Australian Schoolboys star Dion Samuela rejects NRL to chase rugby dream
The Southport School’s Kiwi-conquering Australian Schoolboys fullback has drawn comparisons to Roger Tuivasa-Scheck and Shaun Johnson but the teenager has chosen rugby over the NRL.
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KIWI-conquering Australian Schoolboys fullback Dion Samuela has rejected interest from the NRL to pursue his dream of representing the Wallabies in rugby union.
The hot-stepping fullback starred in The Southport School’s GPS Premiership-winning season and earned the start for the Australian Under-18s in rugby union, who sensationally defeated New Zealand for the first time since 2012.
Despite interest from NRL clubs including the Wests Tigers, Samuela has committed his sporting future to rugby union and reigning Queensland Premier Rugby champions University of Queensland.
His decision is a minor coup for the code because the 18-year-old’s dazzling footwork had captured attention in league circles as well.
Former Broncos winger and host of popular NRL podcast The Locker Room Denan Kemp said Samuela’s highlights tape was the best of any schoolboy he had seen.
“You compare him to guys like (Warriors star Roger) Tuivasa-Scheck or Shaun Johnson in his heyday,” Kemp said.
WATCH SAMUELA’S HIGHLIGHTS BELOW
“He’s similar in that his sidestep is so quick, it happens in such a small space and so quickly that defenders don’t have time to come across.
“Everything about him is special – his ball-playing, his footwork obviously, speed off the mark, his ability to read a defence.
“What’s so impressive is everything he is doing is extremely explosive yet he is constantly calm.
“(Samuela) at fullback in the NRL would be so impressive but it’s about whether he wants to train hard.
“If he has that mentality I don’t see any reason why this guy can’t be incredible.”
University of Queensland coach Elton Berrange said the Gold Coast student could fill a need for their Premier Grade team immediately with the rise of ex-TSS talent Jock Campbell into the Reds.
“The opportunity for Dion to play Premier Grade is pretty massive,” Berrange said.
“I coached Dion at Queensland Under-16s level and he’s ultimately a nice young bloke and a talented footy player.
“He’s pretty well-balanced, he has a good kicking game and can step into second receiver for us as well.
“We’re excited to see him show those skills off against men.”
His schoolboy CV is impressive but counts for nought when Samuela steps into competition with senior players for the first time.
“We’ve never made apologies for creating competitive environments (around selection),” Berrange said.
“Dion will have to earn the spot but I think he’s excited for that opportunity and knows it will make him better for it.”
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