Emerging Reds Cup: Brisbane White fly high in Under 15 and 16
Reds Emerging Cup: The sons of three Wallabies and a Test cricketer were among those chosen in the Queensland under 15 and under 16 representative rugby teams. Story here.
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The sons of three Wallabies and a Test cricketer were among those chosen in the Queensland under 15 and under 16 representative rugby teams.
Flanker Oliver Nasser (Qld 15s, St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace), lock Tom Robinson (Qld 16s, St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace) and fullback Tom Howard Qld 16s, (Marist College Ashgrove) made state sides, while Ed Kasprowicz (Qld 15s, Nudgee College) also made the young Maroons outfit.
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DAY THREE PICTURE GALLERY HERE
Nasser is the son of 1991 World Cup winning forward Brendan, Robinson is the son of Brumbies champion and ex-Wallaby flanker Brett while Howard’s father is Pat Howard, a decorated Wallaby and ex-Reds and Brumbies inside back.
Ed Kasprowicz, a lock, is the son of Queensland’s greatest ever wickettaker Michael, a veteran of more than 30 Tests for Australia. Michael was also an Australian schoolboys rugby player.
The team also includes Churchie’s Joe Stoddart, member of the famous Easts rugby family, while Barry is also a name familiar to the Marist Ashgrove College old boys community.
Joe Stoddart is the cousin of the Churchie premiership winning captain Tom.
Selection of the Queensland under 15 and under 16 representative rugby union teamsfollowed the three day Reds Emerging Cup this week at Riverside rugby club.
The Queensland 15s to play NSW next month:
Forwards: Isaac Rauluni - St Joseph’s Nudgee College, Deavin Tauakipulu - Anglican Church Grammar School; Keido Goulding - Kings Christian College, Brothers; Caleb West -Ipswich Grammar School, Ipswichj Rangers; Berakah Tuifaasisina - Ipswich State High School, Ipswich Rangers; Dugald Keogh - Anglican Church Grammar School, Easts; Ed Kasprowicz - St Joseph’s Nudgee College; Gray O’Neill - Brisbane Boys College, Easts; William Ross - Padua College, Brothers; Tremayne Patelesio - Keebra Park State High School, Gold Coast Eagles; Agapetos Lote-Felo - AB Patterson College, Gold Coast Eagles; Niheta Pala’amo - Mabel Park State High School, Souths; Oilver Nasser - St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace;
Backs: Nick Eccleston - Anglican Church Grammar School, Easts; William Graham - St Johns College Nambour, Maroochydore; Samuel McGahan - St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace; Connor Clifford - St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace; Max Blanch - Anglican Church Grammar School; Max Romer - Brisbane Boys Grammar, GPS; Nicholas Conway - St Joseph’s Nudgee College; Brock Coombes - Immanuel Lutheran College, Brothers; James Grey - Ipswich Grammar School, Ipswich Rangers; Max Durrington - The Southport School, Souths, Gold Coast
Queensland U16s Squad, forwards:
Lochlan Smith - Queensland Country; Blaze Moana - The Southport School; Alex Schumaker- Ipswich Grammar School, Sunnybank; Cameron Ray - Brisbane Boys College, UQ;
Ewald Kruger - Toowoomba Grammar School; Harry Solofa - Anglican Church Grammar School - Easts; Emil Willie-Jawai - Anglican Church Grammar School, Princeton Ioane - St Joseph’s Nudgee College, Will Pascoe - Brisbane Grammar School; Avery Thompson -Brisbane Boys College; John Ryan - Downlands College Toowoomba; Tom Robinson - St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace; Jake Stephens -Downlands College Toowoomba; Amare Milford - The Southport School; Joseph Stoddart - Anglican Church Grammar School, Billy Wellard - The Southport School, Jasper Barry - Marist College Ashgrove; John Grenfell - Queensland Country;
Backs: Tom Goldie -The Southport School, Samuel Watson - St Joseph’s Nudgee College - Tauave Leofa - Brisbane State High School, Charlie O’Connell; St Joseph’s Nudgee College; Zac Nicol - Sunshine Coast Grammar School; Ryan Heaton - St Joseph’s Nudgee College;
Chace Oates - Toowoomba Grammar School; Toowoomba Bears; Prestyn Lain -Setu - St Joseph’s Nudgee College; Blake Miller - Sunshine Coast Grammar School; Tom Howard - Marist College Ashgove, GPS; Cameron Philip - Anglican Church Grammar School; James Duggan - St Joseph’s Nudgee College; Trace Beattie - Queensland Country; David Colavalu - Brisbane Boys College.
