Photos: Sydney, Country rugby juniors take on GPS sides as hunt for rep spots heats up

The state’s best young rugby union players have given a glimpse of the skills scouts are on the hunt for as they piece together junior rep and Gen Blues teams. PHOTO GALLERY.

Amanda Lulham

@amandalulham

2 min read

June 26, 2022 - 11:58AM

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A university student and an apprentice carpenter lead the Sydney Juniors to an entertaining 36-36 draw against GPS Blue in a trial match at Shore playing fields at Northbridge on Tuesday.

Macquarie Uni student and captain Harry Agar said he was pleased Sydney escaped with the draw but would like to see a better performance in their next outing at the NSW school event at Eric Tweedale stadium on Friday.

SYDNEY, COUNTRY TEENS IN REP TEAMS

The Sydney v GPS Blue match. Pic: Jeremy Piper

“It was a good hitout and both sides played really well,’’ said the 18-year-old from Cremorne.

“But we believe we are capable of more.’’

A lineout in the close match.

Like may of his teammates, Agar, playing colts with the Northern Suburbs club, is hoping consistently strong performances could earn him a place in a Gen Blues squad being worked on by selectors this week.

“The main priority though is this team. You have to let your results do the talking,’’ he said.

A big clash in the Sydney. Sydney v GPS Blue match.

Sydney vice-captain Jackson Ropati from Campbelltown is also hoping the side can produce better rugby - and a win - in their next game.

“Around 80 per cent of us are at school and about 20 per cent of us have jobs or are studying,’’ said the third-year apprentice carpenter of the Sydney side.

A GPS Blue’s player on the burst.

Ropati, in the colts program at Southern Districts, is also a contender for a place in the soon-to-be revealed Gen Blues squad.

Sydney playing GPS Blue on Tuesday.

Action in the junior rugby on Tuesday.

In an earlier match on Tuesday, Country were beaten 69-19 by GPS White but it will only fire up the country side for their next outing - a match at the NSW schools championships at Eric Tweedale Stadium against AICES on Friday - according to their captain.

Action in the Country v GPS White match. Pic: Jeremy Piper

“It wasn’t the result we wanted, not our best day,” said Country captain Stirling Munsie from the TAS school Armidale.

“That loss hurt.’’

Play in the Country v GPS White match at Northbridge.

The 17-year-old hopes to make the Gen Blues U18 team and is already on the radar of Sydney Shute Shield clubs who have been in contact with the teenager.

“I’ve been in the country team twice before and made NSW Junior’s last year before Covid,” he said.

“Gen Blues is the big goal.’’