Kadin Pritchard, Larry Siala and Tafito Falaniko Ah-Ki reflect on Queensland Reds U18 selection
Following amazing seasons shining in their respective AIC First XV schoolboy rugby teams, three boys from around Ipswich have made the Queensland Reds U18 team. Hear from them here.
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St Peters Lutheran College Springfield’s Kadin Pritchard and St Edmund’s College Ipswich’s Larry Siala and Tafito Falaniko Ah-Ki are off to Melbourne this Sunday to take on the Melbourne Rebels U18 team.
Their selection into the Queensland Reds U18 team has come as a result of their recent performances in school and club rugby matches, and rightfully so.
Queensland Rugby Head of Talent Management Paul Carozza said: “It’s important. We want to recognise and reward boys for their efforts so far this season. It gives them the opportunity to play with and against the best players in their age group.”
“They’ll play the Waratahs and Rebels in the next few weeks and that’ll be a real test. It’s one thing to play first XV but another to play the best players of another state.”
Pritchard steered the St Peters First XV rugby team to third on the ladder, while Siala and Ah-Ki took it to reigning premiers St Laurence’s College in a grand final where they fell just short, 18-13.
However, if you know AIC rugby, you’ll know it takes something special to go from last on the ladder to second place in just one season and give a team undefeated over a three-year-span a real run for their money.
Carozza said: “We went to this system in 2019. It was great for QLD. There’s a bunch of boys in that team now in Super Rugby squads.”
“Josh Flook is the best example. He was the captain of the team and now a Reds player,” Carozza said.
Ipswich’s Kalani Thomas was in the QLD U18 team in 2019 as well.
So, before the young-guns head to Melbourne to fight for their spot in sides taking on the New South Wales Waratahs at GPS Rugby Club on July 2, let’s hear from them.
St Peters Lutheran College Springfield Year 12 Kadin Pritchard:
How do you feel going into this weekend’s game in Melbourne, coming off a great AIC season?
I am really grateful for this opportunity and really excited to play against Melbourne.
Not only representing my state and the boys in the team but my family, and everyone from St Peters as well.
What does it mean to be going to Melbourne to fight for your selection in the number one side for the following game against NSW?
I know there is a lot of talent out there that have not been picked in these teams so it makes this even more special to be part of this team. I am grateful for the chance I have been given.
How keen are you?
I am very excited for the games this month. I love being around these sorts of environments which help me develop my game and expose me to the best players around QLD.
Who are you most excited to play with from the AIC boys going and why?
I am most excited to play with a strong elusive ball-carrier like Larry. I am keen to find space from the running game of Tafito as well.
Does your selection in the team give you a big slab of motivation moving forward with your efforts pursuing a career in rugby.
Yes. Being selected in the team has given me more motivation for my rugby aspirations.
Being considered in one of these teams means a lot and you could say is one step closer to the end goal.
But, nothing is guaranteed so I know I have to keep working to make all this possible.
Carozza said: “ Kadin has been in our program for two years. He was identified a couple years ago at U15 footy.”
“ He’s a multi-skilled player. Running, passing and kicking. He can play most positions in the backline but we have him at fullback. He has the skill set that allows him to jump in at fly half or centre if he has to.”
St Edmund’s College Ipswich Year 12 Larry Siala:
How do you feel going into this weekend’s game coming off a cracking AIC season and a hat-trick effort for the Norths Tigers on friday?
It was great to be able to play club rugby again. I feel very grateful to be able to represent my state this coming Sunday coming off a great season with my school mates.
I am confident in my abilities to be able to perform and showcase what I have to offer as a player learning the game.
What does it mean to be going down to Melbourne with your Eddies’ teammates Tafito?
It is honestly the best feeling seeing one of my best mates play beside you in a state level competition.
It means a lot for me and Tafito to represent not only our state but our school, family and friends as well.
Are you excited for the games this month? What is the goal for you as a player?
I am very excited for the games to come and also making new friends and spending time with my team.
My goal as a player is to play good consistent footy and to see where this can take me.
I will be focusing on playing my best in these next few games and learning the game more and more.
Carozza said: “Tafito and Larry made the QLD U16 teams last year. We will play Larry in the back row. We see his potential as a backrower.”
St Edmund’s College Ipswich Year 11 Tafito Falaniko Ah-Ki
How did it make you feel making the team?
It was a good feeling when I got selected. Seeing Dad on the couch telling me.
It felt like everything that I was working for had finally paid off.
When did you first play footy?
I started playing when I first came to Australia in 2011 when I was six. I came from Auckland, New Zealand.
Who inspired you to play?
My older brother. He was playing schoolboy rugby in New Zealand and played international 7’s for Samoa. He’s my biggest motivator. I saw him and thought I wanted to be like that but even better.
Travel around the world playing footy.
How was the Eddies’ First XV season?
That season was really good for us. We didn’t have a good pre-season but as soon as we got our whole team together everyone was working for eachother and we were putting in the work.
Then it started to pay off when we got wins. Even without the result, the season was really successful and we achieved what we wanted and more.
Who’s your rugby idol?
I always watched Aaron Smith. I am just trying to be like him by copying his game play and skill levels.
What are your strengths as a halfback?
I feel like I am a better running halfback. If I have open space that’s where I am most dangerous in games.
If I see space I am willing to take it.
What’s your goal for the game against Melbourne?
Coming off the bench I will try use my running game to my advantage. By picking off big forwards that are tired and just trying to exploit that.
I can then create space for everyone else by causing havoc around the ruck. There will be space out wide.
What’s the bigger picture/ end goal for you?
Right now I am just trying to play the best footy I can to ensure I make it in the squads.
If I had an end goal it would be to play Australian U18 schoolboys next year or this year if I am lucky.
What will it be like playing with your Eddies’ teammate Larry Siala?
Playing with Larry is always fun. He’s my shield. He’s big and always with me.
We get on well both on and off the field. But when we get on the field we know to switch on and get things done.
We just bounce off eachother.
Carozza said “ He’s come off the AIC season where he was certainly one of the standouts in the competition. He’s definitely a big part of Eddies’ success this year.”
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