Rising star Selestino Mainakavika inspires country teens for City v Country rugby after amazing year

Last year a teenager made his first NSW country team, played his heart out and is now inspiring other young guns from the bush as a rising star of rugby.

Selestino Mainakavika at recent school rugby trials. Pics by Julian Andrews.

This time a year ago a year ago a recently arrived teenager from Fiji found himself playing for Country in the annual battle against City and soon after found himself in the NSW Waratahs program and eventually an Australian jersey.

This year the story of Selestino Mainakavika is inspiring Country NSW teenagers ahead of the annual battle with City in Newcastle this coming weekend.

Mainakavika had only recently arrived in Dubbo when selected to play for the Country U16s side at last year’s junior rugby championships.

“He didn’t speak English that well but he was so dynamic. We just couldn’t leave him out he was so good,” said Country coach Gary Walsh who is steering the under 16s again this year.

“He had only been in Australia a month or so and didn’t know the players or anything but he was good, very good.’’

Selestino Mainakavika at recent school rugby trials. Pics by Julian Andrews.

So good in fact Waratahs selectors, who monitor for new talent at state, regionals and City v Country stoushes each year, immediately included him in their under 16 squad for the Super Rugby U16s competition.

There this big, raw talent from St Johns College Dubbo turned plenty more heads as part of the Waratahs Super Rugby winning side and even earned a team of the week honour before cracking the Australian under 16 development squad.

The City v Country battle has helped talent spot numerous players in the past. Sydney’s Max Palmisani in 2023. Picture: Julian Andrews

Bronte Wilson, now a Waratah in Super Rugby, playing at City v Country two years ago. Picture: Julian Andrews

Now at Saint St. Stanislaus’ College and playing for ISA, the hard-hitting Mainakavika recently turned out for NSW II at the Australian schools rugby championships on the Sunshine Coast where his side finished runners-up to NSW I.

“His story is really inspiring the boys this year,’’ Walsh said of his under 16 side.

“We are hoping few kids get picked up by the waratahs (Academy) this year.’’

“We always want to beat City but this is really about how many kids we can get to the next level. It absolutely inspired the next group of kids from the bush wanting to do it.’’

Waratahs selectors will again be at the City v Country carnival ahead of naming a new NSW U16s Academy team to defend their Super Rugby U16 crown later this year.

CITY V COUNTRY RUGBY 2025 SCHEDULE

8.45am Field 1 U14 Boys, Tim Gavin Shield

9.55am Field 1 U14 Girls, Sponsors Plate

11.05am Field 1 U15 Boys Steve Tuynman Cup

12.15pm Field 1 U16 Girls Mahalia Murphy Shield

1.35pm Field 1 U16 Boys Ella Cup

2.55pm Field 1 U18 Girls Grace Hamilton Shield

4.15pm Field 1 U18 Boys Michael Brial Cup

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Originally published as Rising star Selestino Mainakavika inspires country teens for City v Country rugby after amazing year