City v Country junior rugby: Waratahs U16 spots up for grabs, early standouts for squad

Top city and country rugby teens have the chance to force their way into the Waratah U16 squad with ‘four to five’ spots there for the taking at the final trial in Bathurst.

Samuela Sorovi acrobatic attempt to score at last year’s City v Country carnival in Maitland. Picture: Julian Andrews

There’s been speed, grit and good skills on display but there are still positions to be fought for in the Waratahs U16 squad at the City v Country rugby festival at Bathurst this weekend.

Selectors have been putting young talent through their paces in a range of events and trials with the City v County festival their last chance for the teens to impress.

Waratahs head of talent Andrew Cleverley said there is opportunity for players to push themselves forward this weekend before the squad is named next week.

“We will go up and watch City v Country. There are still positions to play for,’’ he said.

“There are four, maybe five positions still to fill.

“In the back row, the front row and one more midfielder.’’

Samuela Sorovi at a previous City v Country.

The carnival at Bathurst showcases not just the best young talent in the sport but the long – and at times ferocious – rivalry between City and Country teenagers in both the boys and girls game.

Cleverley said a number of players have stood out during recent trials ahead of the selection for the squad to mount a defence of their Super Rugby U16s title later this year.

The under 16 Boys Ella Cup Game at City v Country last year.

“What has impressed me is probably the speed,’’ he said.

“Jarryd King (Gen Blue 15s squad last year) and Samuela Sorovi (in the Sydney team for City v Country) have been showing good speed, Jack Kalms (City team) too.’’

Cleverly said he and selectors will also monitor the U15s matches ahead of the Next Gen Cup at Camden in September and the U18s matches with the U19 Waratahs squad in mind now and in the future.

The Waratahs have been undefeated in the Super Rugby U16 competition and will enter the event for the second time as defending champions.

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Originally published as City v Country junior rugby: Waratahs U16 spots up for grabs, early standouts for squad