NSW teens to watch in Rugby Sevens Next Gen Youth Series v Queensland, Barbarians

There’s a kid called ‘Smoke’ and girls so precociously talented they are playing up two years. Our best, fastest and smartest Rugby Sevens players ahead of the Next Gen Youth Series.

The best young Sevens players hit the field in a Next Gen event this weekend.

There’s an elusive youngster nicknamed ‘Smoke”, young girls adding flair and charisma and others so talented they are actually playing up a year or two.

There’s also tall timber, tough guys, speedsters and players with smarts to ensure the future of Rugby Sevens in Australia remains bright.

The NSW U17 Rugby Sevens squads boast head-turning talent and speed to burn and enter this weekend’s Next Gen Youth Series with high hopes of success on home turf at Southern Districts Rugby.

The series will pit the NSW sides against their Queensland opposites in the girls and boys competitions and composite Barbarians sides filled with talent from across the country.

With the help of coaches Dale Winslow and Delayhoya Manu we check out the talent chasing success this weekend – and potentially in the future for Australia.

GPS2's Austin Durbridge with the ball at NSW Schools rugby union trials at Eric Tweedale Oval earlier this year. Picture: John Appleyard

NSW YOUTH 7’S U17 BOYS SQUAD

Beau Morrison, Warringah Rugby: Tall timber for NSW and the younger brother of Gen Blue player Tom Morrison. A big player with size and speed and a top skill set. Tough to control.

Matt Hanley, Warringah Rugby: Has good aggression and is a rugged player. Happy to get down and do the dirty stuff.

Liam Grover, Gordon Rugby: An extremely quick, fast, agile and athletic player who can turn heads.

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Koby Owen, Two Blues: One of the NSW halfbacks and a good organiser and talent who has the ability to direct the team with success.

Joe Walsh on the burst for the Gen Blue U16 side.

Austin Durbridge, Two Blues: Fantastic on the ball and “if anyone goes to ground he’s on them like a blue heeler’’ said coach Winslow.

Tyrese Lokeni, Two Blues: One of the more experienced players and a natural leader who commands respect. A ballplayer who steps up in the forward pack.

Tallis McEwan, Manly Marlins: A dynamic but relatively small player who plays well above his weight and is exceptionally quick and good on his feet.

Jono Ryan, Gordon: Similar player to Hanley with a little more speed. In the Australian team for the world schools tournament and also has good height.

Joe Walsh, Manly Marlins: A Gen Blue player and the third brother in the program. Has great ball skills and reads the game well. Knows how to score and a good all-rounder.

Charlie Poynton scoring in the National U16 rugby championship

Charlie Poynton, Manly: The speedster of the team and also from the Gen Blue XV ranks. Has stepped up after being called in as a development player last year.

Thomas Klem, Manly: A little out of left field and on the comeback from injury. Goes by the nickname Smoke as he is able to sneak through gaps.

Fanafou Seve. Southern Districts: Good size with plenty of spirit and plays hard. Good skills and work ethic.

“Queensland run a full-time program so their squad will be well drilled,’’ boys coach Winslow said.

“There’s always a good rivalry between NSW and Queensland in everything from rugby and rugby league to tiddlywinks.

“Adding the Barbarians into the mix will be great. They have players who can really surprise.’’

Fanafou Seve during the NRL Schoolboy Cup match between Bass Hill and Hunter Sports at Terry Lamb Complex in Chester Hill. Picture: Jonathan Ng

NSW YOUTH 7’S U17 GIRLS SQUAD

Chaela-lee Falls, Sydney University: Tall build with plenty of speed and a good fend. One of the younger girls in the team and playing a year up.

Caitlyn Halse, Illawarra: Another young gun playing a year up and a talented and well rounded player who can pass, kick and run.

Pyper Marchant, Sydney University: Big talent playing up two years but doesn't look put of place with her older teammates. Has a great attitude, pace and isn’t afraid to take on the line and communication.

Ambryn Murphy-Haua, Southern Districts: On the return from a spell out of the game. Has great vision and a good ball player. Will organise and lead well.

Chaela-Lee Falls of NSW Barbarians

Zali O’Brien, Illawarra: Similar to Falls, another tall, strong youngster who is also very strong with the ball in contact. A power forward.

Zara Verman, Sydney University: Has great commitment and communication skills and is extremely hard working.

Anaia Cruickshank, Manly: One of the most experienced in the team and is a good communicator with good skills and tough in defence.

Brooke Bosland, Manly: She is one of the younger players but very fit and fast. Impresses the coaching staff with her ability to run non-stop. A quality player.

Ella Carlisle, Manly: The speedster of the NSW side. Players get the ball to her and she works her magic.

Rory Muller played at the recent Pacifica Youth Rugby Cup.

Rory Muller, Penrith: She is playing up a year and has a great work ethic and work rate. Not afraid of contact and very good in the ruck.

Faitala Moleka, Sydney University: Has very good ball skills and is an organiser and communicator. Players look to her for guidance and leadership on the field.

Lacey Cross, Manly: Another young gun playing up from the 15s. Made the Australian schools merit squad earlier this year. Very strong with the ball in hand, a good defender and communicator.

“As long as the girls stick to their game plan and trust in each other and back themselves they should come put on top,’’ said coach Manu.

“We have to play as a seven and not as individuals and work non-stop for the whole 14 minutes.

“A couple of the girls have played together before, the manly girls have a good connections and we have a lot of young up and comers who bring flair and charisma.’’

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Originally published as NSW teens to watch in Rugby Sevens Next Gen Youth Series v Queensland, Barbarians