NSW, Waratahs, Reds, Force, Rebels, Brumbies U16s rugby teens to watch in Australia v Pacific All Stars

There’s teens from the NRL junior ranks, sons of guns, youngsters you may not have heard off - yet. Coaches nominate the players to watch in the Australian U16s v Pacific All Star rugby battle.

NSW player Jarvis Orr in action in the Super Rugby U16 series. Picture: Julian Andrews

When a group of rugby’s most precocious young talent runs onto the field in Canberra next week they will be creating history and be part of a new pathway for youngsters with big dreams of playing professional football for their country.

For the first time an Australian rugby under 16s side will take on a Pacific All Stars team in a one-off match throwing a high beam on the best young rugby talent in the country.

The Australian team was named at the end of the Super Rugby 16s series won by the Waratahs with the Pacific All Star side chosen by a group of former stars of the game at the highly successful Pasifika Youth Rugby Cup last month.

And the coaches of both sides — Australia’s Tim Rapp and the Pacific All Stars’ Mark Gerrard - are expecting big things from their young charges in what they are predicting could be one of the most entertaining rugby games this year.

We spoke to the coaching teams from both sides to pull together a list of the players they expect will entertain, be gamechangers, scorers and turn plenty of heads on December 12.

STARS OF THE AUS 16 V ALL STARS BATTLE

NSW player Onitoni Large was a standout in the Super Rugby U16s series this year. Picture: Julian Andrews

Keegan Daly: He impressed with the work he produced during the Pasifika Cup but more notably with the NSW Waratahs U16s rep squad.

A strong ball carrier with a solid set piece. He stood out in a very talented NSW squad and will be with Tahs teammates in the All Stars squad in Maddax Fui, Phoenix Godinet, Marcellus Iakopo, Taj Mailei, Jerome Pongi and Cynseah Tautalafua.

Youngsters in the 14s division at the recent Pacifika youth rugby cup. Picture: Warren Gannon

James Finegan: A young talent and the son of former Wallaby Owen Finegan.

Australian coach Rapp likes the way he has the ability and awareness to do things with the ball in his hands even if it’s not expected.

“He hasn’t come from a cookie cutter,’’ Rapp said. “He plays with what is in front of him and is our No. 6 or No.8.’’

NSW player Angus Grover is with the Australian squad. Picture: Julian Andrews

Phoenix Godinet: A Western Sydney junior who has committed to rugby over the last couple of years. Very exciting young footballer who will make his presence felt on the field at both ends.

The All Stars coaches say his ball carrying ability is what makes him stand out from the pack.

“He is always going forward with brut power and force and has the ability to move around and change direction.’’

They believe the match will be a great opportunity for Godinet to challenge himself with the best.

Angus Grover playing in the City v Country match. Picture: Julian Andrews

Angus Grover: A young man being talked about a lot this season. Attends Riverview and dubbed an “exciting footballer’’ by his coaches who say he contests everything and has great game knowledge.

“His game knowledge is beyond his years,’’ Rapp said.

“He is so real. He’s a rugby boy who loves challenging himself. He’s going to be a game leader.’’

Marcellus Iakopo playing league with his school. Photo: Tim Pascoe

Marcellus Iakopo: Also a talented league player and Penrith Junior. He is a natural footballer with great attacking ability and his nippy footwork and acceleration is the reason the opposite code has interest

His coaches say Iakopo is a player fans will “love to watch with ball in hand’' and hails from the Patrician Brothers Blacktown production line which has produced the likes of Stephen Crichton, Jerome Luai, Brian To’o and rugby’s Pasifika rep Sam Wykes.

There were great U16s clashes between the Reds and Tahs this season

The Waratahs and Reds are fierce rivals in U16s rugby.

Kiama Jione: One of the young Reds players in the Australian team.

In the mould of a dominant ball carrier like Wycliff Palu and is willing to be a good forward player but has the defence as well.

Impressed in the Super Rugby U16s series.

Reds player Kiama Jione. Picture: Tom Primmer/QRU.

Onitoni Large: There’s a lot of excitement about Large, a teen form Sydney’s south west. “He’s special,’’ said Rapp. “Keeping a guy like him in rugby is important.’’

Large is also a rugby league player but it is in rugby that he will experience playing for Australia for the first time.

Rapp said he is a “genuinely good person, values every opportunity, always tries his hardest and knows how to compete’’.

He also has speed and is happy to share the ball but when he is needed to, can put his stamp on a game. is first Australian.

“He’s a game changer.’’

NSW player Onitoni Large is expected to make a big impact in the match. Picture: Julian Andrews

Christian Moors: Another Patrician Brothers student who will be playing alongside schoolmates Marcellus Iakopo, Roman Tuaimau and play maker Felipe Huahulu.

Moors is 193cm and still has some growing to do. His father Michael is 205cm.

He has a bright future in both codes and has real physical presence.

“Moors has a lot of upside in union if put in the environment,’’ said All Stars assistant coach Fotu Auelua.

Pene Naqau: Played for Western Force in the Super Rugby 16s series this year.

Just loves playing football and does it well. Plays in the centres for Force and he will give everything a crack to score.

Also a defensive line threat.

Jarvis Orr in the Super Rugby U16s series battle with the Queensland Reds. Picture: Julian Andrews

Jarvis Orr: A standout for the Waratahs Academy this year and “a traditional Australian No. 7’’.

“His intent is always to do his job for the benefit of the team. The team is alway his first choice,’’ Rapp said.

He is also a tough player who likes to play tough.

Jerome Pongi was Tonga co-captain with Vakauta at the Pasifika Youth Rugby Cup last month where selectors made their final choices for the All Star team to take on Australia.

He is also a promising talent expected to feature in the match and turn heads with his game.

Treyvon Pritchard from the Reds. Coach Rapp says this youngsters has real X-Factor.

“Ball in hand you don't know what you are going to get,’’ he said.

His role in the team is to throw up challenges

“He’s a guy that gets people thinking,’’ Rapp said.

Treyvon Pritchard. Picture: Tom Primmer/QRU.

Louis Trecey: Is from the Melbourne Rebels stable and in the Australian side.

He is a No. 6 and leader who plays his rugby with “so much enthusiasm’’ according to coach Rapp.

“He makes every moment count. We don’t know what we will get out of him but he will be better for the experience.’’

Velangilala Vakauta is a “genuine rugby player with a wealth of knowledge on the game’’. “He is not only robust and powerful, he has great sleight of hand for a big boy and can move well laterally.’’

Vakauta has the tools in set piece and in general play and is a natural leader.

Denzel Veikune: From the Brumbies Academy. He is a good strong outside back from Canberra.

He has the ability to change a game and has speed and power through eh line.

The Australian coach say he makes smart decisions on the field.

Originally published as NSW, Waratahs, Reds, Force, Rebels, Brumbies U16s rugby teens to watch in Australia v Pacific All Stars