GPS Rugby 2019: Nudgee College vs Ipswich Grammar preview

The teen playmakers signed by Sydney Roosters and ACT Brumbies will square off for the last time on Saturday with school pride and a shot at a GPS title on the line.

Interstate powers have swooped on Queensland’s next generation of playmaking talent but the flyhalves of Nudgee College and Ipswich Grammar School haven’t left yet.

On Saturday, Brumbies signing Reesjan Pasitoa and Sydney Rooster Sam Walker will duel for the final time before joining rival codes after school.

The result of their round four clash will change the landscape of the title race for all schools.

Live stream All Blacks v Wallabies in The Bledisloe Cup on KAYO SPORTS. Get your 14-day free trial and start streaming instantly >

Reesjan Pasitoa v Sam Walker.

Under the sails of a red-hot backline, Walker’s Ipswich Grammar side have swept through all opposition in their push to snap a 24-year Premiership drought.

Pasitoa’s Nudgee side are back-to-back champions with their back against the wall because a round one loss has forced them onto an outside lane in the race for the trophy.

MORE GPS RUGBY:

● NUDGEE COLLEGE: Nudgee edge Terrace in schoolboy derby

● IPSWICH GRAMMAR: Sam Walker stars in big win over TGS

●

In Pictures: GPS Rugby photos Round Three 2019

Another defeat would surely skittle Nudgee’s Premiership ambitions because no school has dropped two matches and raised the trophy since Ipswich Grammar themselves in 1985.

The stakes make for an intriguing backdrop to the head-to-head matchup between two of Queensland’s most talented schoolboy prospects.

Nudgee College player Reesjan Pasitoa runs the ball against Gregory Terrace. Picture: AAP/John Gass)

“It’s another big game for us,” Pasitoa said.

“Not just because of the quality opposition but it keeps us in good stead to have a chance to win another Premiership.

“Obviously Ipswich have size up front and a lot of pace out wide but so do we.

“The plan for us is to put on a show out there and hopefully it all goes well.”

MORE GPS RUGBY:

● IPSWICH GRAMMAR: 150kg prop leads the charge

● NUDGEE COLLEGE: Nudgee winger scores 19 tries in a season, then disappears

● GPS RUGBY: Round Three results for every match

Keeping a handle on the livewire Walker, who has scored two tries and assisted on four more in his first three games, will be imperative.

“Sam is just a great player and athlete, with his pace, his footwork, he’s made a few linebreaks too,” Pasitoa said.

“It’s always good to go up against someone quite skilled so it’s a really good opportunity.”

Walker praised his opposite as the competition’s best flyhalf.

“ (Pasitoa) has a lot of experience playing First XV, a strong kicking game and a good rugby brain,” he said.

Ipswich Grammar School flyhalf Sam Walker celebrates with teammate Kalani Thomas.

“He’s probably the best No.10 in the competition this year.

“Both teams are coming off big wins over the last few weeks so I’d expect a very high-scoring game this Saturday.”

Ipswich Grammar lead the competition in points per game and tackle accuracy, scoring 47 and tackling at 91 per cent, while Nudgee’s 40 points per match are good for third.

The race for competition’s leading tryscorer could heat up on Saturday because Ipswich wingers Malique Douthat-Sjoberg and Seamus King-Smith are tied with Nudgee’s Daniel Muller with four tries from three matches.