Gen Blues U18 squad positions still up for grabs at NSW schools rugby trials, match draw

A new Gen Blues U18 squad will be revealed after NSW schools trials on Friday with a selector revealing the type of players NSW rugby officials are still looking for. Trials DRAW.

Young rugby players have been competing in Sydney this week at various locations.

NSW rugby union head of talent identification Andrew Cleverley has revealed there are numerous positions on the latest U18 Gen Blues squad still to be filled with Friday’s NSW schools trials crucial to the selection.

Cleverley, who has been closely monitoring talent across the state with other selectors, said the squad is far form fixed heading into Friday’s games at Eric Tweedale Stadioum in Sydney’s west.

Action in the GPS 1 v CAS 1 match played on Tuesday. Pic: Jeremy Piper

“Positions are still up for grabs massively,’’ he said. “Everyone is still in the mix.’’

Cleverley said selectors are interested to see how players compete at a higher level in the trial matches and to watch others they have yet to see on the field.

And there are positions that are more open than others.

Action in the GPS 2 v CAS 2 trial match played this week. Pic: Jeremy Piper

“It would be fair to say the front row is still wide open,’’ he said.

“The five eight, with a couple of players choosing to go to a rugby league tournament. Inside centre as well.

“We are very impressed with the standard. There’s been some tough decision in some areas.

“There’s been some brilliant finishers and the speed and physicality has improved at this level.’’

Sydney Juniors v GPS Blue trial which resulted in a draw.

The Gen Blues will play the Queensland Reds Academy on July 2 in Brisbane as a one-off match.

Later this year after the HSC and school comps finish they will take on their counterparts at the Rebels Brumbies and Reds again.

The U16 Gen Blues squad will be named after the City v Country game in late July.

Country played GPS White in a trial match on Tuesday.

NSW SCHOOLS RUGBY SELECTION TRIALS AT ERIC TWEEDALE OVAL

FRIDAY

Game 1 CHS II v CAS II 9.00am

Game 2 CHS I v CAS I 10.15am

Game 3 CCC v SJRU 11:30am

Game 4 AICES v Country 12.45pm

Game 5 ISA II v GPS II 2.00pm

Game 6 ISA I v GPS I 3:15pm

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