NSW Schools Champs: Australian Schoolboys selectors run the rule over the tournament

NSW fullbacks are dominating in the NRL and that trend might not be changing anytime soon. Here’s who caught the eye at the NSW Schools Championships.

Australian Schoolboys selectors are facing a similar headache to their NSW Blues counterparts, too many fullbacks and not enough no. 1 jumpers to hand out.

Like at NRL level, where the likes of James Tedesco, Tom Trbojevic, Latrell Mitchell, Clint Gutherson and Ryan Papenhuyzen dominate, the state’s fullback production line is also rich in up and coming talent.

All three under 18’s fullbacks from the NSW Secondary Schools Championships this week starred for their respective sides with CIS no. 1 Siteni Taukamo earning official MVP honours.

But CHS’s Blake Metcalf and CCC’s Liam Ison also turned plenty of heads during the three day tournament.

Singed to the Raiders, Metcalf has excelled at the back, a position The Hill Sports High School student has only recently made his own.

“We had three halves and no fullback, he picked it up quickly. He’s developed from never playing fullback to being a step away from making the Australian Schoolboys within the next 18 months. He’s spent a lot of time watching the elite fullbacks and tried to mould his game around that as well,” Hill Sports High School coach Scott Jones said.

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Siteni Taukamo. Picture credit: Steve Montgomery/ourfootyteam.com

Jones is also Ison’s manager and was filled with praise for not only the Penrith Harold Matthews fullback’s bravery in defence but also his elusiveness in attack.

“He plays similar to Ryan Papenhuyzen, he’s a real light weight but plays well above his weight. He is so hard to handle, so elusive. He’s just made the Australian touch team. He has all the attacking prowess of someone special and he’s in the right place defensively as well,” Jones said.

Selectors are expected to announce the Australian School Boys team early next week.

MOST VALUABLE PLAYERS

Siteni Taukamo – NSW Combined independent Schools, Newington College

Signed to the Sharks, Taukamo is a goal kicking fullback with plenty of size, speed and skill. Like Roosters rookie Joseph Suaalii, Taukamo has some significant interest from union.

“He’s a great runner of the ball, he isn’t necessarily a big talker in terms of organising the defence, like you expect to see from fullbacks but his ball running was second to none,” Selector and former Canterbury forward Brian Battese said.

Jaxon Rahme – NSW Combined Catholic Schools, Holy Cross College

The skilful, hardworking lock that is willing to play big minutes. Rahme is part of the Balmain Tigers SG Ball side and has moulded his game around fellow Wests Tigers NRL forward Alex Twal.

“He’s very mobile, he’s a big body but he has good footwork for someone in the middle. He played at lock and prop and was effective in both positions,” Battese said.

Jaxon Rahme. Picture credit: Steve Montgomery/ourfootyteam.com

Markis Atoa – NSW Combined High Schools, The Hill Sports High School

Channelling Warriors forward Bunty Afoa, Atoa, who signed to the Tigers, sports an afro hairstyle as impressive as his efforts in the Championships this week.

“He carries the ball well and has a real high work rate and was really strong I thought against the Combined Catholic Colleges side on Wednesday and busted them open a couple of times through the middle,” Battese said.

Ryan Hodgson – NSW Combined High Schools, Kiama High School

Hodgson was plucked from the CHS under 18’s rugby union side and despite having no junior rugby league representative honours was a stand out this week.

“He reminded me very much of Jacob Liddle at the Tigers, he looks like physically and makes plenty of tackles. I think he performed well and he’s a contender for the hooking job,” Battese said.

Ryan Hodgson. Picture credit: Steve Montgomery/ourfootyteam.com

Brandon Morkos – NSW Combined High Schools, Figtree High School

While Morkos didn’t earn any official MVP honours, the Steelers centre, who scored a try playing alongside Dragons rookies Tyrell Sloan and Junior Amone in this year’s SG Ball grand final loss to Canberra, the youngster was a standout to selectors.

“He could have easily been crowed the player of the tournament,” Battese said.

Jock Brazel – NSW Combined Catholic Schools, Parramatta Marist High School

Identified as an NRL hopeful, Eels scouts lured the edge backrower from Moree to Parramatta in 2021. Brazel, who has been on Parramatta’s radar for three years displayed a country-like work ethic since moving to Sydney.

“He did a lot of work in the middle this week, he is just real tough kid and isn’t afraid of doing the work needed on the field,” Battese said.

Lachlan Blackburn – NSW Combined Catholic School, St Dominic’s College

The rising Panthers backrower was forced to play out of position this week but still managed to catch the attention of selectors out on the centres.

“He was forced to play centre. You could say he scarified some of his Australian aspirations to play out of position. He’s a real team player, as a coach that’s the kind of player you want in your team,” Battese said.

Lachlan Blackburn was a standout this week. Picture: David Swift

REVEALED: NSW SCHOOLS TEAM OF THE TOURNAMENT, MVPS

Jocelyn Airth

He scored the try of the series, so it was only fitting that fullback Luke Laulili was named CHS’ 15s player of the NSW Schools Championships.