The game day coverage
The under 16 and under 15 Buildcorp Emerging Reds Cup has reached the finish line and Brisbane White finished atop the table in the Under 16s competition on points differential, while the Brisbane White team won the Under 15s competition.
SEQ and Brisbane White both had wins in the Under 16s today while Brisbane White edged out Brisbane Grey and SEQ beat Regional Queensland in the Under 15s.
See below for all four match reports from the day.
On Friday, the Queensland Reds U15 and U16 representative teams will be named on social media by the QRU.
Both teams will play the New South Wales Waratahs on 9 October at Sunnybank.
Day 3
Brisbane Grey v Brisbane White Under 16s
Some of Brisbane’s finest young rugby prospects battled it out in a cracking Under 16s clash to put an exclamation mark on the Emerging Reds Cup finale. The three day carnival was a roaring success.
Brisbane White won by the skin of their teeth, 15-12, with a penalty goal by inside centre Netani Lesimaikimatuku the difference in the end.
Standing tall in defence for Brisbane White was No.8 David Leota while lock Avery Thompson was terrific come lineout time.
Fullback Nick Dunstan was at the peak of his powers simply with his kick placement. Brisbane Grey No.8 Jasper Barry was at his brilliant best with damaging ball running, getting valuable post contact metres.
The first try of the day came through Tauave Leofa, a silky smooth playmaker who dummied his way over for Brisbane White.
Brisbane Grey went bang bang in an inspired answer to Leofa’s five pointer.
Hooker William Pamenter and flanker Hugo Hart crossed for Brisbane Grey with textbook pick and drives. They dug deep and were finally rewarded. But, it wouldn’t have been possible without the line breaking nature and game management of Nudgee College boys Tom Williams and Charlie O’Connell respectively.
Speedy winger Cameron Phillip sent both teams to the break locked at 12 apiece when scorching down the left edge for a try. Harry Solofa set him up and Netani Lesimaikimatuku added the extras with a terrific conversion from the sideline.
Lesimaikimatuku slotted a 35m penalty shortly after to give Brisbane White a three point lead.
The score remained 15-12, Brisbane White with the upper hand.
The boys in grey would not go away. Especially flanker Adam Kelly, who was charging at 110% late in the piece. But, it was too late.
Brisbane Grey v Brisbane White Under 15s
The Brisbane White team secured a 13-0 win and an undefeated Emerging Reds Cup campaign to be crowned champions of the Under 15s competition.
It was a hard fought battle between two evenly contested teams but the passion and heart showed by the White team on defence proved the difference. Only they know how they kept the Grey team, a team stacked with scoring threats, scoreless.
Centre Nicholas Conway started the game in flying fashion with a chip and chase try getting Brisbane White off to a great start.
Outside back Connor Clifford and Samuel McGahan, who was a standout at flyhalf, had their fingerprints all over this one.
McGahan’s kicking in general play alleviated mountains of pressure off his team. He had a monster boot and with that had his rivals backs turned and running back into a brick wall of defence waiting for them.
The 7-0 score line stood at the break, as both teams went back and forth in a quality under 15s showcase which had it all.
The Brisbane Grey wingers, James Grey and Siosaia Poese sure had it all. They were fast, had great footwork and made post contact metres after contact.
It was a vocal battle all the while between Tyson Walker and Jeremiah Patea, who were encouraging and providing direction to their teammates from the back.
The quality of the game could be seen in the expert 50/22 by halfback Nick Eccleston who put Brisbane Grey on the back foot with only a few minutes left in the game.
This quick thinking pushed Brisbane White ahead past a converted try buffer with Walker nailing a penalty goal to make it 10-0.
Brisbane Grey big boppas Xzavier Timoteo, Dugald Keogh among others has countless runs in the dying minutes in an attempt to come back but the gutsy defence of Brisbane White players one through 23 proved impenetrable.
In the end, walker slotted another penalty goal from 30m out to settle the scores at 13-0.
SEQ v Regional Queensland Under 15s
SEQ finished off their Emerging Reds Cup campaign with a gutsy 17-5 win over Regional Queensland, who defended stoutly to keep it tight.
Lock Tavita Loughland won man of the match which is a credit to his no nonsense work ethic and presence around the park.
