NSW AAGPS 2025

[Ian Macintosh]

Watched the Kings versus Scots on Streamer....and the 2nds. It was very close for the 1st teams. Overall the games were not of a good standard expected at this level (or perhaps Im expecting too much at schoolboys). I only viewed the game once - so I haven't analysed it using all the complex stats 1st team coaching teams have.

I think Scots outperformed themselves in the game. They managed to score and definitely have the x factor in this area. Making opportunities from not much and having very little momentum in the game.

Kings was overall the better team. They had both the forward pack and the backs which I believe in both areas they were superior. I though in defence the allowed some easy tries. Both teams did, but I thought the tries Scots achieved were from open / loose play or a basic defense error close to try line. Both teams defence were poor, but more so Kings. To be up by several tries and not capitalise off it is poor. They also did not have a great kicker (in both games) missing out on applying extra pressure.

I thought Kings pack was superior and did not use this to their advantage enough in the game. They managed to put Scots under pressure with size and power and should have utilised this more.

Both teams back 3 made poor decisions at times leading to tries. Either running when they should have kicked or just been poor at not catching a chip kick and placement etc.

Good to watch and was not sure who was going to win for a large part of the game. I think Kings has potential for a whole rugby approach (use backs or forwards) -Im not sure if Scots could manage this approach as most tries - backs based.

Looking forward to seeing what happens next game.

 

[Mungo1866]

Agreed, it scares me how good they are and lost to Waverly by 40. Waverly 13s must be some sort of team

We tried that a few years ago. It was so difficult to get the B scores we ended up dropping it.
As always I am most grateful to our stats guy @Ace Ventura for his work in this area. I am sure I speak on all of us when I say thank you kind sir

Perhaps we could try again, it’s a pity not all schools post the results in an easy to find place.

 

[The President]

I have been walking through the gates at Stirling Bridge for over 45 years. Yesterday was probably one of the best.

First port of call was the famous canteen. On arrival I was greeted with megawatt smiles by the very lovely Shore mothers who couldn't be more on point. With the famous pie in hand I ventured to my usual bench to enjoy the sunshine and the action taking place on the oval. The pie was though my main focus and I attacked it with caution, all the while trying to record the nuances of this baked good. The crust was flaky on top and firm underneath. The meat was plentiful but my pie was warm so I could really get to enjoy it. Anyway it was a solid 8. Later in the afternoon I again tackled the pie, not after charming the Shore Mums once again. This time everything feel into place. Crust, meat, fragrance and mouthfeel all on point. 9/10.

At this point you could say this was my highlight of the day (other than the results). But no. It was only the beginning.

To begin the day, @Squidlips came and found me. We had a great chat about all things work, families, jail cells...etc. A great fella with incredible worldly experience and a deep passion for Shore. It was such a pleasure to meet him. I look forward to round 2. Not long after he left a group of three Shore lads found me. I had spoken to them in 2024 and it was a delight to see them again. As always I was so impressed with level of maturity, respect and knowledge. Not long after a 5th generation Shoreman came and caught up with me. It is incredible that his first family Shoreman played in the 1908 rugby premiership. How very special. There a couple more as well who stopped by for a moment.

At the conclusion of the match I slowly made my way past the Hawker Stand. Here I was approached by a number of boys who wanted to say hello. (No photos please) They were great to meet. All of them once more demonstrated the Shoremen ethos of respect. I was also most fortuante meet a few 1st XV Shoremen who were again incredibly polite even though they felt slightly down. It was delight to meet them including Henry Baxter, who even after 70 minutes of trench warfare, had a warm smile and a firm handshake. Lovely fella.

Yesterday was a highlight and a revelation. In all my years of lurking behind my keyboard I have yet to come across a school that shares so many of the same values of Joeys. Shoremen were exceptional. They gave firm handshakes, warm smiles and engaged in conversation. There was plenty of laughs too. As a teacher it was an ideal for me to produce good men. Shore are doing something right and it was on full display yesterday. Congratulations Shore. You did everything right to make my day worthwhile. (Just get the pies in the warmer earlier please)

I’m glad you enjoy the Northbridge pies. I’m keen for my next pie from the home of the Scotsmen, Bellevue Hill.

