Joey Fowler was thrown in the deep end at Sydney Uni this year. 

At just 19, Fowler was handed the keys to the Students’ first grade Shute Shield backline for most of this season, wearing the No.10 jersey at a young age not unlike Bernard Foley a decade before him. 

After adding five kilos to his slight frame, the talented playmaker survived his baptism of fire and looks to have returned to under-age rugby as a far more developed player.

“It’s been a big year of learning for me this year. Playing grade, I learnt a lot from the older guys in the group. We obviously didn’t make finals which was disappointing, but I feel like we’re in pretty good stead for next year.

“We had a very young side at Uni this year, so I think with a year or another year of grade under most of our belts, we’ll be a lot stronger next year. 

“Playing grade is completely different to other rugby I’d played before. In terms of the speed, it’s actually not too different but the physicality is a massive difference. That definitely took me a while to adapt to that for sure.”

After playing up in grade, Fowler has returned to the Waratahs’ under 19s squad and rejoined a number of former teammates. 

The Tahs beat the Rebels and the Reds in their opening two matches, but face perhaps their toughest challenge of the season this weekend against the defending premiers from Canberra. 

“There’s quite a few boys that I haven’t played with for a few years. I haven’t played with Sid (Harvey) since the under 12s in Narrabri, so it’s pretty cool to get back and play with him. 

“Liam Grover has also been really impressive so far. I played a few rep games with him at school and he’s a big, strong centre. 

“Oscar Jorgensen is also pretty handy. I love throwing him the ball because I know he’ll use that big right hand fend of his and get over the advantage line.

“Hwi Sharples is also really talented at No.9.”

Last year, the Brumbies stunned the Waratahs in the Super 19s final to claim the title but Fowler said this year’s group will be better prepared for the challenge ahead. 

“I was injured last year and didn’t get to play but I know how much it hurt the boys that did play to lose that final against them last year. 

“We really want to get one back on them early in this tournament so that we’re confident if we have to play them again in a final.”

The Waratahs U19s face the Brumbies at Rat Park from 3:05pm on Sunday afternoon. 

Waratahs U19s to play Brumbies

Nate Tiitii, Charlie O’Kane, Kaleb Ah-Colt, Tom Girle, Joe Mangelsdorf, Jacob Veiru, Josh Va’alotu, Eamon Doyle, Hwi Sharples, Joey Fowler, Brendan Palmer, Oscar Jorgensen, Liam Grover, Tom Klem, Sid Harvey.

Reserves: William Guilfoyle, Jack Cesare, Tunui Jorgensen, Lachlan Doheny, Ezekial Guttenbiel, Darcy Standfield, Matteo Cleverley, Jozef Ah Kuoi.