The Westfields SHS student, who is currently in the Wests Tigers system, said he learnt plenty from participating in the series.

“It’s been a good experience, a great competition … (the try) was pretty amazing, but at the time I was scared my foot was going to go out,” Laulili said.

The Liverpool junior was also named as fullback in the 15s Team of the Series.

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE THE LIST OF ACHIEVERS

St Augustine’s College’s Joe Walsh was named CIS 15s player of the series. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Laulili said that he draws inspiration from Newcastle Knights no. 1 Kayln Ponga.

“I look up to Ponga, just his footwork and vision” Laulili said.

Patrician Brothers College Blacktown’s Finau Latu was named CCC 15s Player of the Series and St Augustine’s College’s Joe Walsh was named CIS 15s player of the series.

Jaxson Rahme (Holy Cross College – CCC), Siteni Taukamo (Newington College – CIS) and Markis Atoa (The Hills SHS – CHS) were awarded players of the series for the 18s competition.

The Australian Schoolboys side will be announced over coming weeks.

NSW Combined Schools Championships – 15s Team of the Tournament

1. CHS1 Luke Laulili (Westfields Sports High School)

2. CIS1 Mitchell Woods (St Patrick’s College, Strathfield)

3. CHS4 Lancelot Tovio (Westfields Sports High School)

4. CCC3 Sam Carr (St Joseph’s College, Aberdeen)

5. CCC1 Jaxon Edgar (St Dominic’s College, Kingswood)

6. CIS6 Joe Walsh (St Augustine’s College, Brookvale)

7. CCC7 Toby Rodwell (Edmund Rice College, West Wollongong)

8. CHS8 Jett Woodward (Hunter Sports High School)

9. CHS9 Aaron Keppie (Picton High School)

10. CCC10 Cody Hopwood (All Saints College, Maitland)

11. CIS12 Daniel Lua (Newington College, Stanmore)

12. CCC11 Jezaiah Funa-Luta (Patrician Brothers College, Fairfield)

13. CCC13 Finau Latu (Patrician Brothers College, Blacktown)

NSW Combined Schools Championships – MVPs of the series

CCC 15s Finau Latu (Patrician Brothers College, Blacktown)

CIS 15s Joe Walsh (St Augustine’s College, Brookvale)

CHS 15s Luke Laulili (Westfields Sports High School)

CCC 18s Jaxson Rahme (Holy Cross College, Ryde)

CIS 18s Siteni Taukamo (Newington College. Stanmore)

CHS 18s Markis Atoa (The Hills Sports High School)

SCHOOLBOY PLAYERS TO WATCH IN FUTURE

John Sagaga (Patrician Brothers College, Blacktown)

Those in the know describe Sagaga in the James Fisher-Harris mould – the strong, silent type who leads the way in the middle of the field. Sagaga has appeared for Penrith’s Jersey Flegg side as a 17-year old and is one of the best up and coming forwards in the state. Don’t be surprised if he’s one of the first names on the list to crack the NRL.

John Sagaga is in the James Fisher-Harris mould.

Ryley Smith (St Dominic’s College)

A talented dummy half and opening batsman, you’ll struggle to find a greater competitor than Penrith’s SG Ball hooker. Smith is a great leader with an exceptional kicking game – not only is it long, but it’s also left-footed. Almost orchestrated an upset win over Westfields SHS in last year’s NRL Schoolboy Cup.

Paul Alamoti (Marist College Kogarah)

Alamoti has tremendous physical gifts, which he showcased as a rampaging centre for Canterbury’s SG Ball side this year, but he has the attitude to back it up. With strong leadership qualities and an exceptional attitude at training, Alamoti is leaving no stone unturned when it comes to making his NRL dreams come true. Signed with the Bulldogs until at least the end of 2023.

Paul Alamoti (centre) is said to have tremendous physical gifts.

Ethan Sanders (Patrician Brothers College, Blacktown)

Crafty halfback who steered Parramatta’s Harold Matthews Cup side to the 2021 grand final. Dangerous on the last, always seems to have time. Sanders has learnt plenty from Eels NRL rookie Jakob Arthur, who played above him in last year’s NRL Schoolboy Cup.

Josh Alhazim (Patrician Brothers College, Fairfield)

Another stand out in Parramatta’s Harold Matthews Cup side. An explosive second-rower with exceptional footwork. Strong for his size. Has scored a couple of brilliant tries for Patrician Brothers Fairfield in this year’s NRL Schoolboy Cup.

Junior Taupau (Endeavour SHS)

Younger brother of NRL star Marty Taupau. Was a standout for Canterbury in this year’s Harold Matthews Cup. Taupau can be an absolute handful. He’s got a strong carry and, because he attracts so many defenders, will create holes.

Solomone Saukuru (Westfields SHS)

Exciting utility with an outstanding footy brain. Saukuru has played at the centres, second row, front row – Westfields SHS even played him at fullback at one stage last year. He was a driving force behind the Harold Matts Magpies’ that made semi finals this year.