Outside back Dylan Treblanche opened the scoring for SEQ on the back of two strong carries by winger Brock Coombes. But, giant No.8 Ezalle Matautia had just the answer for the Regionals.
A powerful pick and go close to the line worked a charm for the dynamic young athlete.
It was a high quality game of football. On one occasion a crunching tackle by back rower Xavier Austin was immediately answered with a trysaver by Regionals centre Reuben Sarron on threatening fullback Nate Thompson.
Indeed the No.17’s on both sides were big contributors in the first half. For SEQ, Kisega Sola was a scrum king while Regionals’ Keahn Tuakura was too destructive to bring down.
Sola was just one cog in the SEQ forward pack that was driven by the likes of flanker Agapetos Lote-Felo. Tavita Loughland was a lineout rock and scrum disrupter from start to finish.
SEQ‘s No.8 weapon Kingsley Uys continued his superb carnival form when extending his team’s lead at 12-5 at the start of the second half.
Uys had two wrecking ball carries up the middle and he was too strong to be held out the second time around.
Then, Thompson was finally able to cross for SEQ’s third. Quick service from halfback William Graham did the job but only because of the platform laid by front row dynamos Jonah Rangiwai and Keido Goulding.
SEQ inside centre Aropeta Tuuina had the last say for SEQ to settle the scores at 17-5 but it took plenty of cracks at it. Regionals winger Shakhan Karehana held down his edge like his life depended on it. As did prop Locklyn Thomas among other gutsy defenders.
SEQ v Queensland Country Under 16s
SEQ hit the winners post by the width of tissue paper in a cracking game of footy, coming away 14-0 victors.
It was a game of the highest quality, with first one team and then the other wrestling for the initiative.
SEQ won it with their attacking firepower and suffocating defence when hustling to the edges like men possessed to limit the country counter attack to mainly kicking.
There were an array of big plays surely inspired by the occasion.
These included:
A clutch strip of the ball by Country flanker Hayden Cumming.
Pin point kicking off the tee and in general play by SEQ centre Chase Oates who was later named man of the match.
Body on the line tackling from Country winger Trace Beattie.
A monstrous driving tackle by SEQ trio Amari Milford, Jake Stephens and Liam Condoly.
A charge down effort from Country flyhalf Luke White to give his team a golden opportunity.
Players from both teams played out of their skins, highlighted when superb runs were met with thumping tackles which more often than not were so physical it caused a mistake. SEQ came out looking like a well oiled machine with an array of pop passes, one handed offloads and cut out balls on display.
With a strong Southport School connection in the forwards, the boys in orange looked like a team that had been playing together for years.
Winger Ben Lotz was the one to turn this chemistry into points, strolling over untouched thanks to a sweet backline play.Trusty lock John Ryan latched on and drove his way over at the back of a rolling mail to put SEQ ahead 14-0.
Back rower Jack Gibson was brilliant for Country, as a lineout target and metre-eater. As was Adimabu Noah who worked away against a SEQ forward pack of size.
For SEQ, fly half Ta’ziayah Milner has his best game of the carnival, standing tall in defence and controlling the game well.
Day 2
Brisbane White v SEQ Under 16s
A first half double by SEQ inside centre Blake Miller laid the platform for their 19-12 triumph over Brisbane White in a superb game of footy under lights.
Towering SEQ lock John Ryan was the man of the match with a dominant display in the lineouts leading the way for his team’s narrow seven point victory.
Blake Miller began the proceedings for SEQ. His first carry of the game was a superb 25m dash where he weaved his way through the defence. His next, a try.
It took some cross field kick brilliance from none other than Tuave Leofa, Brisbane State High’s First XV fly half, to spark Brisbane White’s first try.
Winger David Colavalu was on the receiving end of a perfectly placed chip over the SEQ defence by Leofa, and ran it in under the posts to lead 7-5.
It was the Southport School’s front row powerhouse Blaze Moana to regain the lead for SEQ. It was a classic Rolling maul try from Moana.
Across the paddock there was an epic duel between the two No.8’s. David Leota was a wrecking ball up the middle for Brisbane White, while Amari Milford was a lineout, scrum, and jackle king for the boys in orange.
SEQ halfback Tom Goldie would have won the loudest on field. The Southport scrum half brought the energy, chased kicks, got in his rivals heads and lifted his teammates.
SEQ went into the break with a comfortable 12 point lead thanks to some Oates magic before the half.
