The Super Rugby U16s and U19s tournaments kick off in late September with Australia’s best young rugby players battling one another in a five week tournament, ahead of grand finals to be played on the first weekend in November. 

After winning last year’s Super Rugby U16s title and finishing runner’s up in the Super Rugby U19s competition, the Tahs have plenty of reason to take confidence into the now annual tournaments. 

The two NSW sides will play matches against the Melbourne Rebels at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday, September 29 and against the Brumbies at Rat Park on Saturday, October 19 with all away fixtures broadcast live on Stan Sport. 

Here are a few players to keep an eye on: 

NSW Waratahs U16s 

Talen Risati – Kings/Dural Rugby Club 

16-year old Talen Risati was one of the most dominant backs in this year’s GPS competition and looks to be a serious prospect. A goal-kicker who is comfortable in the centres or at fullback, Risati has a bit of Joseph Suaalii about him and is dominating at Kings in a pretty similar fashion. 

Justice Taumoepeau – Joeys/Oatley Rugby Club (pictured) 

The son of former Tahs assistant Pauli, Justice Taumoepeau debuted in a strong Joeys’ first XV side as a 15-year old and has been one of the most dominant players ever since. After playing up a few ages, it’s scary to think what Taumoepeau will do against kids his own age. 

Hasani Bloomfield – Kings/Hill Rugby Club 

A big, strong, hard working tightwad prop, there is a lot to like about Hasani Bloomfield. He proved too big and strong for most in this year’s GPS competition, playing against boys two or three years older than him. 

Creighton Meafou – Edmund Rice Catholic College, Wollongong 

Wollongong boy and hard running centre Creighton Meafou dominated this year NSW Schools’ trials via the Catholic Schools system and earned selection in NSW Schools in his underage season. 

Henri Dempsey – Riverview/Lindfield Rugby Club 

In a competition stacked with seriously good No.7s, Riverview flanker Henri Dempsey matched it with the best and will return next year for another crack. Tough as nails, Dempsey loves throwing himself into the breakdown with little regard for his body. 

Tyson Burden – Endeavour Sports High/ Burraneer Rugby Club

Endeavour Sports, in Sydney’s south, has produced a heap of talented Shute Shield stars over the years, so it’s great to see young Tyson Burden following in the footsteps of many before him. A tall prop who is still growing into his body, Burden has plenty of upside. 

NSW Waratahs U19s 

Austin Durbidge – Sydney Uni

After spending the season playing second grade for Uni, Durbidge will return to playing underage rugby and will likely cause even more destruction at the breakdown, after adding some serious size since leaving school. 

Brendan Palmer – Hunter

Lightning quick Newcastle back Brendan Palmer split his time this year between the Wildfires’ 

first grade and colts sides and impressed for NSW U18s in matches late last year. 

Archie McGurk – Gordon

A tall, fast outside back with beautifully smooth footwork, McGurk started for Gordon in Sunday afternoon’s colts decider against Easts. 

Joey Fowler – Sydney Uni

Thrown in the deep end by Uni coach Todd Louden, Joey Fowler will return to underage footy with close to a full season of first grade Shute Shield experience under his belt. Fowler was already a strong game manager, but you can only imagine the impact he’ll have back at junior level. 

Sid Harvey – Eastern Suburbs

The form player of this year’s colts competition, 19-year old Narrabri boy Sid Harvey seems to be getting better in every match he plays. The tall, rangy fullback scored a hat trick in the colts decider on Sunday. 

Eamon Doyle – Sydney Uni 

Woonoona Shamrocks junior Eamon Doyle travelled to South Africa with the Australian U20s as an underage player this year and also made his first grade debut for Sydney Uni. A big, strong No.8 he’ll add further punch to an impressive Waratahs’ forward pack.