney 2014, West Tigers Harold Matts
13. Dylan Glassie Blacktown Ex-Eastwood
14. Luke McDonald Blacktown
15. Connor Thomson Blacktown NSW JGC
16. Connor Tunks Blacktown
17. Fononga Naati Blacktown Western Sydney JGC
18. William Kim Norwest
19. Jack Dolan Blacktown - Western Sydney JGC
20. Daniel Tuipulotu Blacktown
21. Pat Reynolds Blacktown
22. Xavier Letufuga Blacktown
23. Joshua Lambert Lane Cove, North West Sydney JGC, Ex-Eastwood
24. Matthew Wilson Hawkesbury (Shadow player)
25. Inoke Takiveikata Hawkesbury (shadow player)

In my opinion this parra are the team to beat. Serious talent, size, skill and experience.

 

[RedBlue]

Illawarra 15's

1.Terrence Toomata (Campbelltown) NSW Country 2014
2. Joseph Dickson (Shamrocks) Illawarra Steelers Harold Matts
3. Opeti Taufahema (University) Illawarra JGC?
4. Sesi Lufe (Kiama) Illawarra JGC
5. Cian Duffy (Shamrocks)
6. Bailey Antrobus (Shamrocks) NSW JGC, NSW Country
7. Jacob Wright (Campbelltown)
8. Thomas Robinson (Shamrocks) NSW JGC
9. Liam Macpherson (Shamrocks)
10. Kade Warrington (University)
11. Joshua Fullerton Harvey (University)
12. Rua Nugati (Campbelltown) Western Suburbs Harold Matts
13. William Valevatu (Campbelltown) NSW Country 2014
14. Jack McConnell (Shamrocks)
15. Byron Hollingworth Dessent (Shamrocks) ACT Brumbies 2014, North Harbour CAS 16's
16. Oscar Moran (Bowral)
17. Brett Wellington (Shoalhaven) NSW Country 2014
18. Valere Moise (University)
19. Hugh McRae (Bowral)
20. Harry Baillieau (Bowral)
21. Jack Rochaix (Campbelltown).

Another strong side, could push for the win.

 

[RedBlue]

Not even sure if Gordon have the experience+playing level on theses teams

 

[Thomo77]

Definitely wouldn't be underestimating Gordon, Norths or Eastwood. Typically well prepared. Gordon certainly look to have been blessed with the draw. Definitely looking forward to seeing all the boys in action next week

 

[CatchnPass]

I think CNorth's concerns will prove unfounded - its not hard to see a very strong NSW team being selected from the talent that will be on display at Mudgee next weekend. ACT were never part of the NSW selection cohort and key talent from Illawarra is still there or playing with Blacktown / Parra so still participating at JSCs. Look out QLD!

 

[konbar]

IMHO I think that Gordon can match any side at State Champs, my prediction for their side is



1. Julian Heaven North Harbour JGC
2. Will Bremner Sydney Squad 2014
3. James Frear North Harbour JGC, Sydney 2014
4. Nathaniel Pannozo North Harbour JGC, Sydney 2014
5. Saxon Gilles Sydney Squad 2014
6. Luke Reimer NSW JGC, Sydney 2014
7. Joshua Gunstone North West JGC, Sydney Squad 2014
8. Alex Trobec Knox 16 a's ?
9. David Tejek Think has played Barker 1st XV, Sydney 2014


10. Joshua McInerney Sydney Squad 2014
11. Ben Shariat Sydney 2014
12. Dominic Easy Think has played Pius 1st XV, NSW JGC, Sydney 2014

13. Jaques O'Hearn Sydney Squad 2014
14. Tom Cameron Sydney 2014
15. Tom Glasscot Sydney 2014
16. Bill Biviano
17. Jordan Hancock
18. Jordan Brown North West JGC
19. Samuel Johnston North Harbour JGC
20. Cameron Fish North Harbour JGC
21. Alex Di Sano or James Westbury North West JGC
22. JamieBasheer Sydney Squad 2014

23. Aiden Paterson
24. William Onslow
25. One of the #21's not sure if they need another 9 or 10 because both players seem to have people who can slot in. Although most likely will keep the reserve 9.

I think that this team can win the State Championship because of the pure toughness and mobility and skill. Skilled, tough and fit tight five. With flankers in Reimer and Gunstone probably the two hardest boys in the comp I think having a tidy game will be hard for opponents. Trobec should be fast around the park and work well with the loosies. 9/10 combo looks promising with experience together. Tejek is extremely fast around the park which gets fast ball to the pack and the backs keeping the defense on going backward. Middle 3 will be lethal in attack and defense. McInerney is a very good defender and yet again has experience with the 9 which should mean attack is good as well. Dominic Easy outside him is a player to watch. Lethal when given space because of size and speed. Will definitely be a key to Gordon's success. O'Hearn runs good lines and can set up the back three well. Plenty of gas out there with an all sydney back 3.