The No.13 with his size 16 shoe put in a top tier kick behind the backs of his opposition and Miller in hot pursuit picked up the scraps to score. Oates landed the sideline conversion to make it 19-7.
Oates’ monster shoe continued to make inroads for SEQ as he marched his boys further down the field with every kick for touch.
For Brisbane White, Harry Solofa stood tall in defence and hooker Jack Packer was formidable, while Ryan was a great lineout target and Joseph Gray was a tireless work horse for SEQ.
Brisbane White halfback Samuel Watson was at his best when scoring a cheeky try down the blind side. It was an incredible decision to snap it up from the ruck and dart down the left edge. But , even more impressively, Watson had to step his way past the last defender to score which he had no trouble doing. Apart from this solo effort, the halfback delivered top of the range service, which allowed Leofa to use his backline weapons in Netani Lesimaikimatuku and Preston Laine.
Leota and lock Avery Thompson made tackle after tackle to hold up a barrage of pick and drives by a hungry SEQ forward pack.
Whether it be props Psalms Pritchard or Nate Hepi, flanker Billy Willard, or hooker Ewald Kruger, every forward wearing an orange jersey came agonisingly close to the line. Only the Brisbane White brick wall armed by lock Tom Robinson and other deterrents know how it held strong.
But, time was running thin and Brisbane White could not advance the ball to score quick enough before the final whistle, SEQ coming away 19-12 winners.
Brisbane Grey v Regional Queensland Under 15s
Brisbane Grey put on a dominant display to down the Regional Queensland team 38-0 in the second game of the day.
Queensland Red Sef Fa’agase presented tight head prop Tito Hamala the man of the match award. Hamala toiled away tirelessly all game to give his side the go forward they needed to get in a position to score.
Brisbane Grey started things in a hurry, leading 7-0 early thanks to a charge down effort by outside back Fletcher Austin.
Loose head prop Alec Weir made it 14-0 shortly after with a strong pick and drive close to the line.
Towering Regional Queensland No.8 who looked like a man among boys fought tirelessly to erase the deficit. A cracking tackle gave his side their best field position in that first quarter.
Brisbane Grey scrum half George Hales made it three consecutive tries for his team with a sneaky scoot from the ruck. But, it was backrow giant Xavier Timoteo that opened it up for him with a couple of bulldozing carries after a blinding left edge raid by winger James Grey.
Austin crossed for Brisbane Greys fourth on the half time siren and converted to make it 28-0 at the break. The speed and determined running by inside back Max Romer made way for this one.
Romer proved a handful to contain all half and finally one of his 20m bursts were rewarded with a try with his teammates connecting back on the inside with a few amazing offloads.
Regional Queensland flanker Jake Armstrong came out of the break firing, making a super jackle to win his team possession.
It’s no secret that wing Francis Roberts- Darkin has speed to burn and prop Gareth Chick is a crunching tackler.
The Brisbane Grey right edge showed how damaging they are will ball in hand when extending their lead at 33-0.
Swift hands and excellent footwork from fullback Jeremiah Patea put in winger Siosaia Poese who was eagerly waiting in support.
Patea continued to shine in the No.15 jersey, putting in Wing Finn Kendall for Brisbane Grey’s final five pointer of the game, settling the scores at 38-0.
Brisbane Grey v Queensland Country Under 16s
A last minute try by flanker Hugo Hart undid all the hard work of the Queensland Country toilers to finish the game with a 5-all draw.
Incredible defensive efforts by forward Mitchel Waldon and winger Trace Beattie very nearly kept Brisbane Grey scoreless but flyhalf Charlie O’Connell among other backline top guns were finally rewarded after going agonisingly close in the lead up, with Hart the one to land the telling blow.
Queensland started things off with some super defensive plays. First it was Sean Weir with a strip on a charging Malachi Vaigalu then it was a thumping hit from fearless winger Beattie.
But Beattie didn’t stop the bone rattling defence there. Moments later when his opposite number was surging down the sideline certain to score, Beattie bulldozed him into touch with an incredible cover tackle just short of the line.
It took a mountain of work by the Queensland Country forwards to get the first points by either side.
Adam Fahamokioa was the one to burrow his way in but the likes of Hayden Cumming, who had endless energy, No.8 Israel Moevao and flanker Coleridge Tweedy, who shone in the lineouts to put them in the position to score.
