From elite rugby schools to NRL pathways: The code war for junior talent

A Queensland GPS star, a Manly cross-code talent and Kiwi teen are just some of the next crop of young guns rocketing through the combined NRL pathways and elite schoolboy rugby production line. SEE THE FULL LIST

A Queensland GPS star, a tearaway New Zealand teenager and a prodigious Manly talent considered to be one of the hottest prospects in both rugby code.

They are the next crop of young guns rocketing through the combined NRL pathways and elite schoolboy rugby production line.

Sydney Roosters halfback Hugo Savala is the latest to emerge from the rugby union GPS system, shining since making his starting debut in Round 6.

The 23-year-old is one of five Roosters stars, Angus Crichton, Billy Smith, Siua Wong and Blake Steep, to graduate from the prestigious Scots College.

Savala believes it won’t be long before other clubs have a similar representation of elite schoolboy rugby players in the NRL outfits.

Roosters halfback Hugo Savala went to Scots College. Picture: NRL

“I know coming through the GPS system, it’s such a good brand of football that I guess all rugby league teams are going to be looking at the players that come through those schools,” Savala said.

Savala also believes the GPS systems are helping to develop a higher calibre of NRL players.

“I would say 100 per cent,” Savala said when asked if his experience at Scots has made him a better rugby league player.

“The GPS system allows you to play good quality football from a young age,” Savala said.

“You get to do it in front of big crowds, I remember when I was at school playing in front of 5000 people.”

Fellow Roosters rookie Robert Toia, a product of Queensland’s top rugby school Nudgee College, has also been a shining light since debuting in Round 1.

It comes as elite rugby union schools, both in Australia and New Zealand, have cemented their place as a bona fide development pathway to NRL rosters.

And, the race for the best young talent across both codes has never been hotter.

Robert Toia is a product of Queensland’s top rugby school Nudgee College. Picture: Hannah Peters/Getty Images

Reports have recently emerged that Penrith prodigy Heinz Lemoto is set to join French rugby after a three-way battle for the teenager with Rugby Australia.

Across the ditch, St Kentigern College first XV star D’Angelo Mikaele is one of New Zealand’s most promising rugby talents and the latest union product to join the Warriors’ pathways system.

With expansion on the horizon, and a 20-team competition in the works, the GPS system as a development pathway is set to play a far greater role in helping to produce the next crop of NRL stars.

Some of the NRL’s biggest stars like Kalyn Ponga (Anglican Church Grammar), Cam Murray (Newington College), Will Penisini (The King’s School), Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Brisbane Grammar School) and Dolphins ace Isaiya Katoa (Barker College) have come out of elite rugby programs.

That production line shows no signs of slowing down.

We take a look at the next crop of schoolboys rugby union stars on track to become NRL starters.

Cyrus Bloomfield is caught in a cross-code tug-of-war.

Amaziah Murgha has been a revelation since joining the Storm system.

Kahu Capper has been lighting up the Jersey Flegg competition.

Originally published as From elite rugby schools to NRL pathways: The code war for junior talent