Aus Schools Rugby Champs: Day 1, 2 and 3 wrap, results, standout players named
The Australian Schools Rugby Championship pool matches are in the books, with a number of rising stars showcasing their skills and lifting their teams to victory. With national selection and finals around the corner, see which players have been key.
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It was a change of venue for day three of the Australian Schools Rugby Championships with the under-16 and open girls playing their final pool matches at the Novotel resort.
The field, which has hosted a number of professional NRL and rugby union sides, showcased the next generation of rising stars as they battled it out for an Australian jersey ahead of finals on Friday.
Open girls Lloyd McDermott Rugby Development Team captain Reese Orcher said her side had enjoyed the tournament so far.
“It’s really cool to come together as we get to know each other and play some good footy,” she said.
“We came into a three-day camp before the tournament so it was good to meet all the girls and get things sorted as much as we could.”
Originally established in 1991 as a rugby based organisation to provide opportunities and education to enrich the lives of indigenous children, ‘the Lloydies’ has significantly shaped the Rugby landscape and had a profound impact on the broader First Nations community.
This year’s team is made up of players from across Queensland and New South Wales.
“We really get along as a group off the field so the main focus has been transfering that onto the field and through our footy,” Orcher, a Clayfield College student, said.
“We’ve definitely got a lot of weapons in our side, we just have to use them to the best of our ability.”
See which players shone on day three from the girls divisions along with coverage from day one and two below.
OPEN GIRLS
Georgina Hayes (ACT)
Despite the tough run of results Hayes was a shining light for her side with non-stop efforts on both sides of the ball.
She linked up well with teammate Lahni Hall in the opening match.
Shalom Sauaso, Madison Pomerenke and Nikeisha Ngaru (QLD Maroon)
Were three standouts in their opening matches on day two and each followed that up with some more impressive displays on Thursday.
Caoimhe Waldron (NSW 2)
Stepped up massively for her side as she produced a really solid work rate and strong carries of the footy.
Was a menace at the breakdown and eagerly avoided by opposition players in defence.
Maia Madden-Khan (NSW 1)
Was a key standout again that attracted plenty of eyeballs when she got her hands on the footy.
Is extremely light on her toes and has an insane amount of pace.
Manaia-Rose Afuie (QLD White)
Had great chat on both sides of the ball and was very effective in the defensive line.
The Marsden State High School student had a crack every time she touched the ball, creating good opportunities for her side.
Mia Vines (QLD White)
Was slow to begin on day one but came out firing on Thursday as she showed glimpses of her explosive attacking displays.
Was confident in defence with a number of chase down and one-on-one tackles.
Maronay Smuts (NSW 1)
Was extremely vocal in every game, helping her teammates find their spot in attack and defence.
With the ball the Hunter Sports High student controlled the attack really well and was a constant threat out wide.
U16 GIRLS
Kaia Skeen (QLD Maroon)
Brought plenty of energy to her team all game with solid situational awareness.
Skeen was strong in both defence and attack as she always seemed to have room to move when she got hands on the footy.
Linked up well with Aaliya Lama and outside speedster Matilda Richards.
Poppy Gibbons (QLD White)
Was extremely damaging in attack and hardly missed a tackle all day.
The QLD White captain is a true competitor that gives her all on every play.
Ellazae Ellers (LMRDT)
The Lordies captain started slow but progressed strongly as the tournament went on.
Eller’s ball control, kicking game and communication to the players around her proved to be the difference.
Jenna Aiono (VIC)
Was a joy to watch as she was always smiling no matter the scoreline or minute of the match.
The Copperfield College student was a key spark for her side creating a multitude of opportunities.
Ruby Clayton (NSW 2)
Was strong and powerful in the middle all day long but also used her good ball playing skills to offload or put her teammates into space.
Possess a lovely long and short passing game.
Emily Jackwitz (QLD White)
The young rising star was a standout in defence but also showed her rugby IQ in attack with some lovely intuition and short side plays.
Aamira Renouf (LMRDT)
Was electric all day again and had plenty of highlight plays in attack and through chase down tackles in defence.
Imogen Crowe (NSW 1)
Was a damaging force in the middle, bending the line every time she touched the ball.
Copped a heavy knock on Thursday but showed guts and determination to play through.
Tiki Caliste (QLD Maroon)
Was very dangerous when she got her hands on the footy.
The Kings Christian College student didn’t need much room to move but would make the defence pay with her raw pace.
Annika Mcarthy (NSW 1)
Was a leading try scorer yesterday and she continued her strong form again here.
An exciting rising star.
