Sydney v Brisbane junior rugby: winning mental battle crucial for U14 Sydney girls, team list

Our generation next Wallaroos are preparing to test themselves against the best from a rival state in a much-anticipated battle but their coach has one big concern ahead of the Brisbane clash.

Sydney coach Andrew Winslade has faith his young U14 charges have the skills and ability to beat their opposite numbers in a one-off rugby battle in Brisbane on Sunday week.

But he believes it is the mental battle than must be won if they are to take the win against the Brisbane Juniors U14s.

Winslade said his team face a long day travelling to Brisbane for their match which will be played alongside U14 boys and U16 girls matches on September 18.

“I believe our girls have the skill sets and physical ability to win as long as they win the mental battle of challenging themselves against the heat and their fatigue,’’ he said.

“That is as much of a challenge as how they play the game.

20 SYDNEY JUNIORS TO WATCH V BRISBANE

RISING STARS CHASING GEN BLUE U15 SPOTS V REDS

Sydney U14 players at the recent City v Country rugby event. Pic: Paul Melham

“How they deal with starting the day at 5am, getting off a plane and travelling and then playing in 25 degrees is the issue. It’s a big ask.

“The Brisbane kids have awesome speed and strong powerful girls. We expect a tough game.’’

Sydney U14 players at the recent City v Country rugby event. Pic: Paul Melham

Winslade said he has been hugely impressed with his young players who recently also competed at the Sydney v Country gala day in Bathurst.

Sydney U14 players at the recent City v Country rugby event. Pic: Paul Melham

“These are some of our future Wallaroos,’’ he said.

“Some girls who have the ability to keep going and make it all the way.

“They have natural skill, ability and they want to learn and go forward.

“Plenty of kids have natural skill sets but these also have the right attitude and that’s what you need.’’

SYDNEY JUNIOR RUGBY UNION U14 GIRLS TEAM

1 Wilhelmus Ruby Western Sydney Two Blues, 2 Ongosia Jaydah Warringah, 3 Leatigaga Irae Western Sydney Two Blues, 4 Sparks (c) Charlotte Northern Suburbs, 5 Smith Amirah Penrith, 6 Tighe Olianna Gordon, 7 Tuimaseve Cody Western Sydney Two Blues, 8 Bentley (vc) Armarni Southern Districts, 9 Ma-Chong Bailey Western Sydney Two Blues, 10 Penitani Anika Western Sydney Two Blues, 11 Tavita Vitorian Southern Districts, 12 Vesikula Lusiana Southern Districts, 13 Latapu Sharon Western Sydney Two Blues, 14 Faaui Jewel Southern Districts, 15 Melham Eden Gordon, 16 Lemusu Gianni Western Sydney Two Blues, 17 Tuainekore Serenity Southern Districts, 18 Ongosia Janaya Warringah, 19 Wilson Sophia Southern Districts, 20 Harvison Lola Gordon, 21 Durdevic Olivia Manly, 22 Ioane Poesia Southern Districts, 23 Cairns Freya Gordon.

MORE FROM AMANDA LULHAM HERE

Originally published as Sydney v Brisbane junior rugby: winning mental battle crucial for U14 Sydney girls, team list