Stars of U17 Rugby Sevens Next Gen Youth Cup, result wrap, photo gallery as NSW, Qld share honours

Powerhouse Rugby Sevens states NSW and Queensland battled for supremacy in an intriguing U17 State of Origin battle at the Next Gen Youth Cup. So who excelled? Stars, standouts, result wrap.

Amanda Lulham

@amandalulham

3 min read

December 5, 2022 - 3:27PM

NewsLocal

Action at the Rugby Sevens Youth Cup in Sydney. Pics: Jeremy Ng.

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They are the top U17 Rugby Sevens talent in the country, battling each other for upcoming teams along with state pride.

At the same time our elite women were kicking off the World Series with yet another sensational victory, the Rugby Australian Next Generation Youth Cup was throwing the spotlight on the best youngsters in the game at the U17 level at a two-day event in Sydney.

Powerhouse Sevens Rugby states NSW and Queensland dominated with a boys and girls Barbarians team putting on a good show - and pulling off a surprise win in one age group.

But it was NSW who claimed the state crown and the boys division for the seventh time in a row with Queensland winning the girls tournament

NewsLocal photographer Jeremy Ng was there to capture Sunday’s action with a photo special below.

Queensland and NSW fighting it out at Forshaw Park. Pics: Jeremy Ng

NSW navigated the tournament undefeated in the boys competition despite a close call with Queensland on Saturday.

NSW went on to win the match 12-10 and backed up on Sunday with a 17-17 draw in the final match of the event at Forshaw Rugby Park in Sydney’s south.

Zali O'Brien of NSW on the burst against Queensland.

“Our boys were outstanding over the two days,’’ said NSW coach Dale Winslow. “That’s seven in a row for them now.

“They did what they needed to do and ground out a couple of wins as good teams do.

“We only had seven tries scored against us so defensively they hit the spot and they came together and supported each other as a group.

Winslow said every player starred at various stages with Jono Ryan (Gordon) a standout along with Charlie Poynton.

“Jono was pretty good across the two days and Charlie was also good, especially his finishing. he scored a number of tries.’’ Winslow said.

Caleb Murphy of the Barbarians is tackled during the match against NSW.

“We had some good efforts from someone different in every game but Tyrese (Lokeni, Two Blues) lead them very well.

“He managed the boys really well on the field and lead by example.’’

Joe Walsh of NSW is tackled in the match against the Barbarians.

Zali O'Brien of NSW reacts during the match against Queensland.

Queensland beat the NSW girls in their first two match-ups on Saturday before being beaten by their hosts 19-12 in their final match of the tournament.

Girl’s coach Delahoya Manu said his side showed enormous improvement throughout the event with their win in the final match particularly pleasing.

Rory Muller of NSW after scoring for NSW. r

Manu said he had told players a win was necessary against Queensland for NSW to claim the state cup.

“We had to win the last game in order to win the state cup and when we told them that they really lifted,’’ he said.

Rory Muller of NSW after a big try against Queensland.

Manu said captain Anaia Cruickshank from Manly was one of the standouts of the tournament for NSW.

“She lead the team with experience and was dominant in attack and defence,’’ he said.

Abbi Spooner of the Barbarians fends off against Queensland.

“Ella (Carlisle) our winger, was amazing in attack and defence. She helped us out so much. She made tackles as the last lien go defence and found space and used her pace.

“Chaela-Lee (Falls) was another standout. She was very reliable in attack and did damage with her size.’’