Queensland Reds Talent Manager Paul Carozza said a number of players from both traditional and non traditional rugby schools caught his attention at the Queensland Secondary Schools tournament last week. 

Carozza said coaches from the Reds and Rugby Australia were on hand over the five days to identify the best players from across the state. 

The Reds will announce two Academy teams next week to play matches against Rebels and Waratahs academies in June and September and Carozza said a number of players from the tournament were in the mix for selection. 

“It was a really competitive tournament. There were a lot of really close games and some great quality rugby played,” Carozza told Rugby News. 

“It was also good to see players from our regional areas, particularly up north, really well represented. There were also a lot of boys from non-traditional rugby schools which was really positive.”

While the tournament and the Queensland Schools pathway has changed in recent years, Carozza said the door was wide open for players from all schools to impress, just like Sunshine Coast boy Tate McDermott did a few years back. 

“From the Reds academy perspective, our goal is to help players develop through the Academy and go on to play professional rugby for the Reds. 

“This tournament is a really valuable talent ID opportunity for us to find the players for that academy. 

“We get to see a lot of boys from non traditional rugby schools and from regional areas and we certainly take plenty of notice when we see boys play well.”

Carozza said players could be added from the Reds academy at anytime based on their on field performances.

“The Academy is the pathway to the Reds and to play professional rugby but we don’t just pick a squad at the start and stick with it. We’re constantly watching boys play at various tournaments and competitions from the under 15s onwards. 

“There are a lot of opportunities for players to work their way into the academy by playing good rugby. If we see boys performing well and they are playing better rugby than boys in the academy, well then they’ll get an opportunity.”

He selected six players that caught his eye last week: 

Noah Hartley – Marist College, Emerald 

“Noah is a young hooker from Emerald,” Carozza said. 

“He played for the QLD U16s team a few years ago and has continued to develop his game over the last few years.”

Spencer Smallacombe – Rockhampton Grammar

“Spencer had a great tournament at No.8 and looks to be a very exciting prospect.”

Finn Prass – Sunshine Coast Grammar

“He’s a flyhalf from the Sunshine Coast who is still only 16. He’s got a great passing game and has a huge boot on him. He really stood out and showed a lot of maturity for such a young player.”

Trevor King – Downlands College

“Trevor is a front rower from Darling Downs who is still only 16 but has a great frame and is really strong at set piece. He also has a great work rate around the field.”

Tom Twadell – Villanova College

“Tom is a big lock who has a big frame and performed really well. He’s a tall boy with a really strong work rate.”

Tyler Maxwell – Kings College

“Tyler is a scrum half from the Gold Coast who was also a part of the QLD Youth 7s team earlier this year. He has a great pass and organised his team really well across the tournament.”