Fahamokioa made sure the score line remained 5-0 on half time with a monumental pilfer to keep Brisbane Grey still in the hunt for their first
Fahamokioa’s clutch ruck win wasn’t the only impressive bit of play from the boys in Blue in that first half. Centre Callum Simpson starred with his mighty defence and strong running. This was rebutted by the Brisbane Grey centres.
Inside centre Ryan Heaton was all class, running superb lines while Journey Ione was captivating on his right.
The strapping Sunnybank centre was illusive and a crafty playmaker, tabling plenty of pop passes, switch plays and cut outs to penetrate the defence. Flankers Adam Kelly and Tom Williams also stamped their mark on the game with a few timely pilfers and barnstorming runs.
Queensland country back rower Jack Gibson stood tall in response to such strong carries. On one occasion powerhouse prop Emil Willie was charging at full speed and he ripped it right from his grasp.
In the end, Brisbane Grey were able to cross which was a reward for their determined attack, led by Tom Williams among other dominant ball runners.
SEQ v Brisbane White Under 15s
The final game on day two of the Emerging Reds cup did not disappoint, with Brisbane White drawing clear 8-0 in a low scoring affair against SEQ.
Prop Isaac Raulini was named man of the match. The loose head prop bolstered a strong forward pack which withstood SEQ for the whole game, keeping a clean sheet.
Only three points separated the two teams at half, with a penalty goal by Brisbane White’s Zac Reader the difference.
Suffocating defense by props Isaac Rauluni and Berakah Tuifaasisina among other brave defenders held out the rampaging SEQ backline. All the while No.8 powerhouse Niheta Pala’amo made inroads on both sides of the ball.
For Brisbane White, fullback Tyson Walker looked dangerous with ball in hand. He threatened with silky smooth hands, a nice offload and footwork.
His team had plenty of ball, plenty of footwork and plenty to play for, but the boys in orange held them out time and time again in that first half.
For SEQ, winger Brock Coombes showed his speed down the right edge while front rowers Henry Folo and Flynn Kirkby were dominant in the scrums and in general play.
A cracking run by backrower Oliver Nasser put Brisbane White ahead 8-0. With a comfortable eight point buffer, it would have to be their defence to close the game out.
Indeed it did but it was no easy task.
SEQ No.8 Kingsley Uys and powerful hooker Keiro Goulding were a handful and so was fleet footed inside back Jason Campese.
Both sides deserve a pat on the back for the gruelling efforts displayed.
Day 1
U15s Ladder: Brisbane White (5pts), Brisbane Grey (4pts), South-East Queensland (0) and Regional Queensland (0).
U16s Ladder: Brisbane White (5pts), South-East Queensland (2pts), Brisbane Grey (2pts) and Queensland Country (2pts).
Brisbane Grey v SEQ under 15s
Brisbane Grey’s under 15s drew first blood in an entertaining match against South East Queensland.
Brisbane eased to a 17-7 victory in the entertaining affair featuring more ball running and passing than kicking.
Both squads deserve high praise for the quality of rugby given the Spring heat.
Brisbane Grey inside centre Max Blanch was named man of the match, but there would have been an array of contenders for the honour.
It took Brisbane well into the second half to get scoreboard relief, 17-7, with Finn Kendall crossing after Brisbane had swept play across the ground following line out possession.
Flanker Adam Kim followed the play to be the last link to Kendall scoring.
But a brilliant run, kick and chase from SEQ fullback Nate Thompson swung momentum around, although SEQ’s push was disrupted by driving defence from Brisbane centre Cooper Goodman who shone today not for his running, but for his tackling.
With a strong scrum and plenty of will within the forwards, SEQ were extremely competitive and Brisbane will be pleased to see the back of the orange army with a win behind them.
Earlier, Brisbane opened the scoring courtesy of the desire and strength of winger James Grey who gift wrapped a chance for man of the match Blanch.
Grey chased a clearing kick, made the tackle and then jumped to his feet to win possession first, passing to Blanch who was on the burst.
Leading up to the try, Brisbane lock Kasprowicz had kept pressure on with a charge down just prior to Grey’s effort.
Indeed across the first half both Brisbane locks, Kasprowicz and Grey O’Neill contributed in general play.
Brisbane added a second try through prop Harvey Brand who buried himself in a rolling maul which found the tryline.
Brand had been busy prior to that try and it was a nice reward.
Around those tries SEQ flanker Agapetos Lote-felo impacted the match, once with a try and the second time through a thumping tackle.