 

[The President]

Kings will miss Risati - real lack of attacking punch without him (although six tries were scored!) - he creates opportunities by the defence he brings to him. Kings back up centers defended admirably yesterday but there was no real attacking threat from the backline apart from a couple of jinking runs from Sawyer. Best progress was made through their amazing front row going route 1. Second row were work horses and back row didn't quite gel but that will come. The smaller backrower carries too much as opposed to supporting and protecting - enthusiasm is good but must play to strengths.
Surprised at New getting over View and similarly Shore pushed Joeys. Will be a close comp - c'arn the sky blue and white.

Where was Risati? I assume injuries is what ruled him out Against TSC.

 

[The Cleaner]

Where was Risati? I assume injuries is what ruled him out Against TSC.

Injured out 8 weeks minimum I have been told.

 

[Have a burrow]

Injuries are piling up this year, anyone know what the current casualty ward is looking like?

 

[Try Line Vet]

Watched the Scots vs Kings games this weekend. For me, the stand-out teams at Parramatta were the Scots 3rd and 4th XV, demonstrating the depth Scots brings to the GPS rugby this year. Has great footy to watch from both sides, with big hits and outstanding plays from both backlines.

Review of the 3rd XV:
Stand out player of the game: (Don't have names, only numbers)
Kings 11
Kings 1
Kings (didn't have a number on his jersey)

Scots 11
Scots 9
Scots 8

After an interesting start to the first half, with both teams running out with no ref, the boys adapted quickly and got straight into keeping warm and doing extra shape work before the game started. They adapted to the circumstances well, showing the maturity of the young men.
Scots number 11 went in the early minutes of the first half, demonstrating Scots dominant backline and agile players. Scots number 9 driving the game for the boys, making sure the ball was out quickly, and keeping it moving fast made it an interesting game to watch. King's boys demonstrated strong defence and quick line speed, keeping the Scots boys on their toes, and utilising their dynamic back line of runs from their forwards to get the ball moving and finding their open space.

Both forward packs packing down a strong scrum with strong form and aggressive hits, and well structured backlines. Both teams put on a great game of footy to watch Scots going home with the win 32 - 7. The scoreboard does not represent the fight that the King's boys put up, but in the end, the Scots boys went home with the win and demonstrated the true depth that their program has and the hidden talents that they have in their 3rd XV. Keen to watch the Scots 3rd XV this season and see how they go.

Interested to hear others thoughts on the game. @electrobro, were you present for the game this weekend?

 

[meatheadmelon]

The depth of the 16s at Sydney Grammar has been shown. Grammar's 1s #10 is a stocky under 16 player from Randwick, Tommy Delaney. He has been enjoyable to watch showing silky hands and has a solid radar for eyes up footy. His confidence will grow with experience, but expect him to be in peak form in 2026/2027 comp. He will be dangerous.

 

[wisemaan]

Have we got any crowd estimations for each of the games?

Heard Scots had some good travelling support.

Can’t speak for any other fixtures, but Shore v Joeys was an excellent crowd turnout. Both filling out there respective areas. The Hawker Stand was packed to the brim on one side overflowing to the steps. Joeys was also packed with excellent energy. Shores energy was 100 percent even when they were down. I definitely believe is pushing for one of the best in the GPS and definitely am looking forward to seeing what’s to come for them and the other schools. Definitely a fair few hundred for both schools.

 

[Whales]

The depth of the 16s at Sydney Grammar has been shown. Grammar's 1s #10 is a stocky under 16 player from Randwick, Tommy Delaney. He has been enjoyable to watch showing silky hands and has a solid radar for eyes up footy. His confidence will grow with experience, but expect him to be in peak form in 2026/2027 comp. He will be dangerous.

