New South Wales defeated Queensland in two U18 academy games at Ballymore on Saturday afternoon. 

In the earlier match, NSW II kicked two late penalty goals to edge past QLD II 26-25, while in the feature match, NSW I scored six tries in an impressive 38-7 victory over QLD I. 

Toby Brial – NSW I/Scots

The big No.8 from Scots got NSW over the advantage line every time he touched the ball against Queensland. A lot of the visitor’s attack came on the back of Brial’s hard, non flashy work. 

Hwi Sharples – NSW I/Joeys

Sharples controlled the match extremely well from the base of the ruck. While his forwards did provide a solid platform for him, Sharples kicking game kept NSW in the right areas of the field, and his long, accurate pass allowed his side to attack in wider channels. 

Luke Aiken – QLD 1/Sunshine Coast Grammar

While Aiken plays a different sort of game to Sharples, the Queensland scrumhalf was also super impressive and sparked a lot of the home side’s better attack from the base of the ruck. He also played with a lot more energy then some of the other players around him. 

Boston Fakafanua – NSW I/Kings

The big bodied inside centre used his smarts to snag an intercept try in the first half, his footwork to set up another try early in the second half and his size and strength to score a third and seal a comprehensive victory for NSW. He has a dangerous combination of quality attributes. 

Brendan Palmer – NSW I/Hunter Wildfires

Palmer looked explosive every time he went near the ball on the wing for NSW I. The outside back from Newcastle, who made his Shute Shield first grade debut earlier this year, scored a try and set up another. His teammate Liam Grover was also very good, particularly in the first half, on the other wing. 

Alexander Kerr – QLD I/Churchie & Avery Thomson – QLD I/BBC

While it was a fairly tough afternoon for the Queensland side, the two big, strong locks from Churchie and BBC look to be exciting prospects. Both Kerr and Thomson carried well around the park and were technically very good at lineout time. 

Sid Harvey – NSW II/Narrabri HS

The NSW II fullback was a standout for his side in their tight win over QLD II. Harvey set up the try of the match in the first half, kicked well in play all afternoon and nailed two clutch penalty goals late in the game to seal a one point victory. 

Noah Rauluni – QLD II/Nudgee 

Queensland flanker Noah Rauluni was involved in everything in the first half. Strong around the park and tough in defence, Rauluni is a name to keep an eye on. 

Samson Tuqiri – QLD II/BBC

The Queensland winger showed fantastic pace to finish off a nice try in the first half, then swung the game in the home side’s favour with an intercept try against the run of play.

Sam Niulala – NSW II/Trinity 

Niulala was the most imposing forward in both attack and defence in the earlier match. While he does tend to overplay his hand at times, his raw ability was unmatched.