City v Country rugby players on the rise and ready to create waves in Newcastle U18s battle

There are schoolboys, colts and players waiting for their opportunity to impress. Some of the U18s players expected to turn heads at the City v Country rugby showdown

Amanda Lulham

@amandalulham

2 min read

July 21, 2025 - 3:17PM

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Action from a previus Under 18’s battle.

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Some players are so good they are playing against opposition two years senior.

Others are ripping it up in school and club footy - and at the recent Australian schools championship in Queensland.

And on Sunday these rising stars of rugby clash in the annual City v Country bash.

The U18s battle will be the final game of the tournament at Newcastle.

City claimed the crown last year in this age group but Country have returned with a hot squad with the potential of reversing this result.

Below we take a look at some of the players to watch with help from City coach Junior Ta’ale and Country coach Dave Appleby.

Glassie Glassie, who also plays rugby league, is one to watch from country. Pictue: Greg Collis, CBR Sports Photography

Tyson Burden, Southern Districts

Has a special calmness he brings to a game and a strong leader. Controls the team while graving his mates back. Tipped to be in the Junior wallabies sooner rather than later.

Noah Lemusu, Two Blues

A plus player for City. A raw talent wanting to learn and strong on the field. He is the right hand man to Tyson. Does his No.8 role well.

Ollie Ryan, Gordon

Tall timber and a good jumper. Has a very good rugby IQ and a very effective player in eh lineout and scrum.

Ilikaya Turagavukica, West Harbour

Is known as Junior. Has hit the Sydney scene in an attempt ti pursue a professional career in rugby. A bit of a clown who can break the ice but with the ball in hand is a different person. Knows where the try line is.

Matavius Petaia, Two Blues

The City No.9. His arts and crafts in this position are very good. Is gifted. Has good hand, ball, kick and chase skills and a good boot.

Jaziah Swann, Two Blues

Jaziah come from a rugby family and is very good at offloading. Fast and agile and can pass out wide.

Will Goddard, Gordon

Has a physical presence and has been bought in to replace the injured Max Jordan. Plays at 13 and knows space and can kick.

Flynn Hyndman, Mid North Coast.

He leads from the front. The No.8 and captain and in the country squad last year but didn’t make it due to injury. Has put in the hard work and is back stronger than ever. A fearless leader.

READ MORE ON CITY V COUNTRY

U14s previews: HERE and HERE

U15s preview HERE

U16S preview HERE

Gus Ellis, Hunter

From the Hunter and a handy player who is expected to turn heads at the tournament on his home turf. Plays Colts for the Hunter Wildfires

Harry Beckett and Ollie Dart, Hunter

Halfbacks and both good. Compliment each other and they will be used at different times in the game according to Country’s game. Ollie was in the squad last year and knows what is expected at this level.

Glassie Glassie, Illawarra

A big talent in the game and one of the players of the recent Australian schools tournament. Will be one of Country’s standout attacking players and one to look for in the future.