National U16, U19 rugby championships: players to watch from Gen Blue v Queensland Reds

Gen Blue U16 players have been instructed to express themselves in the rugby championship match against the Queensland Reds. Players tipped to stand out from the crowd in the encounter.

Teams from the NSW Waratahs are heading north this weekend.

The Queensland Reds might be sight unseen but the Gen Blue U16s have a plan of attack for the opening of the rugby championships in Queensland on Sunday.

The championships, which are returning after a break due to COVID-19, will run across a series of weekends in various states with Brisbane hosting the opening rounds.

A weekend of double headers will be played with the Brumbies taking on the Rebels and the Reds playing the Waratahs.

“Being a development program I want to see them take ownership of the game,’’ said Gen Blue U16 coach Paul Cividin.

“We will give them a framework but it is up them, it is open ended.

Gen Blue players across the age groups have benne playing important matches recently.

“They have ownership and autonomy on the field.

“We try and upskill them and let them be.

“We have some very talented players and we want them to express themselves and I have no limits.”

Cividin said there are numerous players expected to make an impact for the Gen Blue team against the Reds Academy side, including Marshall Le Maitre (NSW Schools (GPS), Shore School), Toby Brial (NSW Schools (GPS) The Scots College) and Charlie Poynton (NSW Schools (CAS), Barker College).

CAS's Charlie Poynton. Pic: John Appleyard

“Marshall is a fantastic open side flanker and part of our leadership group,” Cividin said.

“He’s slightly smaller but dynamic with good foot skills. He will spark something.

“Toby is a talented lock possible back rower and a workhorse and very physical ball player.

“He’s an abrasive ball carrier and is part of the leadership group and Charlie is really exciting with creativity and flair.’’

Mitchell Woods (NSW Schools (ISA), St Patrick’s College), Alex Conti (NSW Schools (ISA), St Patrick’s College) and Joe Walsh (St Augustine’s) are also expected to stand out.

“Mitchell is a very talented sportsmen and plays other codes, AFL and rugby league,’’ Cividin said.“You see those skills show up in game and he can make space.

Alex Conti during the NSW U15 Combined Catholic Colleges v Combined Independent Schools game of the rugby league.

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“Alex has a good kicking game and great organisational skills. He’s also able to manipulate space and Joe Walsh is also very talented. They will lead the charge in the creative space.’’

Another players expected to attract attention is Zach Fittler (NSW Schools (GPS), The Scots College), son of rugby league legend Brad Fittler.

“He is a hyper athlete. He’s very developed, has good footwork, good offload. He can break a game open,’’ Cividin said.

“We are very lucky with out talent. The bench are unlucky not to be starting.’’

Round 1 of the championships will be played in Brisbane on October 9 with the Brumbies playing the Force at Viking Park (U16 11am, U19 12:30pm) and the Queensland Reds taking on the Waratahs at Sunnybank RC (U16 1pm, U19 2:30pm). The Rebels have the bye.

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