The best young rugby talent in NSW will all play at one field tomorrow on the final day of the NSW Schools trials at Daceyville. 

A pathway has also been created for under 18 players who aren’t still at school, ensuring NSW Rugby scouts can get their eyes on players from traditional and non traditional rugby pathways. 

After keeping a close eye on the GPS v CAS games last week, we caught up with NSW Rugby Talent ID manager Andrew Cleverley to ask him about a few players that have impressed him in recent weeks. 

Oskar Hicks – Sydney U18s

“Oskar is two metres tall and a big second rower. His family have recently returned from England to Australia and he’s finishing off his UK schooling by distance. He’s been training in our academy program for the last six months and he’s progressing nicely,” Cleverley told Rugby News. 

“We’re looking forward to watching him play against GPS II tomorrow.”

Jed Walsh – ISA

“Jed is the younger brother of Jack Walsh who trained with the Waratahs for a few years before getting picked up by Exeter in the UK. Jed is from St Augustine’s and has been playing really well at flyhalf for ISA.

“He plays good eyes up footy and has a strong all round game.”

Tevita Alatini – CCC 

“Tevita is a big hustling, bustling No.8 who can also play blindside flanker as well. He plays with Penrith colts and hits like a sledgehammer.”

Luron Patea – CHS 

“Luron is from Hills Sports High and has actually already debuted for Penrith first grade in the Shute Shield. He’s another No.8 and has a great work rate. He’s really hard on the ball and just a good, tough kid.”

Jamie Clark – Sydney U18s

“Jamie is an interesting one. He played second XV at Shore last year but he was only 17 when he left school. He’s been a bit of a late developer and has really improved in the last 12 months and will play in the front row for Sydney. 

“The way the pathway is set up now, it’s great that guys like Jamie get a chance to play tomorrow.”

Kaylam Tytherleigh – AICES

“Kaylam is a back row, lock that has good rugby skills and a really high rate and he’s been impressive in every game he’s played for AICES so far.”

Phillip Talaileva –  Country U18s 

“Phillip is another big backrower that plays his rugby with Southern Beaches up in the Hunter and was a standout for Country.”