Carla Nobbs (QLD Maroon)
The Maroon captain showed plenty of grit and determination for her side as she led from the front all day.
Was strong defensively with a great tackling technique and communication.
DAY 2
The poor weather continued at Sunshine Coast Stadium on day two of the Australian Schools Rugby Championships as a number of rising stars put their case forward for Australian selection.
The boys matches were played on the back field while the open and under-16 girls took centre stage for their opening games.
Queensland open girls talent Madison Pomerenke, a James Nash State High School Student, was thrilled to be playing the tournament on familiar grounds.
“It’s definitely cool to play at home,” she said following the opening match.
“For myself I’d love to keep my communication high and help the more inexperienced girls where I can.
“I know they’re all ready for this tournament so it’s important we trust each other’s abilities and skill sets to get the best out of us all.”
Pomeranke was selected in the Australian under-16 team last year and hoped to improve again in 2024.
Explosive New South Wales outside back Maia Madden-Khan, who has also tasted Australian honours, opened the tournament with a three-try haul against Queensland White.
“I was really nervous before kick off but once I scored I settled down a bit,” she said.
“It’s great to be back playing with the girls and in this special tournament.”
Madden-Khan, who attends Central Coast Sports College and plays for Terrigal Trojans, is in her fourth year of sevens rugby.
“Everyone is really supportive of each other, if someone makes a mistake we’ll all be there to make sure they’re okay and look at what we can do next,” she said.
“It’s good to get the first games out of the way, I think we just have to stay focused on our game plan and stick to our structure as much as we can.”
See below for every single standout player from all three age divisions.
OPEN GIRLS
Shalom Sauaso (QLD Maroon)
Was explosive all day for putting on big defensive hits and showed off her impressive leg drive and right arm fend.
Sauaso, who attends Ipswich State High School and represented the Australian under-16s side in 2023l, kicked well, showed her class with the ball in hand, created space and opportunities for the players around her.
Evie Sampson (QLD White)
Was another standout performer on day one, scoring a handful of exciting tries from space and strong running lines.
The Kings Christian College student provided her team and the crowd with plenty of highlight plays and will no doubt look to continue her form as the tournament continues.
Maia Madden-Khan (NSW 1)
Open space seemed to be free real estate for Madden-Khan who soared to the top of the try scorers list on day one.
The rising star, who played in the under-16 Australia side last year, was clinical all day for her side making big tackles and explosive runs from anywhere on the field.
Madison Pomerenke (QLD Maroon)
An effective ball playing middle who was dominant in every match.
Pomerenke, who represented the under-16 Australian side last year, showcased her passing, communication, kicking and tackling attributes.
Georgina Hayes (ACT)
Despite the wet, slippery and tough conditions, Hayes was the effort player of the day.
She produced a number of strong effort plays defensively and with the ball in hand was her side’s go to playmaker.
She played great ‘eyes-up footy’ and kicked well to add extra points for her side.
Saxbii Shaw (NSW 2)
The flashy outside back was most frequent on the edge or out the back for her side as she finished off a number of good team plays.
Laura-May McGovern (QLD White)
The local Sunshine Coast star was consistent all day, controlling the speed of the game well.
She had good ruck smarts and positively disturbed the ball to her teammates.
Nikeisha Ngaru (QLD Maroon)
Had a great in-and-away movement which only added to her dynamic footwork and pace on the edge.
Ngaru, who is a Marsden SHS student, possessed a good short passing game and punched above her weight defensively in every match.
Logan Lemusu (NSW 1)
Lemusu is a well known name in the rugby league and union community after being awarded player of the match in the recent NSW City vs Country representative match.
She was a contrasting threat with the ball creating good momentum and try scoring opportunities.
BOYS XV
VIC 13 def Combined Schools 12
Jackson Jury (VIC)
The crafty flyhalf had a steady showing and got the best out of those around him, before answering the call in the final moments with a match winning conversion.
Just moments prior Jury attempted a 60m penalty goal from in front, with the wind swirling and rain pouring down.
It fell short but he wasn’t going to let the second chance go begging, with the young playmaker sneaking a penalty goal, 15m in from the left touchline, between the posts to snare a thrilling one point victory.
QLD 22 def ACT nil
Ben Davis (QLD I)
The tireless No.8 played another cracking performance which powered Queensland to their first win of the campaign.
While lineouts didn’t go Queensland’s way, Davis’ work over the ball, rushing up in defence and marching his team forward with the ball was enough to get him in the Australian Schoolboys side.
Trent Picot (QLD I)
Wow. Does this kid ever stop working?
The Brisbane State High flanker showed his V8 engine with a workhorse 60 minute performance where he challenged breakdown after breakdown.