Utility star Solomone Saukuru (Photo: Bryden Sharp)

Jack Cole (Orange HS)

Made the six-hour return journey most weeks to train with and play for Penrith’s SG Ball side this year. An unassuming half, with great maturity and patience for his age. Played well in NSWRL’s recent City v Country match.

Blake Metcalfe (The Hills SHS)

Electric fullback in the Raiders system. Captained Canberra’s Harold Matts sides in 2019 and 2020. The club rested Metcalfe from junior reps this year, ensuring the youngster could focus on finishing Year 12 in Sydney. The Hills SHS captain will be itching to test himself against the best.

Iverson Matai (Endeavour SHS)

A scheming halfback who dictates terms in the middle of the field with a maturity that belies his age, Matai is signed to Canterbury and played for their Harold Matthews for two years. The Milperra Colts junior has a handy kicking game and is sharp when he takes on the line. He’s been a standout for Endeavour SHS.

Iverson Matai has a great kicking game.

Joseph Nohra (St Patrick’s College, Strathfield)

Played halfback for the Bunnies’ strong SG Ball side in 2021. Also a talented rugby union player. His strong kicking game will be on display at NSW Champs.

Lehi Hopoate (St Augustine’s College)

Son of John Hopoate. Played fullback for Manly’s Harold Matthews Cup side that finished the season undefeated. An easy mover who can create something out of nothing – give him an inch, he’ll take a mile.

Lehi Hopoate is the son of former NRL star John.

Jesse McLean (Newington College)

A powerful fullback and centre. Was a stand out for Penrith’s Harold Matthews Cup side. Has been balancing his junior reps and school rugby union commitments this year. An old head on young shoulders, McLean is known for his strong communication

Patrick Spence (Oakhill College)

Impressed at fullback for Parramatta’s Harold Matthews Cup side in 2021. A natural athlete who has also excelled at Aussie rules over the years.

Patrick Spence has excelled at two sports.

Jaxon Edgar (St Dominic’s College Kingswood)

Capable of playing in the halves and at fullback. Plays a very competitive and tough style of footy. Brothers Penrith junior. Quiet-natured, but don’t underestimate Edgar.

Matthew Humphries (St Edwards College, East Gosford)

Bit of an unknown, but seriously impressed at trials and training. Humphries is a good organiser with a strong kicking game. He’s likely to start at five-eighth.

Finau Latu (Patrician Brothers Blacktown)

An exceptionally tough and hardworking middle. Likely to play lock. Might not be the biggest, but very athletic and tough for his size.

Tom Kirk and Toby Rodwell (Edmund Rice College, West Wollongong)

Watch out for these boys from Wollongong. Kirk is a tall, Tom Trbojevic-esque winger. Rodwell is a classy halfback, who has a lot of time with the ball. If Kirk pops up anywhere, it’ll be around Rodwell.

Cyrus Stanley-Traill (Endeavour SHS)

Stanley is a famous name at Endeavour SHS, with five brothers coming through the rugby league nursery in recent years and two of them, Chase and Kyle, cracked the NRL. Stanley-Traill, nephew of the two former Dragons, is the next cab off the rank

Aaron Keppie (Picton HS)

A clever dummy half, the Picton junior’s tremendous defence stood out at the trials and his excellent service from hooker will help get his side on the front foot. A relative of Manly forward Sean Keppie.

Luke Laulilii (Westfields SHS)

The fullback is still developing as a ball-player but has been blessed with a tremendous running and a knack for hitting holes out wide. Westfields have produced many a quality footballer over the years and Laulilii could be the next on that famed production line.

Jayze Tuigamala (Endeavour SHS)

The total package when it comes to centres, Tuigamala has the athleticism to beat defenders, the speed to burn them off and the skill to create for others with his offloads. Could be one of the finds of the tournament.

Kade Reed (Illawarra SHS)

A clever halfback who hails from Wollongong, Reed dictates terms to his side with aplomb and already reads the game with a sophistication that belies his age. With a sharp kicking game to back it up, Reed will call the shots for CHS.

Joe Walsh (St Augustine’s College)

Gifted organiser who will play five-eighth or fullback. The Narraweena Hawks junior has also excelled at the 15-man game. Walsh played for NSW 15s Gen Blue side in 2020 – one year young – and he recently earned selection in this year’s IS 16s rugby side.

Alex Conti (St Patrick’s College Strathfield)

The Concord Burwood junior is part of Balmain’s 15s development squad. Conti is a halfback with a fantastic kicking game. Another kid excelling at both league and union.

Toby Brial (The Scots College)

The son of former Australian Wallaby Michael Brial. His older brother Joe is a development player for the Crusaders, Standing at 190cm young Brial is a big and imposing front rower with good footwork and ball skills.

Mitchell Woods (St Patrick’s College Strathfield)

Another talented cross-coder. Named Player of the Championship at the 2021 U15 NSW AFL Championships. Over the years, Woods has represented NSW in AFL and made CIS touch football teams. The young gun is currently in the Bulldogs’ development squad.