Sydney Junior Rugby Union v Brisbane: U14, U16 game changers in girls rugby to watch

They have been described as “intense”, “quick”, “powerful” and “awesome”. The Sydney Junior Rugby Union U14s and U16 girls to watch in their battle with their Brisbane opposites on Sunday.

Some of the rising stars of U16 rugby from Sydney. Pic: Supplied

They have been described as our future Wallaroos and Olympians – young women who will play rugby in one game or another for Australia in the future.

This week these talented teens are preparing to take on the best and brightest from Brisbane junior rugby.

Pride will be on the line in Sunday’s match in Brisbane – along with boasting rights – in the battle between two of the top states in the football code.

We spoke to the experts about the talent being developed in Sydney in the XV’s game.

Meet the young guns they think will be making waves in the sport and to watch out for against their Brisbane opposites on Sunday – and into the future.

SYDNEY V BRISBANE: BOYS TO WATCH

The Sydney girls are ready to take on Brisbane this weekend.

SYDNEY JUNIOR RUGBY UNION GIRL’S PLAYERS TO WATCH

GIAVANNA LEO, SYDNEY 16S

Is in the Waratahs Academy and a No. 8 in the XV’s side who is a good player and very versatile. Is also captain of the Western Raptors team.

“She can play a number of positions and is a real leader,’’' said Sydney Junior Rugby Union 16s coach George Ford.

LACEY CROSS, SYDNEY U16S

Lacey is currently in the U16s Australian sevens squad and a real rugby talent.

From the famous Manly Marlins club on the northern beaches, this 15-year-old is a very strong ball runner and has a very good passing game.

ALIAHANA FUIMAONO, SYDNEY U16S

Plays in the centres with Lacey Cross and hails from the Western Raptors club in Sydney’s west. A robust outside centre.

“Our strongest in the backline with plenty of pace and a devastating defender,’’ Ford said.

The U16 girls turned plenty of heads at the City v Country match.

PAULINE RAKA, SYDNEY U16S

Pauline plays in the forwards and is highly rated in the game.

“She’s non-stop and also plays a variety of sports including league, Sevens and netball,’’ Ford said of the Western Raptors player.

“She is awesome in the air and lineouts.” said her coach.

PYER MARCHANT, SYDNEY U16S

Pyper is already well known as a rising talent in Australian sevens. She is an open side flanker from the Sydney University club.

“She loves getting dirty, loves the ruck,’’ Ford said.

The City v Country game gave our players valuable preparation for the game in Brisbane.

OLIVIA MACDONALD, SYDNEY U16S

Olivia MacDonald hails from the Gordon rugby club.

She is a quite achiever in the front row. She is also solid in the scrum and also gets around the park well. One to watch.

ELLA WALKER, SYDNEY U16S

Ell plays for the Western Raptors.

She plays hooker and is a complete forward. Good in the back play and her talk around the

field is impressive. Another good defender for the Sydney team.

The U16 girls played against Country last month.

ODESZA AND ALAIANNE TOIA, SYDNEY U16S

Twins from the Western Sydney Two Blue sand Norwest Bulls. Both also play rugby league at a high level.

“They are versatile, they can play front, back row and loose forward. Both are props and they play well together,’’ Ford said of the youngsters.

RASTALIA SMITH, SYDNEY U16S

Rastalia Smith. is a fullback known for her impressive pace.

Smith is another Sydney University player and also a very good communicator and defender. Another to watch.

City vs Country Junior Rugby Union in Bathurst involving U16 players.

JAYDAH AND JANAYA ONGOSIA, SYDNEY U14S

Another set of twins representing Sydney and playing in the front row.

From the Narrabeen Tigers and Warringah district, these twins are a force to be reckoned with.

“They are fantastic. Sweet and lovely off the field and on the field they are intense and right into playing rugby,” said coach Andrew Winslade.

Both are in the front row.

ARMARNI BENTLEY, SYDNEY U14S

The No. 8 and a force to be reckoned with.

A strong, fast runner, quick into the contact and if you are not on your game she will jump in and turn the ball over. From the Southern Districts club.

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AMIRAH SMITH, SYDNEY U14S

Keep an eye out for second rower Amirah.

“She has a huge smile on her face all the time but I wouldn’t want to run into her on the field,’’ Winslade said of the Penrith player.

“She is quick, powerful and has a turn of speed which really surprises us.’’

SERENITY TUAINEKORE SYDNEY U14S

Hails from Southern Districts and always keen to add to her skills and learn more.

On the field she only had two modes, on or off, said her coach. “Once she is on, she is on,’’ he said.

A hooker who also plays prop and very strong and powerful.

CHARLOTTE SPARKS SYDNEY U14S

Charlotte Sparks from Mosman is the captain.

“She is the one who impresses with natural leadership,’’ Winslade said.

“She leads by example, questions the right things and seeks clarity.’’

Charlotte plays lock and is tall, great in the lineout and technically a good tackler.

EDEN MELHAM SYDNEY U14S

A livewire back with skills from Lindfield and Gordon.

Eden has played league and sevens but once at training she found a home at fullback.

She has notable ball skills, running and great vision.

“She hits the line really well. Is quick and has a nice pass,’’ said her coach.

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JEWEL FAAUI SYDNEY U14S

Jewel plays on the wing for Sydney and sometimes at outside centre.

Hails from the Southern Districts rugby club.

Is known as a powerful runner and a good tackler. She also plays rugby league.

BAILEY MA-CHONG SYDNEY U14S

Bailey is a half from the Parramatta Two Blues.

“She has a nice strong pass, looks out for opportunity in the game and also guides the forwards really well,’’ Winslade said.

ANIKA PENITANI SYDNEY U14S

Anika is also from the Parramatta Two Blues junior club.

She is the fly half of the 14s and confident in the back line.

She calls the move and understands the game well.

“She has also developed a good kicking game,’’ her coach said.

The Sydney Junior Rugby Union v Brisbane matches will be played at Norths Rugby Club in Brisbane with the U14s playing in the first match of the day just after 11am.