He unexpectedly won Rick possession, storming 25m to score which raised SEQ’s hopes.
Scores: Brisbane 17 (H Brand, J Grey, F Kendall tries; J Patea conv) def SEQ 7 (A Lote-felo try; Z Glanville try).
SEQ under 16s v Brisbane under 16s
SEQ sprung the first surprise of the carnival drawing 14-all with Brisbane Grey.
The Southport School’s Billy Wellard (SEQ) was named man of the match in a clash that hung in the balance until the final seconds.
Brisbane and SEQ were 7-all well into the second half as SEQ refused to go away.
The deadlock busting try came courtesy of a beautiful slick backs ball play as SEQ turned a line out win on one side of the field into a try in the left corner.
Zac Nicol and mobile No. 8 Amare Milford combined to put Nicol over, with Milford displaying classic draw and pass play.
Oates’ booming sideline kick then raised SEQ to a 14-7 advantage.
But it was back to 14-all soon after when Brisbane open flanker Adam Kelly refused to die on his run, burrowing over near the posts.
In the final minute Brisbane winger James Duggan threatened to pull the game out of the fire but SEQ typically found enough numbers in cover defence.
In the first half, SEQ’s forwards defended magnificently for large chunks of the first half and the reward for their toil was seeing SEQ centre Chace Oates score a remarkable kick and chase try against the run of play.
SEQ appeared to have again escaped Brisbane’s clutches when swarming cover defence again denied Brisbane soon after, but finally the dam wall burst when inside centre Ryan Heaton plunged over.
Charlie O’Connell’s conversion made it 7-all at halftime.
Brisbane No.8 Jasper Barry tried hard to lift his side with some telling plays with and without the ball.
Scores: SEQ 14 (C Oates, Z Milner tries; C Oates 2 conv) drew with Brisbane 14 (R Heaton, A Kelly tries; O’Connell conv, J Johnson conv)
Brisbane White 15s v Regional Queensland 15s
Samuel McGahan was named man of the match as Brisbane White started its campaign with an efficient, professional 31-5 victory over Regional Queensland.
The country boys gave plenty of cheek but could not hold back the touches of class and overall precision of their rivals who took advantage of a territorial domination.
In the second half Brisbane basically pitched a tent and claimed land rights around a 25m radius of the tryline.
A 19-5 second half pulled Brisbane well clear of their game rivals, with Brisbane extending its lead into the second half after scrum half Nick Eccleston dived over from close range.
Big prop Visesio Kite also scored from close quarter combat and all of a sudden Brisbane were up by 26-nil.
Regional Queensland had the foundations to push their rivals - size and class and a desire to defend - they just had to link it all together.
And it was nice for them to get on the board late in the match when inside centre Reuben Sarron finished off an enterprising movement to score in the corner.
Earlier, Brisbane halfback Marley Ngatai livened things up by swooping on a kick to deliver his side its second try.
This was after Brisbane had started like a house on fire, with winger Clay Andrews scorching over for a 5-0 lead.
But Regional fullback Myles Rosemond then produced a brilliant piece of play to spark the regional boys who should have scored, but Brisbane survived.
Although trailing at the break, the country boys were still in the clash and their body language at the break suggested they had more to give.
Scores: Brisbane 31 (M Ngatai, C Andrews, N Eccleston, V Kite tries; T Walker 2 conv, N Conway conv) d Regional Qld (R Sarron try).
THE PREVIEW
So, who are the players to watch at the Emerging Reds Cup? Here we reveal 40 top guns from every corner of Queensland.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
U16
BRISBANE GREY
Adam Kelly (Iona College)
Kelly is a hardworking and physical flanker. He has a v8 engine and can go all day.
Ryan Heaton (Nudgee College)
Heaton is a skilful inside centre hailing from rugby powerhouses Nudgee College. He is a great ballplayer. He is a good defender and really solid across both sides of the footy
Tom Howard (Marist College Ashgrove)
This youngster is special.
Tom, son of ex-Wallaby Pat and grandson of ex-wallaby Jake, had a cracking debut season in AIC First XV rugby as a Year 10 student.
Ashgrove’s new star is a fly half but could play any position in the backline.
His versatility is one of many weapons in his arsenal along with a fine step, IQ and a wonderful passing game.
Jasper Barry (Marist College Ashgrove)
Big barry is another Ashgrove youngster who bolsters an exciting future for a College undergoing a rugby rebuild period.
