Queensland Under-15s training squad announced ahead of interstate clashes against New South Wales

The state of rugby in Queensland is just fine when you look at the calibre of player selected in this Reds Under-15s squad set to face the Waratahs in October. See the team here.

Two exciting young gun rugby players who go by the same last name have been selected in the Queensland Reds Under-15s training squad which was announced on Monday.

The Southport School flyhalf James Smith and Nudgee College flyhalf or fullback Chilli Tonelli-Smith, the son of former Wallaby and Irish international Brian, bolster a 35-strong squad preparing for two games against their NSW counterparts at Ballymore (October 6) and in Sydney (October 12).

“We think that the depth in the squad is as strong as ever,” coach Sean Graham concluded.

“It was challenging to narrow down the squad because it’s a talented age group across the state”

Last year the Queenslander’s fell short against their New South Wales counterparts, but Graham and co-coach Jack Hawksley have themselves a promising squad sure to give the ‘Tahs a good run for their money.

Nudgee 15As utility back Chilli is just one member of this squad who could leave his mark when October’s academy games roll around.

He is in his first year of schooling at Nudgee after moving north from Sydney for a fresh start at one of the nation’s most renowned rugby schools.

Chilli was arguably the best on ground during the state championships grand finals, the Year 9 playmaker controlling the game beautifully to lead the Met North team to glory.

Another exciting prospect celected was James Smith, a player “doing a fantastic job of guiding his TSS 15As side around the park”.

“He has an incredible skillet,” praised coach Graham.

“He has a bit boot, he is quite a physical guy as well so he likes to run the ball and doesn’t mind putting his body on the line.

“He is an exciting player to keep an eye on.”

Other notable selections in the squad include former Goondiwindi Boars junior Billy Spicer, who earlier this year made the 14-15 Years Boys Queensland Representative School Sport Rugby League Maroon Team.

Eli Rauluni, the son of former Queensland Reds halfback Jacob Rauluni, is also featured in the squad while his older brother Noah (Nudgee, 2023), was also in the Reds Under-19s squad.

The Rauluni Family Eli, Isaac, Noah, Joe and Jacob pictured in 2020.

THE SQUAD

FORWARDS

Billy Campbell - St Joseph’s Nudgee College

Jeremiah Kite - Brisbane Boys’ College

Viliami Tuli - Ipswich Grammar School

Roman Maiava - St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace

Luke Van der nist - Brisbane Boys’ College

Moses Faleafa - Brisbane Boys’ College

Xavier Hill - St Joseph’s Nudgee College

Will Slater - St Joseph’s Nudgee College

Matti Gill - Brisbane State High School

Denver Bradford - St Joseph’s Nudgee College

Fraser Boakes - Brisbane State High School

Charlie Grieves - St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace

Harry O’Hare - St Joseph’s Nudgee College

Ranel Filipine - Ipswich Grammar School

Dylan Goodwin - St Joseph’s Nudgee College

Keanu Saron - St Joseph’s Nudgee College

Henry Willis - Brisbane State High School

Teauariki Siaoloa - The Southport School

Karter Iva - Brisbane State High School

BACKS

Charlie Henderson - St Joseph’s Nudgee College

Isaiah Nuku - Brisbane State High School

James Smith - The Southport School

Angus McPhail - Ipswich Grammar School

Chilli Tonelli - Smith - St Joseph’s Nudgee College

Jack Phinney - Brisbane State High School

Harlem Faalafi - Padua College

Billy Spicer - St Joseph’s Nudgee College

Elijah Rauluni - St Joseph’s Nudgee College

Jerome Garling - Ipswich Grammar School

Harrison Taylor - St Laurence’s College

Tom Purcell - Ipswich Grammar School

Sione Fakatava - Downlands College

Derek Ahwang - Ipswich Grammar School

Harry Dowling - The Southport School

Kobe Oberhardt - St Brendan’s College Yeppoon

Originally published as Queensland Under-15s training squad announced ahead of interstate clashes against New South Wales