Didn’t they lose to the Riverview 4ths?

 

[tight5]

Kings will miss Risati - real lack of attacking punch without him (although six tries were scored!) - he creates opportunities by the defence he brings to him. Kings back up centers defended admirably yesterday but there was no real attacking threat from the backline apart from a couple of jinking runs from Sawyer. Best progress was made through their amazing front row going route 1. Second row were work horses and back row didn't quite gel but that will come. The smaller backrower carries too much as opposed to supporting and protecting - enthusiasm is good but must play to strengths.
Surprised at New getting over View and similarly Shore pushed Joeys. Will be a close comp - c'arn the sky blue and white.

Risati a big loss, agree 2nd rowers I thought had massive work rates particularly the big #5. Are the 2 lads new?

 

[Ace Ventura]

Agreed, it scares me how good they are and lost to Waverly by 40. Waverly 13s must be some sort of team

Joeys 13As lost to Waverley 21-35. The Waverley lads were big boys and apparently most if not all were in the state champion league team for Eastern Suburbs, so we're told. They were very good - strong running forwards and skillful backs.
Joeys actually won the second half after being 6 tries to 1 down at halftime.

 

[Ace Ventura]

Perhaps we could try again, it’s a pity not all schools post the results in an easy to find place.

happy to do it Mungo, but as Joker says getting scores regularly and reliably proved impossible. It's hard enough getting the A scores!
If you want to put your hand up and be the score-gatherer for all the B teams, go for it. Good luck!

 

[InsiderScoop]

Each year Scots have freaky players but have very questionable shape/game plans. Looks like they are just waiting for something to happen and it does occasionally due to their talented players but they all look so lost out there. Couple hot heads in there aswell.

 

[moa999]

Joeys 13As lost to Waverley 21-35.

Trinity, not exactly CAS rugby stalwarts, only lost 28-14 in the first CAS round.

But the multiple 50+ scores in the junior grades has to be somewhat concerning for even competition go long forward

 

[Srgnt Short Ball]

anyone have joeys 1st XV lineup for the season?

 

[Joker]

Round 2

AAGPS Tipping 2025 competition

TIPPING COMPETITION. For those new here I hope this explains how the tipping works With only three games each week I created a system where players can score more points not on just who wins This is achieved by using margins. Various margins are worth points. Points break down. Lose- 0 Win-...

www.greenandgoldrugby.com

 

[Joker]

Can’t speak for any other fixtures, but Shore v Joeys was an excellent crowd turnout. Both filling out there respective areas. The Hawker Stand was packed to the brim on one side overflowing to the steps. Joeys was also packed with excellent energy. Shores energy was 100 percent even when they were down. I definitely believe is pushing for one of the best in the GPS and definitely am looking forward to seeing what’s to come for them and the other schools. Definitely a fair few hundred for both schools.

I agree Wiseman, Shore had plenty of energy coming out of the Hawker. Well done on the level of noise and even a new cheer?

Joeys bring every student to the 1st XV game. It is a part of your enrollment that you will attending every 1st XV game. There would have then been 1000+ students. Mind you not all can fit into grandstand but many do. It is very nice to see when a school provides seating for the visiting students.

 

[jester23]

Any major injuries on the weekend regarding 1st XV teams?
sincerely

 

[CasualObserver]

I agree Wiseman, Shore had plenty of energy coming out of the Hawker. Well done on the level of noise and even a new cheer?

Joeys bring every student to the 1st XV game. It is a part of your enrollment that you will attending every 1st XV game. There would have then been 1000+ students. Mind you not all can fit into grandstand but many do. It is very nice to see when a school provides seating for the visiting students.

Joeys vs Shore on Saturday (All games)

Wins: 28 (96%)
Loses: 0 (0%)
Draws: 1 (4%)

Average points differential: 42/team
Average for: 49, Average against: 7