The Year 10 will be an animal with Howard among others as they transition into the senior school. Come the 2023 and 2024 AIC seasons, you will be hearing their names quite regularly.
He was really good in the trials, standing out as a ferocious ball carrier. We’ve cross checked that with Ashgrove’s head of rugby league Ryan Apps and indeed he is one bright rugby union player.
Charlie O’Connell (Nudgee College)
He is a gun fly half. He is quick and has a bag full of tricks.
Will Pascoe (Brisbane Grammar)
Will Pascoe is a lock from Townsville, currently attending Brisbane Grammar. He is big, tough and loves the physical side of the game from what we have heard.
BRISBANE WHITE
Tauave Leofa (Brisbane State High)
Leofa has only just turned 16 but what a talent he is at No. 10. The youngster’s skills shone through in a struggling team in this year’s GPS competition. Leofa did some lovely work in attack and defence and for a young man in a losing side, he had no trouble orchestrating some silky smooth backline plays.
David Leota (Ipswich Grammar)
Signed by the Bulldogs, backrower Leota is a forward wrecking ball.
He made a tremendous impact for Ipswich Grammar in the GPS season, making strong carry after another.
He plays Connell Challenge for the Ipswich Jets, First XV rugby for Ipswich Grammar and is going to look like a man among boys.
Nicholas Dunstan (Gregory Terrace)
Dunstan is another young gun from Terrace, who put plenty of brilliant performances together against GPS competitions heavy weights. Although usually at fullback, Dunstan fits the bill for most positions in the backline. A stint at No. 10 would only show how well he can control the game.
He’s a sniper off the tee as well.
Tom Robinson (Gregory Terrace)
He is the son of a gun and made a statement around the GPS competition as Year 11 student this year.
Robinson, 16-year-old son of former Wallaby Brett Robinson, really showed he was up to the task against the Nudgee College forward pack and other packs of size in the season.
He was aggressive, super physical and from the sideline you could see how hungry he was to give it to his rivals. He will be just as hungry next week.
Bailey Caplick (Marist College Ashgrove)
Ashgrove First XV big boppa Bailey Caplick will show up in the scrums and with some strong pick and drives. He stood out at the trials.
Prestyn Laine- Setu (Nudgee College)
Laine played outside centre for Nudgee’s 16As, but more impressively he played against Barker College when Nudgee butted horns with them on 11 September.
Nudgee director of rugby Sean Graham said he has an uncanny ability to beat the first defender through timing, good footwork, a fend and evasion skills.”
Princeton Ioane (Nudgee College)
Ioane is an absolutely damaging ballrunner. The tight-head is busy on the field.
Graham said he is not a walker, “he gets through a lot of work.”
SOUTH-EAST QUEENSLAND
Amare Milford (The Southport School)
Milford is fantastic. Take it from GPS First XV premiership winning coach Mike Wallace who had Milford at flanker this season just gone.
“He is highly coachable and very intelligent. He is really enthusiastic and understands his role very well. He had an outstanding First XV season and is a big, dynamic ball carrier and front foot defender with genuine leadership potential.”
Billy Wellard (The Southport School)
Wallace said: “Wellard is an outstanding human. He is a real team player, who moved from the centre to the forwards. He was one of the better open side breakaways in the competition.”
Blaze Moana (The Southport School)
Blaze Moana is unique. He is only a year 10, but he played the whole season of First XV in the front row. He can play loose head or hooker. His attention to detail is what’s so impressive.
Chase Oates (Toowoomba Grammar)
Oates was a backline wonder in the GPS First XV competition, a key player in the resurgence of Toowoomba Grammar School who were the close game kings of the competition.
He won matches with his boot, with his pace and skill, and could not be contained when TGS had front foot ball. He was a revelation, one of the competition’s shining lights. His brother Kye will line up for the University of Queensland in Sunday’s Hospital Cup grand final against Wests.
Cooper Nelson (The Southport School)
Wallace had Nelson starting on the wing all year for the Southport First XV. “He reads the game very well, is fast, robust and a good defender,” Wallace said.
Tom Goldie (The Southport School)
Goldie was a First XV reserve, playing right across the backline in the 16As. He’s a good young player still learning the game.
QUEENSLAND COUNTRY
Israel Moevao (North Queensland)
The No. 8 is big and mobile. He is very good at upfront defence.
