Rugby league schoolboy stars become rugby rivals at Pacifica Youth Rugby Cup

They have been identified as rising stars of rugby league and NRL stars of the future. But right now their goal is to make a mark in rugby - and against each other - at the Pacifica Youth Cup.

Heinz Lemoto and Roman Schmidt-Tuaimau, two football stars of the future.

They are names many expect to see on a NRL program one day - or perhaps a rugby one

Talented teenage footballers hitting the field for three different teams in the Pacifica Youth Rugby Cup at Mt Druitt later this month.

All three were identified as NRL stars of the future at the Australian all schools tournament in Queensland this year.

And all three also play rugby - the game they will tackle in the first edition of the Pacifica Cup in Sydney.

Roman Schmidt-Tuaimau, Heinz Lemoto and Tamoko Berryman will take to the field for three different teams in NSW Samoa, NSW Tonga and NSW Maori at the two-day event on November 25 and 26.

Roman and Lemoto are also schoolmates at Patrician Brothers in Sydney’s west and connected to the Penrith Panthers rugby league club.

Heinz Lemoto and Roman Schmidt-Tuaimau, two football stars of the future.

Roman, 14, said while loving both rugby union and rugby league, he actually started his football journey in soccer.

“But then I started to grow a bit and rugby league and rugby union suited my body style a bit more,” said the Marsden Park youngster who plays his rugby for Penrith RSL.

“I want to be a professional athlete one day and do something in fitness. Right now I love playing rugby league and rugby.”

Roman said he is thrilled to be representing his heritage at the Pacifica Cup and like his rivals will be taking it very seriously.

“I just love to represent my culture and family,’’ he said.

“I will be playing alongside friends and I think that gives you a better chemistry.

“We have been training for six weeks and we are taking it pretty seriously.’’

Roman Schmidt-Tuaimau, a football star of the future.

So too is 15-year-old Heinz who plays his local footy with the Michinbury Jets and his rugby with Gordon and who scored a standout try at the ASIS RL nationals in Queensland to be named one of the top 15-year-olds.

He was also named recently in the Penrith Panthers Harrold Matthews Cup squad for 2023.

“I love representing my family and it’s important to do my family proud,’’ said Heinz, who said he is keeping his options open to which code he will pursue a career in.

Northern Beaches young gun Berryman is from a well known sporting family with siblings and cousins already making their mark in a variety of football codes, including rugby, league and Rugby Sevens.

The youngster, who was part of the Gen Blue 15s rugby program this year, played for CHS in the final of the Australian school rugby league championships.

The talented touch footballer from Narrabeen Sports High school will be on the field for the Mauri team at the Pacifica Youth Cup.

Organisers are hoping the event becomes an annual addition to the NSW sporting calendar.

Teams will play across the girls 14 and 16 age groups and in boys 14, 15 and 17s divisions.

Teams playing include NSW Fiji, NSW Samoa, NSW Tonga, NSW Cook Islands, NSW Maori, NSW Koori and a Barbarians mixed side.

The boys will play XV a side rugby and the girls Sevens Rugby.

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