Waratahs schoolboy rugby star Savelio Tamale snared by NRL club with Dragons winning his signature

He’s been described as a “rough diamond with loads of potential’’ by one of his rugby coaches. But it’s rugby league this talented schoolboy will be playing in the immediate future.

Savelio Tamale, playing for CCC in a rugby trial this year, on the charge at Eric Tweedale Oval. Pic: John Appleyard

It would be hard to contain most teenagers offered a deal with an NRL club before their 18th birthday.

But Savelio Tamale still has a HSC exam on Thursday to compete and starts pre-season training with the St George Dragons just four days later.

“I’m not going to schoolies or anything,’’ said the teen talent “I won’t be able to do too much because we have pre-season starting on Monday.’’

Rugby league may have lost the recent battle for the muti-talented Max Jorgensen, son of former Wallaby and NRL gun Peter, but they have snared another rising schoolboy star in Tamale who has been turning heads in various rugby tournaments this season, including for the NSW Waratahs Gen Blue U18 squad.

Savelio Tamale is a teenager on the rise in football.

But the youngster, a student at St Paul’s Catholic College and courted by numerous NRL clubs, has opted to become a future Dragon.

The big, strong and speedy teenager, described as a “rough diamond with loads of potential’’ by one of his rugby coaches is signing on to play Jersey Flegg in 2023 and then be in the Dragons top 30 in 2024.

The young talent, who doesn’t turn 18 until next month, has also played Rugby Sevens and said his time in union has helped his league skills.

SJRU's Rodney Blake tackled by CCC's Savelio Tamale in a trial match.

“I feel like union has really helped passing skills and, made me a better player,’’ he said.

“It’s helped me a lot.

“I feel like this offer was too good to refuse. I didn't want to miss out. I've always wanted to be a footy player.’’

Savelio Tamale, 17, of Beacon Hill, with Georgia Grey, of Freshwater at a recent school formal.

Tamale said his immediate goal is to meet and bond with new teammates at the famous St George Illawarra club which reportedly fended off approaches by Manly and the Sydney Roosters for Tamale.

His longer term aim is to prove himself in rugby league by pushing for a spot in the NSW Blues U19 State of Origin team in 2023.

“That’s the dream, that’s what I’ll work towards,’’ said Tamale, who has been playing rugby with the Warringah Rats on the northern beaches and league and union for years with junior clubs including the Cromer Kingfishers and Narrabeen Tigers.

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