Gen Blue 18s v Melbourne Rebels: Key NSW Waratah Academy guns to watch in teen rugby battle

They’ve lost one of their best but the Gen Blue 18s are chasing a repeat of their success over the Reds against the Rebels with these young guns crucial to their quest on Tuesday.

Action in a Gen Blues v Queensland Reds U18 game. Pic: Richard Li

Max Jorgensen was one of the stars of the show for the Gen Blue 18s when they took on – and soundly beat – the Reds Academy earlier this year.

But the son of a former rugby union and rugby league star will be missing from the fray when the top rugby young guns tackle the Melbourne Rebels Academy in Sydney on Tuesday.

The talented fullback Jorgensen, who plays for GPS and St Joseph’s College, has reportedly been elevated up the ranks at the Waratahs.

But much is on the line for his old teammates with national selectors at the match ahead of the selection of an Australian team.

“It’s a crucial one for them with the selector there,’’ said coach Mick Snowden.

“We are not sure what to expect from the Rebels.

U18 STARS, STANDOUTS AGAINST REBELS

Max Jorgensen playing for GPS at NSW Schools rugby union trials at Eric Tweedale Oval earlier this year. Pic: John Appleyard

“We will be moving the ball around a lot. We have some very talented players.

“The boys will be itching to showcase their skills in front of the Aussie selectors.

“First priority will be winning but they will also want to impress.

There are numerous players to watch out for in the match despite the absence of Jorgensen.

“Joey Fowler, our 10, is immensely talented,’’ Snowden said.

“He does all the little things right.

“Makes smart decisions and will throw his body into anyone.

GPS1's Jack Barrett with the ball at NSW Schools rugby union trials.

“Jack Barrett, the loose head prop, was man of the match against Qld.

“He’s as tough as. A non-stop worker.

“Max Jorgensen is in the senior team now. Angus Staniforth is another very good footballer and Archie Saunders is a left footer, tall, athletic.

“Ronan Leahy from Joeys is a no-nonsenses no-fuss, ball taker.’’

Snowden said he wants his players to be clinical in the match at Daceyville.

“To do what they have to do,’’ he said.

CAS's Archie Saunders playing in NSW Schools rugby union trials.

“We have stressed we are happy to win boring. They don’t have to be fancy.

“These kids are so talented,we need to encourage them to do the little things right.’’

Jorgensen (GPS, St Joseph’s College), Barrett (GPS, St Joseph’s), Leahy (GPS, St Joseph’s) Saunders (CAS, Knox Grammar) and Jacob Veiru (GPS Newington) all went over for the Gen Blue I side against the Reds in their July match while Fowler at five eighth (GPS, St Joseph’s College) converted two and nailed two penalties.

Barrett was the man of the match in that battle.

Gen Blue Waratahs Academy 1: 1. Jack Barrett, 2. Bryn Edwards, 3. Harry Bell, 4. Oliver McCrae, 5. Adam Van Wyk, 6. Louis Dalrymple, 7. Ben Di Stasio, 8. Jayden Viliamu, 9. Dan Nelson (C), 10. Joey Fowler, 11. Hadley Tonga, 12. Savelio Tamale, 13. Ronan Leahy, 14. Archie Saunders, 15. Angus Staniforth

Gen Blue Waratahs Academy 2: 1. Jackson Stiel, 2. Lupina Ata, 3. Henry Basten, 4. Harry Agar, 5. Ned Ericsson, 6. Tom Livingston, 7. Austin Durbridge, 8. Ethan Halatokoua, 9. Hwi Sharples, 10. Henry James, 11. Omar Noureddine, 12. Jarrah McLeod, 13. Malake Enasio, 14. Oscar Jorgenssen, 15. James McGregor.

Bench: 16. Bailey Park, 17. Sam Sayhoun, 18. AJ Pereketes, 19. Aden Ekanyake, 20. Jacob Veiru, 21. Billy Dickens, 22. Tyrese Lokeni. 23. Tom Klem