Lochlan Smith (Palm Beach Currumbin Alleygators)
Prop Lochlan Smith runs the ball very well, has plenty of size and is a brick wall in defence.
Coleridge Tweedy (Toowoomba Grammar)
Tweedy can play No. 4, No. 5, No. 6 and No.7. He is very good in defence and is a hard hitter, He is not big but he is very effective at the breakdown.
Callum Simpson (Palm Beach Currumbin Alleygators)
Simpson has an awesome boot. He gets his team out of trouble when they are on the back foot. You will know exactly what we are talking about when he gets his teammates back onto the front foot.
U15
BRISBANE GREY
James Grey (Ipswich Grammar)
The definition of one to watch. The lightning quick outside centre is a national runner with a dose of power.
The young gun spearheaded Ipswich’s undefeated U14s team in the GPS competition and is playing up in the U15s.
Ed Kasprowicz (Nudgee College)
Nudgee boy Ed Kasprowicz is a tall, tough, athletic lock who is very good in the lineouts. He has endless rugby IQ with really nice skills. He gets his super co-ordination from his father Michael Kasprowicz, former Australian cricketer.
Nate Wines (Gregory Terrace)
Terrace flanker Nate Wines is hard working and great when running the ball. He is a big boy and will run some good lines.
Xzavier Timoteo (Ipswich State High)
An Ipswich SHS young gun. He’s a very strong ball runner, super physical and we will be seeing him in the Langer Trophy soon enough.
We were familiar with him in the Ipswich rugby league club competition and each week he had the praise of his coach. Ipswich SHS head of rugby league Josh Bretherton coached him in the Queensland U15s rugby league team this year and the praise was high.
Finn Kendall (Ipswich Grammar)
Tall, fast and versatile.
Jacob Johnson (Nudgee College)
A renowned junior athlete from Nudgee College, he made the under 15 Reds merit side last year at fullback and will play in the under 16 grey side this week. He’s a left boot specialist who can kick goals and is also a very handy fly half as well as being a No. 15. Johnson is also an elite Football (soccer) left winger who has already played two seasons in the Nudgee 1st XI.
BRISBANE WHITE
Taavi Upchurch (Padua)
Upchurch is a big strong prop with the perfect mold for a front row powerhouse.
Berakah Tuifaasisina (Ipswich State High School)
It’s the same story for Tuifaasisina. He’s big, has the body shape to pile on the pain as prop.
Oliver Nasser (Gregory Terrace)
Oliver Nasser, brother of Queensland Reds try scoring machine Josh Nasser, has a strong rugby bloodline. He’s a strong ball runner and will be big for his side in the No. 8 jumper.
William Ross (Padua)
Ross is a tall lock who boasts well in the long term. He has genuine height for a lock and is a good lineout target.
Nicholas Conway (Nudgee)
Conway is lightning fast and could play in the centres, on the wing or at fullback. He is a good distributor and can kick goals in his sleep. His old man was a Nudgee star, playing two years in the First XV and an Australian Schoolboy.
SOUTH-EAST QUEENSLAND
Jonah Rangiwai (The Southport School)
Wallace had high praise for Rangiwai. He said he is big, strong, and a great scrummager.
“He is a young man learning his trade in the front row. He’s quite strong and athletic, very coachable and a great kid.”
Zane Glanville (Sunshine Coast Grammar School)
Glanville is a neat No. 10 with a masterful running and kicking game.
Nate Thompson (Siena Catholic College)
At fullback, Thompson is illusive and skilful. He is a great counter attacking threat.
Brock Coombes (Immanuel Lutheran College)
Coombes is a speedy and skilful winger with a sharp sense of when to come in off his wing.
QUEENSLAND COUNTRY
Jake Armstrong (The Cathedral College Rockhampton)
Armstrong, a flanker from Rockhampton, is an U14s toiler playing up in the U15s team.
His work ethic is insane. He does not stop going and his decision making about when to go for a steal mixed with his strength over the ball for a youngster on the smaller side is something very few of his age possess.
Ezalle Matautia (Woree State High School)
No. 8 Matautia is a hard ball runner and bone rattling defender. He is a big fella but quite lean. He has plenty of body to grow into.
Francis Roberts-Darkin (Woorabinda State High School)
The feel good story of the Emerging Reds Cup.
Francis Roberts-Darkin has got this opportunity through the Reds Indigienous Program.
He has been invited to come and showcase his skills considering the lack of ability to come to these trials as a Woorabinda boy.
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