TJ Talaileva following footsteps of father Va into rugby with NSW Waratahs U18s taking on Reds

Rugby is a family affair for teenage rugby young gun TJ Talaileva who has a couple of big goals on his sport hit-list this season - including one this weekend.

Young gun TJ Talaileva, left, here with his father and brother, is chasing Australian selection. Picture: Supplied

Most sons want to be just like their dad and footy talent TJ Talaileva is no exception.

A former Newcastle Knight young gun, the son of well known rugby gun Va Talaileva last year decided to focus on rugby union and has big ambitions for 2025 - including being part of a very special winning streak.

Talaileva is a member of a Waratahs U18s squad many believe will form the epicentre of future Junior Wallabies and Wallabies outfits - and more than holding his own.

The squad, which includes much vaunted young guns Justice Taumoepeau, Jarvis Orr, Ollie Smith, Jonty Fowler, Angus Grover, Isaiah Sheck and Jarryd King, will take on the Queensland Reds on Saturday in the finale of their annual-two game tussle for boasting rights between youngsters from either side of the border.

The Waratahs U18s have never been beaten by their Queensland opposites in the annual battles between the two rugby academies and go into the match off a tough but convincing win at Ballymore last weekend.

Young gun TJ Talaileva is chasing Australian selection.

“After last week’s win we are pretty excited and determined to make it 2-0,’’ said the Newcastle player hoping a big performance in the series will help secure him a spot in the Australian U18s to take on New Zealand later this year.

Last year Talaileva made the cut for the Australian touring side but only made it onto the field for the final five minutes of the match with New Zealand schools.

“It did give me a real taste for it,’’ said Talaileva, who attends Barker College and is associated with the Hunter Wildfires club.

“My goal is to make the starting team.’’

Young gun TJ Talaileva, left, here with his father and brother, is chasing Australian selection. Picture: Supplied

Talaileva has given up playing rugby league with the Knights junior program to pursue rugby

“I stopped playing Harold Matts. I just enjoy rugby more,’’ he said.

“I grew up in a rugby family with my father and heard so many stories.

“My older brother (Phil) played from four and mum and dad put me in rugby at five and I loved it.

“I actually grew up pretty small until I was in the 13s and 14s but now I’m 188cm and 100 kilos.’’

The Waratahs U18s v Reds game will be played at Daceyville at 12.20 on Saturday.

After this match the Waratahs A’s will take on the Brumbies Runners with the Waratahs women also taking the field.

A new Australian U18s coach will be unveiled later this month.

More from Amanda Lulham HERE

Originally published as TJ Talaileva following footsteps of father Va into rugby with NSW Waratahs U18s taking on Reds