Gen Next Cup rugby winners, stars, results, new Waratahs U15 squad to take on Queensland Reds

Waratahs U15s coach John Carter is delighted to see four particular teenagers step up into his new squad preparing to take on the Reds. Tahs SQUAD and standouts of the Next Gen Cup.

Finn Hannon playing with the U14 team at the Gen Blue Cup last year.

A year ago they were some of the youngest players at the NSW Gen Blue Cup at Camden but their talent so impressed selectors they were squad invitees for the Waratahs U15 side for the annual two-game battle with the Queensland Reds.

This year the young quartet has stepped up into the main squad after great performances at the 2024 rugby carnival at Camden and assorted selection events.

“It’s wonderful to see some of the players that came though our program last year step up,’’ said coach John Carter.

“We had four from the U14s team last year convert into the U15s squad in Wilson Ruthven, Izac Holmes, Eduardo Garcia-Wood and Finn Hannon.’’

The four are part of a 26 strong squad selected from a range of events, including the state championships and Next Gen Cup, to play the Reds next months.

Wilson Ruthven playing in the U14 Gen Blue event a year ago.

Carter said he was impressed with the standard of the 100 plus players who competed on the weekend and the diversity of his squad boasting players from around the state.

“It is good to see so many different types representing from across the state,’’ he said

“We’ve got players from country, from Illawarra, the central west, Hunter and Sydney metropolitan.

“It very diverse and a very versatile squad with kids who can cover all of the positions.

“We have a mix of wonderful players in our backline with speed, good carriers and a well rounded pack.

“It’s very exciting.’’

WARATAHS U15 squad: Archie Hill, Asera Peniata, Asher Chapman, Ben Baretto, Billy Miller, Charlie Xureb, Cooper William, Cordell Arama, Eduardo Garcia, Finn Hannon, Isaac Street, Izak Holmes, Jayden Richards, Jharall Sione, Julian Minto, Levi Ellis, Marlee Thomas, Oscar Forsey, Payton Tarau, Talmage Lemusu, Tom Longland, Tom Symons, Will Gencur, Will Gleeson, Wilson Ruthven, Zac Gedz

MATCH WINNERS, STARS AND STANDOUTS

Day 1

Game 1: Team Waugh 71 beat U14 Polota-Nau 0

Stars of the game included Wilson Ruthven who made eight conversions, Charlie Xuereb with his trifecta and double try scorers Isaac Street and Cooper Martin x2

Game 2: Team Gavin 26 beat Team Ella 24

Stars of this thriller included Asher Chapman and Levi Strong who went over twice for Team Gavin and Payton Tarua who also scored two for Team Ella.

Game 3: Team Waugh 31 beat Team Baxter 17.

Team Waugh collected their second win with super boot Ruthven nailing another three and his teammates sharing the scoring (Zac Gedz 2, Isaac Street, Wilson Ruthven, Jharall Sione).

Game 4: Team Ella 24 beat U14 Palota-Nau 17

Cai Garrett, Sam Clarke Moar, Jack Smith and Sinclair Lyne all went over for Team Ella with Payton Tarau converting two. Palota-Nau scorers were Khan Jackson, Saia Enasio and Destin Tausala

Game 5: Team Gavin 22 beat Baxter 10.

Team Gavin got their second win with Levi Strong a standout with two tries.

Cooper Williams and Asher Chapman also went over.

Ahmed Kassir and James Boerner scored for Baxter.

Day 2

Game 1: Team Ella beat Team Waugh 7.

Team Ella shared the scoring around with Tom Longland, Jack Smith and Jake Fourie all going over. Cooper Martin scored for Waugh and Wilson Ruthven converted.

Game 2: Team Baxter 27 beat U14 Polota-Nau 21

Eduardo Garcia-Wood scored two for Baxter with other try scorers Finn Hannon, Cordell Arama and Julian Minto.

Polota-Nau scorers were Wesley Moala, Destin Tausala and Iverson Tanuvasa

Game 3: Team Gavin 17 beat Team Waugh 12

Team Gavin scorers were Alexander Motuliki, Archie Marshall and Oliver McGarity

with Levi Strong kicking a conversion.

Jharall Sione went over twice for Waugh.

Game 4: Team Baxter 26 beat Team Ella 24

In a thriller, Baxter’s scorers were Julian Minto, who went over twice, Samual Price and Cordell Amituanai with Archie Hartman kicking three.

Jack Smith scored two for Ella with Tom Longland and Cia Garrett also going over. while Payton Tarau made two conversions.

Game 5: Team Gavin 45 beat Polota-Nau 10

Team Gavin’s scorers included Archie Marshall, Levi Strong, Mason Rawhiti, Asher Chapman

and Hugh Mcmullen who scored twice.

Polota-Nau try scorers were Sebastian Conna and Lorima Seuseu.

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Originally published as Gen Next Cup rugby winners, stars, results, new Waratahs U15 squad to take on Queensland Reds