U16, U19 national rugby championship: From league to Gen Blue 16s for Daniel Christodoulou

His name is already attracting attention in junior rugby league circles. But this weekend it’s rugby that has teen Daniel Christodoulou’s attention.

Daniel Christodoulou from West Harbour. Pic: Supplied

Rugby league and rugby union talent Daniel Christodoulou isn’t sure what code he will land in but this weekend his focus will be on the latter.

Still deciding which football code is his right fit for the future, Christodoulou has been given a chance to run out for the NSW Waratahs Gen Blue 16s in this season’s U16 national rugby championships.

But it was actually another sport altogether in which he started his athletic career thanks to a soccer mad father and grandfather.

“I actually had a soccer background, not league or union,’’ said the Sydney Juniors teen from the West Harbour Pirates club.

“I started playing with the Rockdale City Suns and San Souci FC.

Daniel Christodoulou from West Harbour. Pic: Supplied

“But I found it a bit boring. I wanted to do something different and that’s when I started playing rugby league for the Milperra Colts.’’

Christodoulou, who lives at Sylvania Waters and attends Trinity Grammar at Summer Hill, also took up rugby, originally playing for the Southern Districts club.

“A lot of guys from school are at West Harbour so I wanted to play with them,’’ said the 16-year-old who is also in the Canterbury Bankstown junior rugby league system and played Harold Matthews for the famous NRL club in 2022.

Action in the Gen Blue v Queensland Red U16 rugby championship. Pic: Kev Nagle

“I like them (league and union) both. I’m not sure what I want to do. I have time to decide.

“I love the space in rugby league, I play on the edge, but I also love the physicality of union.

“I find it more physical than league.’’

Action in the Gen Blue v Queensland Red U16 rugby championship. Pic: Kev Nagle

What selectors want to see in rugby champs

Son of a gun making mark in rugby

Rough diamond, best finisher in school rugby

The teen said he was surprised to make the Gen Blue squad for the national championship series which kicked off in Brisbane last weekend.

“It’s my first big rep squad. I was a bit surprised but it was a good feeling to see your name on the list,’’ he said.

“I just like watching how teams do things together.’’

The Gen Blue 16s take on the Brumbies in round two of the national U16, U19 championships in Sydney on Sunday at Waratahs headquarters.

MORE FROM AMANDA LULHAM HERE

Originally published as U16, U19 national rugby championship: From league to Gen Blue 16s for Daniel Christodoulou