Schoolboy rugby rising star, Warringah Rat Savelio Tamale in Gen Blues squad

Savelio Tamale hasn’t played a lot of rep footy until recently but that’s about to change for this rising star heading north this weekend for an important junior rugby clash.

Rugby is Savelio Tamale’s happy place.

A place where the teenager can unleash his competitive side, hone his skills and play shoulder-to-shoulder with his mates.

Now, after impressing selectors at a series of recent trials, the 17-year-old’s new happy place is in the Gen Blues squad preparing to take on their counterparts at the Queensland Reds.

CCC's Savelio Tamale on the charge in trial matches. Pic: John Appleyard

“It is a dream,” said the St Paul’s Catholic College Year 12 student playing colts with the Warringah Rats and chosen at inside centre for the Gen Blues.

“My goal was to make the team and I am very grateful.

“I’ve always loved playing and I’m passionate about it. I just love every minute I am in the field.”

Savelio Tamale at Gen Blues training this week. Pic: Supplied

The under 18 squad is Tamale’s first taste of the Gen Blues program identifying the top young talent in the state and preparing them for future success potentially with the NSW Waratahs, Junior Wallabies and potentially the Wallabies.

Tamale, who hopes to study construction or engineering at university next year, grew up playing both rugby league and union with juniors clubs including the Cromer Kingfishers and Narrabeen Tigers.

Sydney Junior player Rodney Blake tackled by CCC's Savelio Tamale in a trial match in June.

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“When I was 15 I made the switch to union and made my first rep with the Warringah Rats,” he said.

“Then I made the Triple C’s (Combined Catholic Colleges) last year and this year the CCC and the Sydney teams.

“I’m also with the Rats first grade colts and they have really helped improved me.”

Now Tamale is meeting many of his Gen Blues teammates for the first time as the squad - split into two for the matches against the Queensland Reds on Saturday - train at NSW Rugby headquarters.

“It’s great. I’m loving it,’’ said the Beacon Hill inside centre sitting his Higher School Certificate this year.

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Originally published as Schoolboy rugby rising star, Warringah Rat Savelio Tamale in Gen Blues squad