What junior rugby selectors want to see at Waratahs Academy, U18’s schools, NSW, Barbarians trials

The rising stars of NSW junior and schools rugby are chasing selection in six major rep teams this week and the experts know what they want to see from our next generation.

Selection is on the line for assorted squads, including the NSW Waratahs Academy. Pic: Julian Andrews

The rising stars of NSW junior and schools rugby are chasing selection in six major rep teams this week and selectors know the trials and skills they want to see from our next generation footballers.

Future Waratahs and Wallabies take to the field for a series of trials this week as under 18 selectors look to fill six rep teams with the best talent in the state.

The crucial week for the young stars of junior NSW rugby kicked off on Tuesday with matches at Knox Grammar with a full day of play at Eric Tweedale on Friday before teams are firmed up.

At stake are slots in an assortment of squads - two NSW Waratahs Academy teams, two under 18 schools squads, the NSW Juniors XV and a Barbarians outfit.

The NSW Schools I and II teams, along with the NSW Juniors, will compete at the Australian Schools rugby union tournament in early July.

Muddy Collision for NSW's Leo Bassingthwaighte and Harry Darling and Queensland's Al Nanai Marsden at last year’s Australian School Rugby Championships. Pic: John Appleyard

This tournament is also being played at the Two Blues headquarters at Granville.

Selectors will meet at the conclusion of Friday’s matches to nut out the makeup of the sides playing the assortment of matches showcasing the future of the game in NSW.

NSW's Keenan Ewings packs down at the 48th Australian School Rugby Championships

Waratahs head of talent ID Andrew Cleverley said there are certain traits selectors will be on the look out for during the trial matches.

“Important will be speed of execution and accuracy,” Cleverley said. “The players who make the least mistakes.

“It’s not all the diamond stuff they do.

Spots in the NSW Waratahs program are up for grabs at the trial matches.

“It’s the error-free kids who understand the game of rugby, who build pressure by maintaining the ball.

“We want players who can do the job for their position, have rugby specific skills of clean out, the nuances of the game.’’

At the same event in 2022 Waratah teenager Max Jorgensen caught the eye of those in the know in rugby while representing GPS.
Less than a year later he has a Super Rugby career and been identified as one of the most exciting young players in the game.

On Friday six matches will be played between teams including Sydney Juniors, GPS, CHS, CAS.

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