NSW Juniors, a side picked from club players, school leavers and players not selected in the NSW I or NSW II sides, will have a chance to win back-to-back Australian Schools Championships this week after they upset QLD I on Wednesday.

The annual U18s tournament has been shifted to the Sunshine Coast this year, but rain and dreary conditions have impacted ball handling across the opening two days.

NSW Juniors will face NSW II in the final on Friday after NSW II upset NSW I in Wednesday’s semi final.

NSW I will face QLD I in the third place playoff.

Queensland sides have struggled at the tournament so far and the decision by most GPS schools to stop their players from trialling appears to be impacting results. The 10-round QLD GPS competition begins next Saturday.

Despite the poor conditions, a number of players have still caught the eye.

Head to NSW Rugby TV to watch replays of every match and to watch the finals on Friday.

Standout Performers

Cooper Watters - NSW II No.13/St Stanislaus College, Bathurst

Stannies outside back Cooper Watters scored 14 of his side’s 19 points in Wednesday’s upset win over NSW I, crossing for two tries in wet conditions.