Meet the four Queenslanders lacing up for the Australian Schoolboys
The Australian Schoolboys rugby union side are back on tour after a three year hiatus and today they take on Higashi Fukuoka High School in Japan. Meet the four schoolboys doing Queensland proud here.
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For the first time since 2019, the Australian Schoolboys are back on tour. Their prey awaits in Kumagaya, Japan as the Australian A Schools Rugby Team prepare for Higashi Fukuoka High School on Tuesday 27 September.
It’s not the first time the Australian Schoolboys have toured in Japan. The famous 1977-78 Australian Schoolboys were trendsetters with a game against Japanese schools when the famous Ella brothers and Wally lewis were a part of the squad.
Tuesday’s clash is one of three the team, selected from the boys competing in the 48th Australian Schools Rugby Championships in July, will play in their 10 day tour of Japan.
Four Queenslanders, Jakeb Horne (Brisbane State High School), Peniata Jnr Poutasi (Keebra Park State High School), Finn Lawson (Mountain Creek State High School) and Miracle Tangata (King’s Christian College), were selected in the squad.
So, who better to ask about what these boys bring to the table than their coaches?
MEET THE SCHOOLBOYS DOING QUEENSLAND PROUD
Jakeb Horne (Brisbane State High School)
Horne, Year 11, is a hooker with quite a light build at around 85kg. He has been involved in the BJRU representative pathways and the under 13 and under 15 Queensland Reds Development Academies.
Brisbane State High School First XV rugby coach Daymon Tuka said he is hard working, very good at set piece, a great leader and has a knowledge and IQ of the game that is “spot on.”
“Even though he is Year 11 he was a huge part of the leadership group this year and he’s someone who will push for captaincy in the First XV in 2023.”
Horne, who has Kiwi heritage and played his juniors at Redlands before playing for the Easts Tigers, is one Colts 1 coach Tyrell Barker and Premier Grade coach and ex-wallaby captain Ben Mowen have a strong focus on grooming through the Colts ranks at Easts.
Peniata Jnr Poutasi (Keebra Park State High School)
‘PJ’ is different in that he comes from a rugby league background. He was playing for Keebra Park’s Langer Trophy team as a Year 10 which is a feat in itself.
Keebra Park Langer coach Pete Norman said he is a damaging ball runner and his body shape is really hard to handle. But, what’s so special about PJ is his passing ability which people “understimate on first glance.”
“For someone of his size he has really good ball skills. He’s mobile, quick off the mark and has great footwork.”
Norman said he has gone through a lot of hardship but has always managed to put it aside, trust the process and believe in himself to make something.
“I’m excited he’s got this opportunity and I hope he shows some of those Super Rugby clubs what he can do at the highest level.
“ We’re just scratching the surface with him. There’s a lot of untapped potential there. The world is his oyster,” Norman said with high praise of the cross code talent.
Finn Lawson (Mountain Creek State High School)
Lawson hasn’t played a lot of union, more rugby league. He is a dummy half and is very tough for someone on the smaller side.
Queensland Schoolboys coach Michael Crank said:“ At the Championships he was noticed because of his footwork and work rate. He defended quite well and he backed himself.”
“Selecters noticed that about him. He’s a great kid and has a crack,” Crank said.
Miracle Tangata (King’s Christian College)
Tangata is still an Under 16s player but that doesn’t stop him from picking a poor bloke and hitting them like a kitchen sink. He is a big defensive player and hits hard.
His reload and work rate is high and that’s why he was selected.
“He was picked for his repeat efforts. He would belt someone and then have a crack at the breakdowns,” said Queensland Schoolboys coach Michael Crank.
“He runs hard and straight, is an abrasive defender, likes taking the line on and backs himself.”
See the team taking on Higashi Fukuoka High School today here.
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