City v Country U14 rugby players to watch include son of a Waratah, standout fly half, tall timber
There’s a son of a gun who couldn’t be more different from his famous dad with a rugby IQ ‘off the charts’. U14 guns to watch at City v Country rugby this weekend.
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They are super tall, super talented and super determined to get the better of their rivals and this weekend the future of rugby is on show at the U14s boys City v Country battle at Newcastle.
It’s the youngest age group at the annual tournament but often produces the most fiercely contested matches of the annual City v Country fixture - the U14s battle for the Tim Gavin Shield.
And 2025 doesn’t look like being any different.
Both City and Country will be sending out some exceptional players this year at the tournament at Newcastle.
We’ve had a chat to coaches Byron Badzmirowski and James Austin to discover some of the best talent in the age, future champions of the sport and interesting players to watch in the U14s City v Country clash.
And they’ve come up with some great youngsters to watch on Sunday from teams they believe are as good as any they have seen in this age.
U14s Players to Watch from Sydney City
Sudip Bhetwai, Eastwood
Sudip is a very tall lock at six foot plus who is also mobile and strong. A great all around player.
Malakye Beven, Eastwood
An outside centre and very powerful. A very good. ball carrier and a strong defender.
Karepe Faulkner, South’s
Son of tight five forward Tetera Faulkner. While his dad was a prop Karepe is a flyer and couldn’t be more different. Old head on his shoulder and his rugby IQ is “off the charts”. “Woozwe, he’s quick.” said his coach. Can break open a game.
Jacoby Neal, Gordon
An open side flanker with a great work ethic. He is forever over the ball. Jacoby has an excellent work rate.
Jack Austin, Eastwood
Coming back after an injury and a very good all-round player. A hooker who will inject something off the bench.
U14s Players to Watch from NSW Country
Sean Mahoney, Central Coast
A No 10, he was one of the standouts at fly half at the junior state champs in June. Arguably No. 1 in the age group in this position
Beau Hobbs, Central Coast.
A very good flanker with good skills and a teammate of Sean Mahoney at the Kincumber Reds. One to watch for.
DOING RUGBY DIFFERENTLY
TOP SHOTS FROM AUSSIE SCHOOLBOYS
CLASS ACT: SCHOOL GIRL WINNERS
Cruz Carter, Central West
An outside centre for the Country side who has great defence. a tough footballer with a good defensive read.
Gabriel Santarossa, Hunter
Hails from the Maitland Blacks and is a very handy footballer. Interest in how he goes at the City v Country meet.
Eamon Mawn, Far North Coast
A great young bloke who is already around six foot three. Has good hands and passing and an ability to transfer the ball.
Sidney Maxwell, Hunter
Likely to come off the bench with impact. A great communicator with organisational skills. Fly half or fullback.
CITY V COUNTRY RUGBY 2025 SCHEDULE
8.45am Field 1 U14 Boys, Tim Gavin Shield
9.55am Field 1 U14 Girls, Sponsors Plate
11.05am Field 1 U15 Boys Steve Tuynman Cup
12.15pm Field 1 U16 Girls Mahalia Murphy Shield
1.35pm Field 1 U16 Boys Ella Cup
2.55pm Field 1 U18 Girls Grace Hamilton Shield
4.15pm Field 1 U18 Boys Michael Brial Cup
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Originally published as City v Country U14 rugby players to watch include son of a Waratah, standout fly half, tall timber
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