The elite GPS First XV backrower and Connell Cup Under-17s representative rugby league talent deserved half a dozen more penalties called in his favour.
Huw Griffiths and Manaaki Bateman (QLD)
The work of Huw Griffiths and Manaaki Bateman was to be admired. Both hookers, the abrasive AIC schoolboys worked their backside off.
Bateman was post contact metre king while Griffiths’ mistake free game where he scrummed well was everything for the victors.
Jezaaiah Sega (ACT)
Gungahlin College loosehead prop Sega had another rip-roaring showing on day two of the championships.
Although his team didn’t get the chocolates, Sega’s impact through the middle of the field was deserving of a win and with Henry Laidler, Brad Patmore, Pat Edwards and Ben Martens his tight five accomplices, ACT stepped up to the plate and kept Queensland scoreless until the 35th minute.
NSWJRU 17 def QLD II 3
Tom Farr-Jones (NSWJRU)
New South Wales right wing Tom Farr-Jones was a big time player, scoring two of his team’s three tries - the second a decisive five-pointer.
The smart between the ears flyhalf scored off a brilliant quick tap for his double and did a superb job organising the attack in the face of a pressuring defensive line.
He comes from a great pedigree - his uncle Nick was a decorated Wallaby halfback and captain who led Australia to the 1991 World Cup.
Sebastian Elizondo (NSWJRU)
He isn’t the biggest fullback but he plays like he is.
A slight fullback who was very elusive in Wednesday’s wet weather skirmish against Queensland, Elizondo was at his most threatening collecting the ball from fullback and counterattacking.
Seamus Boakes (QLD II)
What an asset utility back Seamus Boakes will be for the Brisbane State High First XV when their GPS campaign kicks off against Toowoomba Grammar on Saturday, July 13.
The classy playmaker kicked Queensland out of trouble on a few occasions and showed Tuesday’s 50m penalty goal was no fluke with another cracking penalty goal.
He is a sniper whose kicking in general play is excellent.
James Finegan (NSWJRU)
Here, there and everywhere Finegan announced himself as an all-or-nothing performer for the Juniors.
A lock from Waverley College who is playing Colts rugby with Randwick, 2023 graduate Finegan was fierce and ferocious in general play and if there was a man of the match award it was his to lose.
Harry Scheibel (QLD II)
You could not ask for much more from your lock.
A big, hardworking second rower from Ipswich Grammar, Scheibel stuck his head down and got to work and stayed the course when things weren’t going his way.
He bobbed up everywhere.
NSW II 19 def NSW I 12
Charlie Blank (NSW II)
The performance of the St Augustine’s flanker eclipsed what got NSW II home.
He was all effort. When he got knocked down he got back up and went again and when the rain poured down, he led NSW II’s smart pick and drive assault and then maintained the rage in the final stages when his rivals edged towards the tryline in pursuit of a try which could have tied the scores.
He was terrific.
Cooper Watters (NSW II)
With the game in the balance and the scores equal at 12-all, NSW II outside centre Cooper Watters rose to score the all-important go ahead try which won the game for his side.
The headgear wearing midfielder shed a tackle on his way to scoring, and converted the extras to take a 19-12 lead and a crucial advantage heading into the final 10 minutes of a frantic wet weather finish.
U16 GIRLS
Annika Mcarthy (NSW 1)
Led from the front all day for her side, showing a real want to have the footy in her hands. The Hunter Sports High School student was powerful in attack and opponents looked to avoid her in defence.
Taliah Anderson (LMRDT)
The Keebra Park SHS student was her team’s vice-captain and as the day progressed, began to play a more expansive style of footy. Anderson crossed for a double against ACT and showed good athletic ability when offloading the footy.
Erin Krenmayr (NSW 2)
Controlled the game really well for her side, speeding it up or slowing it down when necessary. The Marist Sisters College student took plenty of tough carries as well as on-point cut out balls.
Emily Jackwitz (QLD White)
Was a workhorse all day for her side making a countless amount of tackles and try saving efforts. She was strong at the breakdown and was well supported by her teammates .
Kanisha Green (LMRDT)
Produced glimpses of promising individual and team attacking plays thanks to her smart footwork and acceleration off the mark.
Lily Bain (QLD White)
Another Sunshine Coast local talent, Bain, seemed to have plenty of fuel in the tank as she gave extra effort to be there for her teammates. The Caloundra SHS student was dangerous with the ball, taking it to the line well before passing or slicing through herself.
Amealia-Rose Hoiss (QLD White)
Small in stature but electric with the ball in hand as she burnt a number of opposition players. On the other side of the ball Hoiss held her own with good chopping tackles.
