NSW AAGPS 2026 (banter and commentary)

[The Chairman]

Not another loss!

Apologies, had to be done.

Once you start its hard to stop

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

I didn’t like writing it but the thumbs get a mind of their own.

I’ll just go make space for the rod and my back.

 

[Fantastic Sir Toad]

@Choc&blue is your name perchance a reference to high's chocolate & sky blue jersey?

 

[Comeonmate]

Just joining up in here after watching last seasons forum. Anywho someone somewhere asked for a predicted 2026 ladder. I think View retains some strong leaders within this years group and hopefully their 16s are as good as I've heard. Kings-always been strong in the year 12 group. Joeys-Interchangeable with some strong standout players but (former) Pope Francis will give them 2 losses to View this year. Newington- lose their star to the tigers, were strong in the year 12 group but could be heldback by injuries. Scots- Againthey lose lemoto, Agapetos could step up for them but I don't feel overly enthusiastic. Shore- not much hope for them tbh, whilst round 10 hopefully reminds some younger boys what it's like to win their talent group is pretty uninspiring.
1.View
2.Kings
3.Joeys
4.Newington
5.Scots
6.Shore

The Analyst

Two World Wars and one world cup....

 

[Choc&blue]

@Choc&blue is your name perchance a reference to high's chocolate & sky blue jersey?

It is.

 

[Joker]

It is.

You would recognize this team then. The greatest schoolboy 1st XV in AAGPS history based on Wallaby representation.
Name the year. Name some Wallabies?
I can pick out future Wallaby and Roosters great, John Brass. Bottom row far right end.

John Brass was a classy centre renowned for his great handling skills and brick-wall defence. Deceptively tough, Brass had the priceless gift of being able to straighten an attack. Fast with a good step, Brass was simply brilliant in the mid-filed. He could make the inside break and unload or create a half-gap and provide countless opportunities for the men on his outside. One man who arguably profited more than any other from Brass was his close mate Phil Smith. They were the Horan and Little of the 1960s.

 

[footyforlife2048]

Good highlight reel of Newington this year...

-footyforlife2048

 

[Choc&blue]

It is.

You would recognize this team then. The greatest schoolboy 1st XV in AAGPS history based on Wallaby representation.
Name the year. Name some Wallabies?
I can pick out future Wallaby and Roosters great, John Brass. Bottom row far right end.

John Brass was a classy centre renowned for his great handling skills and brick-wall defence. Deceptively tough, Brass had the priceless gift of being able to straighten an attack. Fast with a good step, Brass was simply brilliant in the mid-filed. He could make the inside break and unload or create a half-gap and provide countless opportunities for the men on his outside. One man who arguably profited more than any other from Brass was his close mate Phil Smith. They were the Horan and Little of the 1960s.

View attachment 23382

The year was 1963. The first High firsts to win an official GPS premiership (one was won unofficially in WW2) and the first to beat St Joseph’s College In a dry season blessed by no injuries. The forwards were not big, Travers of Shore called them “giant killers”. Back row at left were the props John Miller, twin of George Miller of Mad Max fame et al, and Chris Hawkins,later coach of Gordon & NSW, at right Nick Stamell, 4th year and school captain in 1964 breakaway, far right later dentist is half Chris Levi.
second row at left is Alan Gaffney,five eight, later distinguished coach of Randwick and I think NSW and in Ireland. The next four were the spine of the forwards and at right fullback Col Sinclair Who played for Randwick later. Front row at left two pocket rocket wingers Ken Monson and Van Cooney. Captain and O C was Phil Smith who played for Australia and South’s not sure if he made a league test, next is hooker Warren Hatfield, three years in the firsts, then John Brass, Inside centre, played Rugby and League for Oz. Coach was Geoff Ball who left High that year and later coached SydneyTeachers College in the old second division in Sydney. Smith,Brass and Hatfield played GPS ones, Monson in twos and lock Reilly a reserve. Ball had them getting the pill out to the wings in three seconds from set play.
That was their secret a la Randwick of old.