City v Country rugby U16s rising stars to watch as they chase Waratahs academy spots

Young guns in the U16s City v Country battle will be playing for more than pride and victory on Sunday. Rising stars - including ones likened to the Honey Badger and Brian To’o - to watch

Amanda Lulham

@amandalulham

3 min read

July 24, 2025 - 3:47PM

News Sport Network

Country’s Asera Peniata is tackled by Finn Hannon at the City v Country tournament.Picture: Julian Andrews

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The U16s City v Country rugby battle is more than just a game for the young guns lining up – it will also be a launching pad to future rep honours for some.

Both coaches are keen for the players to show their best wares in the battle at Newcastle on Sunday with selectors from the NSW Waratahs watching on ahead of choosing academy players to be aimed at their 20025 Super Rugby U16s campaign and title defence..

“We are hoping to get a few of our kids into the Waratahs for sure,’’ said Country coach Gary Walsh. “That's what we all work towards as coaches. Giving them opportunity.

“We want to beat city but it’s how many kids we can get to the next level.’’

The event has thrown the spotlight on sports rising stars from both city and country for years.

One of the most successful recent graduates is Sid Harvey, who captained the Country U18s in 2023 and is now part of the Australian rugby Sevens squad and more recently the Australian under 20 side which played at the World Cup.

Aussie Sevens and under 21 teammate Aden Ekanayake in the Australian U20s tour also played in the event for City.

Adan Ekanayake playing for Sydney two years ago. Picture: Julian Andrews

U16s PLAYERS TO WATCH AT CITY V COUNTRY

Asera Peniata, Hunter

Big No 1. Just played at the Australian schools championships on the Sunshine Coast, A great ball carrier and adds a special dynamic to the team.

Ollie McGarity, Hunter

A No.10 and an interesting player who can tackle multiple positions and is highly versatile. Has great game management skills.

Gabriel O’Connor, Central North

Hails from Narrabri, a town well known for producing rugby talent. Provides cover in the five eight position and really starting to find his form.

Kingston Finau playing NSWRL Junior Reps. Picture: Warren Gannon Photography

Kingston Finau, Illawarra.

A 12 or 13 and dynamic. Good in contact and defends really well. Quietly spoken and shy but coming out of his skin. “He’s a bit like Brian To’o, that’s who he reminds me of,’’ Walsh said. Runs good hard lines.

Liam Johnson, Central North

Has come from nowhere. A winger and centre who has showed great skill and is very fast and elusive.

Tukia Fotu-Moala, Central Coast

The No.15. Big at retuning the football and as tough as teak. Being looked at to provide variety and is good over the ground. Exciting to watch.

Hunter’s Nate Wetini at the recent state championships. Picture: by Julian Andrews.

Noah Vaotangi, Illawarra

Dynamic No.8 with great leadership and great skills. He will lead Country into battle as their captain.

Nate Wetini, Hunter

A young Hunter player who is a good line out technician. “Good over the ground and in the air’’ said his coache.

Sam Duffy, Illawarra

Huge talent to watch in the future but recently suffered a head knock. “He is a freak and was a critical part of our team,’’ Walsh said.

Sam Duffy at the state championships. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

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Archie Hill, Warringah

Has City v Country experience having moved up from the U15s last year. Is strong and mobile and has a good throw.

Billy Miller, Warringah

A very mobile prop from Sydney’s northern beaches. Aggressive with good scrum techniques. At Barker and was also in the Waratahs U15 academy last year

Oscar Forsey, Gordon

A big running forward and No.6 from Gordon. Has great game knowledge and awareness and knows when to carry hard.

Sione Tuipolotu, Randwick

Is showing great leadership qualities for City. He is co-captain of the side with Billy Miller and playing inside centre.

Harry Middleton, Randwick

A wingers who is always going at 100 per cent. Uses his speed and simply doesn't have an off button. Has been likened to Nick Cummins, better kinown as the ‘Honey Badger”.