Aamira Renouf (LMRDT)
The Sunshine Coast Falcons talent was a joy to watch on day one possessing some serious speed and agility to cross the try line multiple times.
DAY 1
New South Wales I fullback Jai Callaghan produced a wonderful 30 minute showcase in the first half of Tuesday’s Boys XV game against the ACT to inspire his side to a 22-0 halftime lead - and subsequent victory.
AUS SCHOOLS RUGBY CHAMPS MATCH COVERAGE
The livewire fullback from the Shore School had his prints all over New South Wales’ four try barrage to start the team’s Australian Schools Rugby Championships campaign in style.
Callaghan, who is signed by the Sydney Roosters, has only been playing rugby for eight months.
“The fields were obviously a bit wet, the balls slippery but it was alright and good to get the carnival going,” said Callaghan after helping his side score a 22-point-victory.
“I just want to try and be involved or around the footy as much as I can,” he said.
“I made a few mistakes but was happy in patches and it just gives me more things I can work on in the next game.
“Every team has strong attacking weapons so our focus is minimising our errors and giving ourselves the best field position to create points.”
AUS SCHOOLS RUGBY CHAMPS PLAYERS TO WATCH
A Year 11 student, Callaghan has been likened to Brisbane Broncos star Reece Walsh with his elusive running game steaming onto the ball his biggest asset.
The Central Coast Roosters Harold Matthews selection has the same hairstyle as Walsh, and that unique ability to create overlaps.
The exciting youngster set up three of New South Wales’ four first half tries, staking an early claim on Australian Schoolboys selection.
The best of the bunch was a chip kick which was regathered and scored by Reilly Caswell but his elusive ball playing five minutes earlier to get his other wing Max Roach over in the right corner was equally as impressive.
In the following game it was NSWJRU tighthead prop Felix Harvison who was the standout performer despite a flurry of points from both teams.
Plenty of errors resulted in plenty of set plays for both sides as NSWJRU ran away with a 33-17 scoreline.
Harvison said despite the rain and constant win, he loved the battle.
“It was very tough, very physical and plenty of mistakes but it also had high energy and high tempo which was fun,” he said.
“Both forward packs were trying their hardest, especially in the scrums which is what our job is.
“I was pretty happy with my game, good to get a meat pie before I came off and I just loved every minute so hopefully there’s some more good games to come.”
DAY ONE TOP PERFORMERS
QLD II 8 def Combined States 7
Liam Walsh (9, Combined States)
The Sydney Uni product stamped his feet early as his side dominated the opening half against Queensland 2.
Walsh continued to apply the pressure to Qld’s back three in slippery, tough conditions.
Provided his forward pack with strong chat, controlled the ruck well and produced good kicking options when required.
Dane Mitchell (15, Combined States)
Mitchell picked up where he left off with a strong opening performance against QLD 2.
The West Harbour star represented NSW 2 in 2023 before earning selection as the starting number 15 for the Australian Schoolboys side.
In his opening match he was strong in attack with a nice individual running game, kicked well and provided good options for his outside men.
Seamus Boakes (10, QLD II)
The QLD II vice-captain struggled to get going early, as did his team who lacked any true field position and ball control.
The tide turned in the second half as Boakes kicked his side into good attacking areas before booting a 50m penalty attempt which ultimately proved the difference.
Oscar Affleck (8, Combined States)
Was his side’s go to forward for every carry with strong leg drive always looked to offload the ball when possible.
Affleck runs like there’s nobody in front of him and puts the defence in two minds with every attempt.
NSW I 29 def ACT 7
Nathaniel Gallagher (8, NSW I)
It was a strong performance by the Sky Blue forwards, with front rowers Hayden Lavercombe, Max Meagher, Keegan Daly and flanker Oliver Aboud all excellent.
But the pick of the bunch, especially in the first half, had to have been No.8 Nathaniel Gallagher who made in impact on both sides of the ball.
He was physical in contact, forcing a dropped ball with a big hit, and his clean outs and tough carries swung momentum in his team’s favour.
Jai Callaghan (15, NSW I)
As mentioned above, the New South Wales fullback had the Midas touch in a stirring 60 minute showcase which saw him get the best out of wingers Max Roach and Reilly Caswell.
The youngster has vision and when he spotted an overlap his quick step and pass allowed New South Wales to capitalise and score.
He finished with three try assists and a five-pointer.
Jezaiah Sega, Henry Laidler and Brad Patmore (ACT)
Matching the energy of the New South Welshmen was this powerful front row trio from the nation’s capital.
