‘Amazing, agile, live wire’: Country v City U15s rugby talent to watch for in Newcastle, match times

There’s a mix of tall timber, an amazing smaller player, big boppers and a livewire hooker. It’s why the City v County U15s battle at Newcastle is shaping up to be a memorable one.

Amanda Lulham

@amandalulham

3 min read

July 23, 2025 - 11:44AM

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Great shot from a previous under 15s battle between City and Country of Samuela Sorovi’s acrobatic attempt to score. Picture: Julian Andrews

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There’s a mix of tall timber, an amazing smaller player, big boppers and a livewire hooker set to run out for City and County in the under 15s battle at Newcastle on Sunday in what is shaping up to be a highlight of the annual tournament.

Coaches from both sides are impressed with the talent they had at hand for selection and believe the match will be hard fought and entertaining.

And despite Country teams winning just one age group a year ago, Country 15s coach Dave Batey believes his team will be up for the challenge against City but staying true to their team first tradition.

“The forward pack is made up of kids who do a lot of work, real toilers who will work all day,’’ he said. “It’s a country pack. People who don’t stand out but make a great team.

“They will be very competitive.”

Batey has a number of players expected to make an impact on Sunday.

There’s always plenty of heart and passion in the under 15s age group. Here City’s Talen Risati is tackled in a game back in 2023. Picture: Julian Andrews

“We have Iverson Tanuvasa (Illawarra), a hooker, he’s a real live wire,” he said.

“Jock Robinson (Central West) our No. 7 and a real worker and a smart footballer.

“There’s Adam Price (Far North Coast) the No. 8 who is a strong ball runners.

“In the backs there is outside centre Tevita Mafi (Illawarra) who is a strong runner and Destin Tausala (Illawarra) who is very strong in attack.’’

Sydney U15 coach Kaya Brown rates the talent in the U15s age group as “amazing”.

“It was really difficult to pick the 23,’’ he said. “There was a lot of talent.’’

“We have an amazing backline, very talented, with a great vision of the game.

“Our forwards, we are not huge, but we have a couple of big boys, some very physically strong boys and in the locks we have a couple of tall kids which is what we need.

Brown identified a number of players of interest to watch in Sunday’s battle in the under 15s.

“Billy Bowen (Gordon), our No. 10, he is one to look out for and another is Levi Perrett (Eastwood). Every game he played at Camden (tournament), I said I have nothing to tell you. He does everything.

“We also have Issac Kasprowicz, he got through competing with an injury, and he’s nice and tall. Very switched on and a very good jumper.

“Devida (Hopoate, Manly), is very quick, has good vision and gets involved as a winger.

“Riley Carr (Randwick), the scumhalf, has the ability to create chaos, He is tiny and agile and runs, kicks and chases the ball non stop. He’s a fantastic layer.’’