 

[Gary Owen III]

Sydney U18's Team named today.

1 Parramatta - Malama Meleisea
2 Gordon - James Kwok
3 Gordon - Kristian Souvaliotis
4 Dural - Kyle Cotton
5 Manly - Van Stewart
6 West Harbour - Wesley FAUPULA
7 Beecroft - Cameron Goodacre
8 West Harbour - Pilimi FELILA
9 Randwick - Hayden Lloyd
10 Gordon - Josh Thorndyke
11 Southern Districts - Brodie Ford
12 Parramatta Frank Tanginoa
13 West Harbour - Izaha Te Amo
14 Dural - Zackary Fisher
15 Sydney Uni - Rhys Wheneroa
16 Manly - Cyprus Tutnoa
17 West Harbour - Tepuna TAMARUA
18 Oatley - Keitel Bramston
19 Oatley - Alturo Faamausili
20 Dural - Joel Edwards
21 Randwick - Frank Tuhetoka
22 Gordon - Tom Skelly
23 Beecroft - Tom Nicita
24 West Harbour - Luke Collins
25 Gordon - Brandon Marsh

Team will play following fixtures

• GPS (Blue or White) Thursday 18th June- 5.00pm at Boronia Park, Hunters Hill.
• NSW Country U18’s on the Sunday 12th July at Boronia Park, Hunters Hill.
• Bishop Stortford High School 1st XV (UK) on Sunday 19th July at Rawson Oval, Mosman.
• Leeds Grammar 1st XV (UK) & NSW Country U18’s onSunday Aug 2nd at TG Milner, Eastwood.

 

[CB Set]

For the fellow ink-slingers interested in Junior Club Rugby,
does anyone have an idea or a guess on who will make up the Sydney Representative teams for U15's, U16's and U17's

 

[CatchnPass]

Always hard to predict as boys can change so much physically and mentally between 14-17, and many in older years will be more focused on playing for school 16As/1st XV. Hopefully selections will be entirely based on form at the SJCs and for the zone teams.

For what its worth, here are last year's u14 and u15 Sydney teams. For u14s I've struck out those who are not participating in 2015 SJCs as far as I'm aware (only 4). Not sure re last year's u15s, but a few at least are playing 1st XV so may not be backing up at SJCs. Haven't included last year's u16s as there would be a huge number not returning this year.

2014 Sydney U14s
1 Angus Bell Norths
2 Tom Cameron Gordon
3 Kyle Devine Southern Districts
4 Charlie Davis Southern Districts
5 Max Douglas Manly
6 Dominic Easy Gordon
7 Nathaniel Endemann Norths
8 James Frear Gordon
9 Tom Glascott Gordon
10 Max Lehman Norths
11 Spencer Leniu Parramatta
12 Saul Lewis Norths
13 Musika Loto'aniu Parramatta
14 Ewan Mawson Waringah
15 Ethan Mokoia Parramatta
16 Nathaniel Panozzo Gordon
17 Tiakiwai Rangi Parramatta
18 Luke Reimer Gordon
19 Ben Shariat Gordon
20 David Tejcek Gordon
21 Keith Titmus Norths
22 Arman Zakarian Gordon
23 Nathan Zylstra Easts


2014 Sydney U15s


1 Luke Edwards Northern Suburbs Barbarians
2 Harrison Stein Randwick MSZ
3 Max Cutrone Gordon MNZ
4 Stefano Utoikamanu Northern Suburbs MNZ
5 Michael Fenn Gordon MNZ
6 Matt Stead Randwick MSZ
7 Charlie Rowntree Warringah Barbarians
8 Nathan Lawson South. Dists MSZ
9 Marco Bell Randwick Barbarians
10 Will Harrison Randwick MSZ
11 Justin Dela Cruz Randwick MSZ
12 Billy Smith South. Dists MSZ
13 Tyrone Taukamo Randwick MSZ
14 Mitieli Tuinakauvadra Northern Suburbs MNZ
15 Joseph Kandalaft Northern Suburbs MNZ
16 Nick Dolly Eastwood MWZ
17 Oregon Kaufusi Northern Suburbs MNZ
18 Finn Wright Randwick MSZ
19 Darcy Breen South. Dists MSZ
20 John Le'ofa Parramatta MWZ
21 Ryley Angles-Cork Randwick MSZ
22 Etimoni Pahulu West Harbour MWZ
23 Vea Tapa Northern Suburbs MNZ

 

[Gary Owen III]

The draws for the State Championships can be found at http://www.nswjuniors.rugbynet.com.au/