2017 Australian Schoolboys Trials: 8 Players To Watch
The 2017 Australian Schools Championships will be held at Riverview in Sydney this week with over 180 young players vying for selection in the Australian Schools and Australian Schools Barbarians sides. Here are eight players to watch this week:
NSW I – Ben Donaldson (Waverley)
Waverley flyhalf Ben Donaldson was brilliant in CAS’ upset win over GPS, scoring 16 of his sides 26 points.
“Ben was really impressive in the trials and has had a great preparation so I think he’ll have a big week,” White said.
NSW II – Hunter Ward (St Stanislaus’ Bathurst)
Stannies No.8 Hunter Ward is big and strong and impressed for ISA throughout the trials, according to White.
QLD I – Trevor Hosea (Brisbane Boys’ College)
Victorian born lock Trevor Hosea signed a deal with the Melbourne Rebels last year and adds plenty of size and athleticism to the QLD I forward pack.
QLD II – Josh Vetu (Somerset College)
QLD II halfback Josh Vetu returns to the Australian Schools Championship for the third time this year.
ACT – Lachlan Lonergan (Trinity Christian School)
Brother of Brumbies recruit Ryan, Lachlan Lonergan returns for ACT after being selected in the Australian Schoolboys side last year.
Victoria – Player to watch – Sione Tui (St Kevin’s College)
St Kevin’s College fullback Sione Tui played with the Melbourne Rebels U20s side this year as a 17 year old and is a powerful ball runner.
Western Australia – Brody MacAskill (Aranmore Catholic College)
WA No.8 Brody MacAskill is another player who featured heavily in this year’s Super 20s competition and will captain the side.
Combined States – Emosi Tuqiri (Marist College, Asgrove)
16 year old Emosi Tuqiri is 190cm, 125kg and a cousin of Lote Tuqiri, Tevita Kuridrani and Nemani Nadolo.
His highlights reel has been viewed almost 70,000 times and he’s drawn comparisons to the Tongan Thor.