Sydney v Country junior rugby U16, U18 players, stars of the future to watch in Maitland, list

They have speed, size, mobility, X-factor and in some cases, famous footy surnames. Meet the U16 and U18 teens to watch at Sydney v Country junior rugby this weekend.

Action in the U16’s Ella Cup match last year in Bathurst. Picture: Jeremy Piper

There’s young guns with great rugby IQ, others who will lay their bodies on the line over and over.

Work horses and players with speed, creativity, silky skills and a bit of razzle and dazzle.

We’ve checked in with the coaches of the Sydney and Country under 16s and under 18s boys teams about to battle it out in the annual competition at Maitland on Sunday.

And while having only limited times with their charges, they have all been impressed with the level of talent in NSW.

With their input we have put together a guide to some of the players expected to be turning heads at the annual rugby festival – and to keep an eye on in the future.

City and Country rivalry is one of the best in sport. Action from last year’s event.

UNDER 18 SYDNEY V COUNTRY JUNIOR RUGBY PLAYERS TO WATCH

SYDNEY

West Harbour’s Daniel Christodoulou has been making his mark recently and was in the NSW Juniors wide which won the Australian schools rugby championship. A versatile prop with height he has good running skills and is expected to “rip in”.

Fullback Dane Mitchell and Ben Finnegan from Randwick, who also played together in the victorious NSW Juniors team, have a great connection which makes them dangerous. Finnegan is the son of former Wallaby flanker Owen.

Eastwood’s Lachlan Doheny and young Sevens Rugby sensational and speedster Aden Ekanayake from Gordon are a combination to watch in the second row.

Southern District’s Wihan Kruger is a standout organiser and tactical kicker. “He’s phenomenal’’ said coach James Barkell of the fly half. “He doesn’t get rattled no matter how much pressure there is.’’

Felix Turinui from Randwick was another member of the NSW Juniors side which won the Australian schools title. He is the son of former Wallabies inside centre Morgan Turinui.

NSW Juniors player Felix Turinui carries the ball. Picture: Julian Andrews

COUNTRY

Sid Harvey from Narrabri has been turning heads for some time and is Country’s leader. His kicking game can win matches and he’s cool under pressure with a high rugby IQ and a good understanding of the game at fullback.

Angus Ditchfield from New England is a big lock from New England who has come up from the 16s. He’s sizeable and physical and has impressed coaches with his work ethic.

Cooper Hall from Central North was in the Country 18s side last year and has been one of the standouts in their forward pack in 2003. With Ditchfield they are integral to Country’s set piece.

Brendan Palmer from Hunter is a good attacking player. Highly skilled and has exposure to the NSW Waratahs Academy. Boasts attacking flair, plays in the centres and reads play well.

Country's Callum McMenem. Picture: John Appleyard

No. 7 Angus Newport from the Central Coast is a hard worker with “endless fuel in the tank’’ who will be a key player in the forwards. He is just 17 but a player to watch.

Milos Safranek from Far North Coast was a standout at the Country championships and is the blindside flanker. Good in the line out and a hard worker.

Tom Lovgrove from Hunter is a winger with X-Factor. Rated a top finisher, he reads the game well and plays well with Harvey and Palmer.

Callum McMenemy from Illawarra is a centre and a ball runner who has serious impact. Physical and strong and one to watch.

Action in an under 16s game last year.

UNDER 16 SYDNEY V COUNTRY PLAYERS TO WATCH

SYDNEY

Hayden Lavercombe from Eastwood is known for his tough and aggressive play. He can play multiple positions and is one to watch.

Ollie Ryan from Gordon is the No. 4 and the Sydney line out general. He’s good in the air with good rugby knowledge.

Tanner Mahon from Eastwood is one of Sydney’s vice-captains. A strong player who keeps his side going forward and the No.8.

Billy Blair from Gordon is a super fast winger who is also a talented track and field sprinter. When given space he performs.

Marcellus Iakopo from Eastwood impressed selectors at the Regionals with his footwork. Impressive when given room to move.

Angus Grover from Gordon leads by example as the Sydney captain. A smart young rugby player who can play a variety of positions but will leads at No.9.

Patrician Brothers player Marcellus Iakopo in a rugby league game.

COUNTRY

Adam Davis from Central North has great skills directing traffic on the field. Vice-captain of Country.

Jock Cullen from Central North is hopefully back from a collarbone injury for Sunday’s match. A physical presence who loves the hard stuff.

Darcy Emmett from Hunter is a hooker described as being a “big character and team clown.’’ A mobile hooker who takes his game seriously according to the coaches.

Oliver Walker from Central West hails from Forbes and has a big motor which has impressed his coaches who rated him one of the best forwards of the recent country championships.

No. 10 Jamie Grant from Central West is a five eight with speed. He can chip and chase and is unpredictable on the field.

More from AMANDA LULHAM HERE

Originally published as Sydney v Country junior rugby U16, U18 players, stars of the future to watch in Maitland, list