City v Country junior rugby: why Dellacruz Paita has chosen rugby over rugby league

He’s a rising star of rugby union with a dream of playing for the NSW Waratahs but his uncle played rugby league and his younger brother is ripping it up in the same code.

Dellacruz Paita. left, playing in a trial game for Sydney Juniors.

Dellacruz Paita has tested the waters in both rugby league and union but it is in the latter he has found his home.

After playing at the Australian Schools rugby championship earlier this month, the Drummoyne Dirty Reds player and Gordon Colt is now preparing for the City v Country match in Bathurst on July 31.

It’s another opportunity for the 18-year-old to impress and move a step closer to this dream of joining a Super Rugby club Academy.

Dellacruz Paita, left, has big goals in rugby. Pic: John Appleyard

“I used to do both, union on Saturday and league on Sundays,” said Paita, who graduated from St Joseph’s College last year.

“I played SG Ball last year for the Wests Tigers. I was young in the team and coming off the bench.

“It’s a bit much to do both now and I’ve had some good opportunities in union.”

Young rugby player Dellacruz Paita and his family.

Paita, who is studying project management at UTS, moved with his family to Australian from PNG at the age of one with his mother Praisy and brother Amram now all living at Drummoyne.

“Most of my family loved rugby league, my uncle played for the Kumils in PNG,’’ he said.

“Amram is 15 and playing in the West Tigers development squad. He’s really prospering in rugby league. He’s a good player.“

“My aspirations are to make a Super Rugby Academy like the Waratahs or Brumbies and play Australian Under 18s.’’

Sydney’s Freddie Toon with teammates at a trial match at Eric Tweedale Oval. Pic: John Appleyard

Paita said he hopes one day to be watching his bother playing for the Tigers from the sidelines and have his brother then watch him play for the Waratahs.

The City v Country U18 match is part of an all-day schedule of matches at Bathurst on August 31.

“It will be a good clash. The country boys are definitely tough. They play with a lot of heart,’’ he said.

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Originally published as City v Country junior rugby: why Dellacruz Paita has chosen rugby over rugby league