NSW Wararahs Gen Blues v Queensland Reds Academy: stars, standouts, photos, junior rugby

Their plane was late and games were delayed but the Gen Blue were all business in their matches against the Queensland Reds Academy on a wet and wild weekend. Stars and standouts.

Nine different players went over for the NSW Waratah Gen Blues Academy teams in their two matches against the Queensland Reds Academy on a wet and wild match day in Brisbane.

After two years of Covid cancellations, the intensity was high and the matches did not disappoint with some of the best young rugby talent in the country running out for the two states.

AUS SCHOOLS: GIRL POWER AND CRACKING ACTION

AUS SCHOOLS: HISTORY AND HEROICS

AUS SCHOOLS: BIG HITS, BIG WINS

Action in the Gen Blues v Queensland Reds U18 games. Pic: Richard Li

Gen Blues under 18s players were able to push the stress of flights disruptions and the challenging conditions aside for two big victories over their Queensland counterparts.

“We are really happy,” said Waratahs rugby talent identification manager Andrew Cleverley.

“The boys played brilliantly, they were really well coached and we and the results were good.”

The conditions in Saturday’s games were tricky. Pic: Richard Li

Angus Staniforth (GPS, The Kings School), Oscar Jorgensen (GPS, St Joseph’s College), Jackson Ropata (Southern Districts) and James McGregor (GPS, Newington College) all scored tries in the Gen Blues II’s 31–12 victory over the Queensland Reds Academy white side.

The Gen Blues dominated the try line in both games.

An inform Henry James (GPS, The Scots College) turned plenty of heads, deadly accurate with four conversions and a penalty kick.

Recent matches between the two Academies fell foul of Covid restrictions. Pic: Richard Li

Cleverly identified James as the Gen Blues player of the match.

“We thought Henry James, our five eighth, played really well in the conditions,’’ he said.

The matches were played after a delay due to the late arrival of the NSW players.

“Jackson Ropata was also outstanding, he was really good.

“And I think that our forwards had a big impact. They got down and dirty and got into it and got the job done.’’

Action in the Gen Blues v Queensland Reds U18 game. Pic: Richard Li

The Gen Blues had just last week to train for the matches. Pic: Richard Li

In the second match between Gen Blue I and Queensland Reds Academy, the NSW young guns - named in the Gen Blues squad just over a week ago and spending limited time together prior to the weekend matches - again dominated with a 32–13 victory.

Some of the best junior players in the country were involved. Pic: Richard Li

MORE RUGBY

Rough diamond, great finisher. Gen Blues to watch

Rugby this teens happy place

Schooled! Seven heaven for CHS girls

Who made the cut? Sydney, Country guns storm teams

Winners and grinner from state titles

Vice-captain Max Jorgensen (GPS, St Joseph’s College), Jack Barrett (GPS, St Joseph’s), Ronan Leahy (GPS, St Joseph’s) Archie Saunders (CAS, Knox Grammar) and Jacob Veiru (GPS Newington) all went over for the Gen Blue’s.

Joey Fowler (GPS, St Joseph’s College) converted two and nailed two penalties.

“Max Jorgensen was great, Joey Fowler at five eighth and Ronan Lahey at 13 played really well and Archie Saunders got into it.

“Jack Barrett was out man of the match.

“We use players of the bench from the number twos and ones and they also contributed well.”

MORE FROM AMANDA LULHAM HERE

Originally published as NSW Wararahs Gen Blues v Queensland Reds Academy: stars, standouts, photos, junior rugby