Every spot in Waratahs U15 squad up for grabs at Gen Blue Cup at Camden for rugby rising stars

The new Waratahs 15s coach has a long list of qualities and skills he wants to see from young guns vying for a spot in his squad at the Gen Blue Cup. But some are more important than others.

Some of the action from the Gen Blue Cup last year. The best young talent in rugby was showcased at the event. Pics: Jessica Reading/Reading Media

NSW Waratahs 15s Craig Roberts has a list of attributes and skills he wants to see players demonstrate when they battle for a spot in his squad to take on the Queensland Reds Academy in their annual two-game battle this year.

Roberts said every position in the NSW Waratahs Academy squad is up for grabs over the two-day Gen Blue Cup at Camden this weekend.

Roberts said he wants the rising stars of rugby to perform under pressure ahead of the squad being named to take on the Reds young guns in October.

“I need everything. I need a leader, a doer, the facilitator, everything,’’ he said.

“There are no pre-picks. Every position is there to be taken.

“It’s 100 per cent open whether they believe it or not.’’

The best young talent in rugby was showcased at the event last year. Pics: Jessica Reading/Reading Media

One of the most contested positions could be five eighth due to the depth in players auditioning.

“In this group we have depth in the five eighths. It’s become a popular as a position.

“There are five kids vying for that spot from all over NSW.

“They are the decision makers, the strong personalities.’’

Key to the chances of players will be their performance under pressure in the series of games spread over Saturday and Sunday.

Waratahs' Tom Klem tackles Qld Reds' Jacob Johnson in the recent under 18s battle. Players at the Gen Blue Cup are chasing selection in the team to take on the under 15s Reds team.

“We are looking for team players with talent,’’ Roberts said.

“At 15 they are locked into a position but by the time you are a pro at 21, 22, your position can change.

“So we are looking for guys with IQ and the ability to learn in a short space of time.

“Ones with a bit of competitiveness. You can have all the skills and say the right things but in the 80th minute you need the guys who will do what his teammates need doing.

“In some kids you can see it a mile away. Other kids are team players without that final minute madness thing but you don’t want 15 guys all wanting to be the last minute man. You need them to sacrifice for the team.

“So it is all about balance, of talent, teamwork and ruthlessness.’’

The Waratahs 15s squad will take on their Reds opposites in a match in Sydney on October 15 and then in Brisbane on October 22.

Originally published as Every spot in Waratahs U15 squad up for grabs at Gen Blue Cup at Camden for rugby rising stars