NSWRL City vs Country: Rising stars, 50+ gallery, juniors wrap from Leichhardt Oval
The pick of the NSWRL junior reps faced off in the annual City vs Country clashes over the weekend. We take a look at the results and all the stars from Leichhardt Oval.
Local Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The top players from the recently completed season of NSWRL junior reps converge on Leichhardt Oval over the weekend for the annual City vs Country matches.
In total, four junior fixtures took place over two days. On Saturday, it’s was the best of the boys in the under-16s and U18s, while the girls battled for glory on Sunday in the U17s and U19s.
Here’s how the all the action unfolded.
UNDER-16 BOYS
Slippery Eel bags three in big City win
NSW City kicked off the annual representative clashes in style, dominating Country under-16s 54-10 in the first of two junior fixtures on Saturday at Leichhardt Oval.
Coming off last season’s heavy defeat, Country struck early. Five-eighth Chase Butler had the ball on a string, and after kicking for a repeat set, the Newcastle playmaker sent Chip Valentish dashing over out wide.
City had to wait six minutes for their first touch of the ball. But from there, Lachlan Metcalfe returned serve with interest.
The Roosters half dished off to Braith Sloane, and the Canterbury centre from Condobolin powered over to level the scores.
With an even share of possession, Country simply had no answer to City’s power and strike. Eels lock Samuel Polley quickly added another, before Metcalfe found the back field from the restart to send Parra winger Cyrus Bloomfield racing away for City’s third.
In a player of the match performance, Jeziah Papa caused headaches with every touch on a lethal right edge. The Roosters centre added another two, and City went to the sheds in total command when Manly’s Cruz Death scurried across to make it 34-4.
A rejuvenated Country picked up the pace after the break. Central Coast winger Semi Leweniqila made several strong carries along the left touchline, and the gap closed when replacement forward Mitchell Sleigh reached across.
With rain falling, City struggled to build momentum. They eventually added to their halftime tally midway through the second half. Once again Metcalfe was the instigator, and alongside fullback Darcy Feltham the pair opened the way for Bloomfield to blast clear of the cover defence.
In the closing minutes Penrith prop Talmage Brown put his name on the score sheet, while Sloane grabbed his double before Bloomfield crossed for his third as the siren sounded.
Following the presentation of the shield, City coach Frank Pritchard praised his side’s effort.
“The boys were brilliant, they defended the line for 18 straight tackles at the start,” said Pritchard.
“Once we got some ball, Metcalfe started steering the ship and we could unlock the Ferraris out wide. Jeziah Papa was outstanding and Bloomfield is seriously fast.”
“In our pack, I thought Jamie Curran from the Sharks was strong, he kept the side going forward.”
PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Jeziah Papa (City – Sydney Roosters)
UNDER-18 BOYS
City recover from early deficit
In a shootout of the state’s rising playmakers, City overcame an early deficit to sink Country under-18s 48-18.
An upset loomed when Country posted three quick tries to lead 14-6, but a boilover evaporated in the blink of an eye when City replied with three of their own to lead by eight at halftime.
Country five-eighth Cooper Black was untouchable early. The Western Rams No.6 trapped City in the corners with pinpoint kicks, and the Nyngan playmaker quickly cashed in with try assists to hooker Mitchell Brophy and centre Harry Hudson.
Spurred by last season’s triumph, City quickly worked back into the contest. Gun Newcastle fullback Connor Votano put Ratu Rinakama over for the first of his two tries, before reliable halves Mitchell Woods and Toby Rodwell orchestrated two more in the final minutes of the half.
When the side’s returned after the break, it was all City as the hosts skipped away scoring five tries to one.
Votano crossed from a Woods break, and the Bulldogs No.6 then backed up Wests winger Luke Laulilii to score one of his own.
The remainder of City’s nine tries were scored by Jacob Halangahu, Laulilii, Illawarra’s Hayden Buchanan, while St George lock Finau Latu finished with two.
Backrower Archie Duncombe rounded out the scoring for Country.
After a nervous opening, City coach Peter Marrapodi praised the performance of both teams.
“It was nice to win but Country really challenged us,” said Marrapodi, who doubles as SG Ball coach for the Canberra Raiders.
“Canberra’s Mitchell Brophy was excellent and the way he worked with front-rower Jesse Milin meant we had to dig deep there at one stage.
“Our bench middles changed the momentum, so I was really happy for them and then Woods was excellent for us. He was the calm head and the one that got us field position.”
But it was the player of the match, Halangahu, who stood out the most for Marrapodi.
“Jacob led the boys all week. I want to give him special praise,” he said. “He’s certainly the spiritual leader of these boys and it showed in that game.”
Given four players from last year’s clash have already kicked on and played NRL, Marrapodi has high hopes for the current squad.
“There’s certainly some in the mix for this year’s U19 Origin side,” he said.
“Whether it’s this year or next year, a lot of these guys will get their opportunity.”
PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Jacob Halangahu (City – St George Dragons)
UNDER-17 GIRLS
City make it three straight
The City streak extended to three on Sunday morning after the under-17 girls edged out Country 20-12.
City halfback Olivia Vaalele was once again at her creative best. The Bulldogs playmaker helped orchestrate three first half tries as the hosts opened a commanding 16-4 lead.
Logan Lemusu scored the first, and in a player of the match performance, the Parramatta fullback broke the game open with an individual kick chase try to put City ahead 20-8 in the second half.
Despite trailing all game, Country were never far away. Down 10-0 early, Mia Vaotuua crashed over to get them within six. Then late in the match, the Central Coast centre combined with Ella Knowles, scoring her second to make it 20-12.
In a big day for the Eels reps, Danielle Seckold and Fontayne Tufuga crossed for two of City’s four tries. For Country, Knowles joined Vaotuua on the score sheet, while Illawarra’s Tahlia O’Brien and Halle Barrett also had strong games.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Logan Lemusu (City – Parramatta Eels)
UNDER-19 GIRLS
Country prevail in extra time thriller
The under-19 girls made sure Country didn’t go home empty-handed, overpowering City in extra time with a gutsy 26-18 victory.
In a seesawing contest, City came from behind twice in the second half to level the scores. In the final 10 minutes both sides had their chances, but were unable to break the 18-all deadlock.
Prop Hope Millard proved the hero for Country. In the opening half of additional time, the Steelers enforced barged over under the posts to open a crucial six-point lead before Chelsea Savill iced the result with a late penalty goal.
City were best served by Sharks prop Manilita Takapautolo who claimed the player of the match award, and Canterbury winger Audrey Nadaya-Harb who scored a double.
For Country, Knights fullback Lilly-Ann White grabbed a four pointer, while Illawarra flyer Indie Bostock continued her fine season scoring twice, including a trademark long range effort before the break.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Manilita Takapautolo (City – Cronulla Sharks)
PHOTO GALLERY
Under-16 Boys
Under-18 Boys
Under-17 Girls
Under-19 Girls
More Coverage
NRRRL: Defensive effort for the ages seals thrilling GF
One team has put in one of the most remarkable defensive displays in recent memory to clinch a thrilling NRRRL premiership.
Read more
‘Can’t put an answer down’: Lower grade hoodoo continues
One side has continued its remarkable big-game record against its rivals after a thrilling lower-grade clash in the RLCC.
Read more