NSW were too good for QLD in two U18 academy matches on a wet day in Brisbane on Saturday. 

While both matches were tight for the opening 50 minutes, both NSW sides outlasted their northern rivals in the final 20 minutes of each games. 

NSW II eventually beat QLD II 31-12, while NSW I defeated QLD I 32-13. 

Here are 10 standout performers from a wet day of rep rugby. 

Jack Barrett – NSW I No.1 (Joeys/GPS)

The Joeys prop had an absolute blinder. Barrett earned a scrum penalty, made two breaks and claimed a pilfer all in the opening 8 minutes and kept dominating all afternoon.

 A serious talent with a big future if Saturday’s performance is anything to go by. 

Dan Nelson – NSW I No.9 (Sydney Uni)

Provided quick, clean service all afternoon and kept his side on the front foot with good organisation around the ruck.

Nelson was reportedly in the mix for the Australian U20s squad this year as an 18-year old and you can understand why after that performance. 

Henry James – NSW II No.10 (Scots/GPS)

The NSW II playmaker controlled the game well in the wet and ensured his side played in the right areas of the field with a strong kicking game. 

He also kicked four conversions and a penalty goal on a tough day for the kickers. 

Special mention also goes to NSW II fullback Angus Staniforth who also kicked well all afternoon. 

Jackson Ropata – NSW II No.13 (Southern Districts/Sydney)

The tradie who plays colts at Southern Districts showed good pace to beat his defender and set up NSW II’s first try. He also stole the ball in a tackle at a crucial moment of the match when Queensland were attacking NSW’s line at 17-12. 

Joe Wikaira – QLD II No.11 (Sunshine Coast Grammar/Sunshine Coast)

The Queensland winger made the most of every opportunity he got, scoring twice on a wet afternoon at Yoku Road.

Wikaira somehow avoided the touchline to score Queensland’s first try of the match, then did it all himself with a brilliant individual effort that started inside his own half. The kid has serious wheels. 

Adam Van Wyk – NSW I No.4 (Barker/CAS)

The big lock was one of the most physical players on the field and dominated with and without the ball. Van Wyk hit hard and held up a number of tackles, plus he broke the advantage line with most of his runs. 

His Barker teammate Lachlan Hooper was also very good, particularly towards the end of the match. 

Savelio Tamale – NSW I No.12 (CCC/Sydney)

The Warringah Rats colts centre showed he was big and strong enough to match it with the best on Saturday afternoon. His centre partner Ronan Leahy from Joeys also had a good afternoon. 

Dom Thygesen & Ben Daniels – QLD I No.4 & No.5 (Souths & Churchie)

Not a whole lot went right for QLD I on Saturday but there two locks never stopped working and were strong at set piece time. 

Finn Prass – QLD 1 No.10 (Sunshine Coast Grammar/Sunshine Coast)

Prass didn’t have his best afternoon but showed his potential with a few monster kicks from deep inside his half. The playmaker is a big, strapping lad with a serious boot.