While the weather didn’t make things easy for players in last night’s GPS v CAS representative fixtures, a number of players still managed to impress. 

Rugby News kept a close eye on both 1st XV and 2nd XV matches and put a list together, in no particular order, of the standout performers of the evening.  

Clem Halaholo (Waverley) & Fritz Jahke-Tavana (Waverley) – CAS I

The two biggest players on the field from both fixtures, the Waverley locks’ size and physicality was a step above the rest at times. Both players draw comparisons to a young Will Skelton who stood out in a similar fashion playing for CHS in the NSW Schools trials more than a decade ago. 

Archie Saunders (Knox) – CAS I

On a wet evening, Saunders looked dangerous every time he touched the ball and while he probably didn’t get as much opportunity to leave his mark on the match as he would of on a drive track, the big, strong outside centre certainly turned plenty of heads. 

Jonny Chan (Joeys) – GPS I 

Chan had one job on Thursday evening and he executed it to perfection. On a wet night, the big No.12 was asked to straighten the attack and get his side on the front foot and he did so and beat several tackles every time he was asked. A match up against CAS II No.12 Mateo Baldwin would have been interesting to watch. 

Max Jorgensen (Joeys) – GPS I

Didn’t get many opportunities in the wet but Jorgensen made the most with the few he did. A brilliant individual run late in the match swung momentum firmly back in GPS’ favour and led to the match winning try in the 68th minute. 

Jack Barrett, Paddy Burns & Henry Roberts (Joeys) – GPS I

The Joeys front row continued their strong form in Thursday’s representative fixture and dominated their CAS rivals at scrum time. Their work around the field was equally impressive and while they might not be the biggest forwards, they know how to use their bodies. Paddy Burns is quickly becoming one of the best try thief’s GPS rugby has seen. 

Will Johnston (Kings) – GPS I

Johnston was named captain of the GPS side and after his performance last night, you can understand why. The Kings flanker got through a mountain of work and made metres every time he touched the ball. He’s the type of no nonsense No.7 that every team wants. 

Jack Bowen (Riverview) – GPS II

The standout playmaker of the evening, Bowen controlled his match on a wet night better than the other three No.10s and led GPS II to victory. The Riverview flyhalf kicked well and handled several key moments brilliantly, scoring on two occasions. A player to watch. 

Jack Matthews (Riverview) – GPS II

Bowen’s Riverview teammate was equally impressive and also claimed two tries. Matthews ran a great short line to score his side’s first five pointer then displayed brilliant speed to score the best individual try of the evening. His matchup against Joeys fullback Max Jorgensen later this year will be mouthwatering. 

Oniti Finau (Barker), Romeo Bray (Knox) & Jack Black (Knox) – CAS II

The CAS front row certainly got the better of their GPS counterparts in the second XV fixture and were arguably the dominant scrum of the evening. Jack Black also improved the CAS I scrum significantly when he entered the game in the later stages. The trio also did plenty of work around the field on a wet night and kept CAS II in the match. 

Mateo Baldwin (Waverley) – CAS II

Like GPS centre Chan, Baldwin played his role perfectly on a wet night at Knox and got his side over the advantage line repeatedly. His support play was also impressive and led to two CAS tries. A clash between Baldwin and Chan would be intriguing. 

Liam Sartena (Cranbrook) – CAS II

A No.8 on the smaller side, Sartena plays well above his weight and did a mountain of tough work on a night when it was needed. His carries and work rate were up there with the best from both matches.