Junior Wallabies coach Nathan Grey is edging closer to selecting a final squad for the Oceania U20s tournament in July this year. 

With the U20s World Cup cancelled, the tournament will be the only chance we get to watch the Junior Wallabies in action this year but a handful of players in the preliminary 45-man training squad have already caught our attention in club rugby. 

Considering these boys are still eligible to play 20s, their performances against men in first grade over the past two years are worth making note of. 

Mosese Tuipulotu – Eastern Suburbs

Tuipulotu is a big, strong ball carrying centre with ball skills and last year as a 19 year-old, was one of the Beasties best backs towards the pointy end of the season. 

In the Hunter Paisami mould, Tuipulotu has tremendous upside and is only going to get better as he continues to learn how to use that big, skilful body of his. 

We should get a good indication of just how good he might be when he returns to play under age rugby later this year. 

Mac Grealy – University of QLD

A schoolboy prodigy, it didn’t take Mac Grealy long to work his way into the UQ starting XV in his first year out of school in 2020. 

Grealy has speed, footwork and x-factor to burn but is equally as valuable in defence, particularly at fullback. 

Another that will only improve as he grows into his body. 

Hugh Bokenham – Sydney Uni

Bokenham was part of an enormous Sydney Uni colts forward pack in 2020 and played first grade off the bench on a handful of occasions. 

He made his run on debut last weekend at lock and finished the match with five turnovers. 

Will Roach – University of QLD

An Australian Schoolboys teammate of Hugh Bokenham, Roach is a hard, over the ball No.7 who goes and goes and goes. 

In the Will Miller mould, Roach played his way into the Red Heavies starting side in his first year out of school last year and although there are a few talented backrowers ahead of him at the Reds, Roach’s form suggests Super Rugby isn’t too far away.  

Dion Samuela – Bond University

Samuela stared as a schoolboy and was chased by a handful of NRL clubs before choosing to stay in rugby. 

He’s played his way into a Bond Uni backline that is arguably the most potent in the competition. After missing his chance to play 20s last season, the outside back’s incredible footwork will likely cause massive headaches against kids his own age.