The Ghost of Raelene
John Eales (66)
Some of the individuals in the U18s should lead them to a good victory. But, these games end up fights with guys who know each other so well and a few chips on shoulders.
Wilson
Tim Horan (67)
No room for injury there, I wonder if a few of the guys not picked in the 23's for the U18 side will be in reserve for the schoolboys as well.
Strewthcobber
Nick Farr-Jones (63)
It's all been said before, but just one public school representative (and that being a GPS school) out of those two teams is really something.
Strewthcobber
Nick Farr-Jones (63)
For those wondering (like me!)
Under 18 team selected first, then Schoolboys side selected from everyone else, provided that they meet the ASRU eligibility criteria.
Theoretically, the Aus U18 team are the first choice side
Under 18 team selected first, then Schoolboys side selected from everyone else, provided that they meet the ASRU eligibility criteria.
Theoretically, the Aus U18 team are the first choice side
The Ghost of Raelene
John Eales (66)
18s are the Premier side for this bracket. The only players.
The game between them should be a 3 try win for 18s at least looking at the talent in the pack especially but that’s a sturdy Schools side.
A lot of talented guys haven’t been selected in either which is a positive for depth.
The game between them should be a 3 try win for 18s at least looking at the talent in the pack especially but that’s a sturdy Schools side.
A lot of talented guys haven’t been selected in either which is a positive for depth.
Backintheolddays
Bob Loudon (25)
I look forward to the likes of Tancred and Cleary getting stuck into their more illustrious counterparts.
The Ghost of Raelene
John Eales (66)
Tancred got it done twice over them during the season so he won’t hold any issues.
The boys selected from Kings are good players but does stun me to have more than 1st and 2nd in the Sydney GPS comp combined.
Hope Risati can get some good play in and be fit. He’s as talented as they come at 10 or 15 but injured what seemed like all year.
The boys selected from Kings are good players but does stun me to have more than 1st and 2nd in the Sydney GPS comp combined.
Hope Risati can get some good play in and be fit. He’s as talented as they come at 10 or 15 but injured what seemed like all year.
Red Runner
Chris McKivat (8)
would that be the case if you went back 4 years? Were they ant GPS schools then?
The Ghost of Raelene
John Eales (66)
Unfortunately it’s too common now. It does have to be said there are players who are at Private Schools now who weren’t a couple years ago…
Mid 2000s was the last era of CHS being competitive with the private associations.
Mid 2000s was the last era of CHS being competitive with the private associations.
Major Tom
Nicholas Shehadie (39)
I’ll be watching Risati with interest. We could do with an athletic fly half for a change!
Some good competition for the position with Fowler, Risati, Mackay and Pritchard all options.
Backintheolddays
Bob Loudon (25)
They’ll play Fowler but Risati will be the better adult player, most likely in the wrong code though.
The Ghost of Raelene
John Eales (66)
Agree with both parts. Unfortunately Risati is part of the Eels system. Like Onitoni Large, Joey Walsh as playmakers Rugby won't see.
It's fairly known just like Makasini last year who signed with the Tigers the day after the 18s beat NZ. Some people don't want to pick these kids but I'm of the opinion you pick the best available, maintain positive relationships with these players since they will come up for contract by the time they turn 21 and Rugby get a good bump from being competitive and winning some of these games.
Major Tom
Nicholas Shehadie (39)
I don't mind RA having a crack at the standout talent like they did with Jorgo. Need to have a decent crack at players that move the needle. To me that was Lemoto (jackalling / powerful ball carrier) but alas that ship has sailed for the time being. Might be worth RA having more of a go at Risati seeing as flyhalf is position low depth and he seems to be vastly different to the other options we have developed.
The Ghost of Raelene
John Eales (66)
Iv'e seen a lot of the NSW guys play quite a bit over the past few years and the standout forward is Isaac Fonua besides the Front Rowers who IMO all fall into the category of must retains.
Lemoto has a lot of power in him but I would have long term concerns about the backrow given he's not that tall. Very powerful in the underage games but it also seems Penrith aren't fighting too much keep him in League. A lot of growth to come in these guys but we have always seen some players who are physically further along the path than others at this point in time while some guys have the structure to allow so much growth in the future..
Lemoto has a lot of power in him but I would have long term concerns about the backrow given he's not that tall. Very powerful in the underage games but it also seems Penrith aren't fighting too much keep him in League. A lot of growth to come in these guys but we have always seen some players who are physically further along the path than others at this point in time while some guys have the structure to allow so much growth in the future..
The Ghost of Raelene
John Eales (66)
But to your'e point yes your'e spot on. Bell and Pollard where others that League were also after and Rugby spent to get.
RA has been doing better with this. Guys like Uys, Tonga being signed up are good things long term.
Major Tom
Nicholas Shehadie (39)
Yeah true. Is Fonua in league's sights? Plays blindside I'm assuming.
I'm not as concerned about Lemota's height, he would be at least 6'2 which is Gleeson's height? Savea is a big comparison I know, but that leg drive and ability to get over the ball is pretty unique.
Upthemaroon!
Sydney Middleton (9)
I think is the way to go, pick the best XV and get wins on the board. RA just needs to make sure that players that are not being selected are still engaged with Rugby. State selection squad, tournaments or high-performance teams.
The Ghost of Raelene
John Eales (66)
I could be very wrong here as the boys these days are bigger than ever across the park but I'd be surprised if hes 6'2.
Fonua is all Rugby as far as I'm aware. Physically he's Rugby down to the ground as well and a comparison would be a guy like Doyle from the 20s but a bit shorter. Like Toby Brial but able to play Lock.
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