The terrific trio were tireless, mountain movers in the scrum and excellent in close quarter battle where they threatened to score and prevented a handful of tries with their telling defence.
Jonty Fowler (10, NSW I)
It was a case of deja-vu watching the class of Jonty Fowler influence the New South Wales performance.
His older brother Joey wore Sky Blue in 2022 representing the Waratahs Under-18s and the touches of class seen by Joey, were evident in Jonty’s positive 60 minute display.
Like his older brother, St Joseph’s College playmaker Jonty used the wind in his favour and had a booming kicking game which saw ACT play most of the game in their half.
NSWJRU 33 def VIC 17
Felix Harvison (3, NSWJRU)
An elite opening game performance from the tighthead prop who was everywhere against VIC.
Harvison, a Manly product, showed his big motor and aggression at each and every contest.
His calm running and short passing skills were capped off thanks to a try in the second half.
Mapo Fisu (6, VIC)
The blindside flanker brought plenty of energy to his forward pack all game with solid situational awareness.
He was strong in both defence and attack as he always seemed to have room to move when he got his hands on the footy.
The Grange College student finished the match with a try thanks to some good tip-on passing.
Mitchell Holmes (13, NSWJRU)
Found himself in a back and forth game against VIC but showed solid glimpses of attacking prowess as he created a number of breaks and opportunities for his outside men.
He was a handful for his opposite number, slicing through before getting the ball away for centre pairing Joe Harvey to score and followed that up with a great individual blitz in the second half.
Jackson Jury (10, VIC)
The VIC vice-captain was a true livewire against NSWJRU getting his hands on the footy as much as possible.
He definitely made waves early with a short, sharp stepping game along with solid bursts of speed to break the line.
A try in the second half best showcased his skills when slicing through the defence before linking up with Brighton Grammar School teammate Connor Tyler to score in the corner.
Jakim Ngatoko (9, VIC)
The Hampton Park Secondary College student was a joy to watch for spectators.
His long, wavy hair was at every ruck as he possessed a solid, bullet pass that hit his teammates on the chest or in the bread basket every time.
NSW II 22 DEF QLD I 8
Kingbenjamin Swirling (QLD I)
The big man from John Paul College in the sporting rich Logan City was top notch for 40 minutes before reinforcements were given their chance to shine.
Swirling played as an inside centre in JPC’s First XV last year and has moulded himself into a quality front rower who on Tuesday, scrummed hard, lifted in the lineouts, won a crucial pilfer and pulled off a couple of thumping hits.
Ben Davis (QLD I)
Named in News Corp’s AIC First XV rugby Team of the Season for two successive seasons, mobile No.8 Ben Davis continued to enhance his reputation with a quality 60 minute performance.
Davis’ workrate was easy to see. The headgear wearing sporting all-rounder won his lineouts, stuck his tackles and with the ball in hand made plenty of metres.
His flanker Trent Picot was immense over the ball and was unlucky not to have earned more penalties.
Callum Simpson (QLD I)
The composed Queensland flyhalf utilised his booming kicking game to relieve pressure off his side, who for much of the game were on the back foot.
A Somerset College senior, Simpson has been playing in the Colts 1 club rugby competition, an Under-20s competition, as a schoolboy for two seasons.
Nate Thompson (QLD I)
The most potent attacking player on Tuesday, Maroochydore Swans junior and Siena Catholic College 16-year-old Thompson was first class in a losing effort.
The fleet-footed fullback looked the most likely and Queensland applied the most pressure on the back of his dangerous counterattacking play.
Tye Jecks (NSW II)
Not often does a flyhalf opt to run rather than kick when in their own 22 but when you can muster pace as fast as Knox Grammar playmaker Tye Jecks why not?
The slight No.10 was threatening, pinning his ears back and attacking the line, on multiple occasions making half breaks to get New South Wales off the back foot and well over the advantage line.
His running game was superb.
Chayse Geros (NSW II)
In slippery conditions, the scheming scrumhalf from St Augustine’s College did well to make no mistakes.
His service was on the money, he directed his forwards well and when he spotted space he wasn’t afraid to go himself.
Cameron Paull, Charles Ghattas and Flynn Clatworthy (NSW II)
Cameron Paull, Charles Ghattas and Flynn Clatworthy were colossal in a dominant scrummaging performance by the New South Welshmen.
Almost every time these three engineered a scrum that went forward and when they were close to Queensland’s tryline, they spearheaded a successful rolling maul which the opposition had no answers for.
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Originally published as Aus Schools Rugby Champs: Day 1, 2 and 3 wrap, results, standout players named
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