ASSRL Nationals: NSW Combined Independent Schools chasing three-peat with Talakai, Hopoate

A refreshed line-up which features a host of exciting talent including Devida Hopoate, Kaiasa Talakai, Manni Campbell and Julian Minto will be key to NSW CIS chances at a three-peat.

A complete refresh of his line-up has not dented NSW Combined Independent Schools coach Yoni Charlupski’s faith at taking out an ASSRL Under-15 boys three-peat.

The NSW CIS squad were unstoppable last season powering their way past Queensland Maroon in the final off the back of some impressive individual performances.

But with most of their cohort of the past two years moving onto the Under-18s ranks, Charlupski has entrusted a new cohort to get the job done this season.

Every match of the ASSRL Under-15/16 Nationals will be exclusively live streamed on KommunityTV from June 30-July 5.

HOW TO WATCH EVERY MATCH FROM THE ASSRL NATIONALS LIVE

“Obviously it’ll be hard to go for a three-peat,” Charlupski said. “But I’ve also got full faith in the boys I’ve picked.”

Only two boys are backing up from last year’s success, Khyanu Mahon from Central Coast Sports College and Waverley College’s Payton Tarau.

The NSW CIS side would base its performance off the back of hard work in 2024, steering away from relying on several key ‘X-Factor’ players on the park.

NSW Combined Independent Schools took out the ASSRL Under-15s title in Port Macquarie last season.

But that hasn’t stopped the coach from identifying several players who have the potential to be gamebreakers across a big week of action.

Included in the list is several famous surnames including flashy winger Devida Hopoate, the son of former NRL great John Hopoate, and the brother of former Queensland Reds prop Sam Talakai, Kaiasa.

“One of our back rowers, Manni Campbell from Central Coast Sports College, is just a really tough, aggressive, hard line running back rower,” Charlupski said.

“Then our fullback, Julian Minto from St Joseph’s College, he just brings a lot of speed and natural ability.

“Thomas Aroyan just possesses a lot of speed and talent, and hopefully we can tap into that this week.”

NSW CIS will get an early test of their title credentials, with a clash against NSW Combined High Schools on the opening day of the tournament.

The two sides have met in the play-offs in the past two years, and Charlupski knew the sky blues would bring plenty of firepower - led by Eels-contracted captain Hayden Bell.

“CHS are always strong,” Charlupski said.

“They always bring a power game and you know you’ve got to be on your game, especially in the 15s.

“But we’ll just play to our capabilities and hopefully it’s good enough on the day.”

Originally published as ASSRL Nationals: NSW Combined Independent Schools chasing three-peat with Talakai, Hopoate