He’s a tall, athletic, goal-kicking back that spent most of this season terrorising defenders two or three years older than him while playing for Kings’ first XV side. 

No, we’re not looking back at Joey Suaalii’s schoolboy days. We’re talking about Talent Risati, who looks to be every bit as good and even more versatile. 

“Joey has come down to watch a few of my school games and he’s definitely an inspiration for every kid at Kings,” Risati told Rugby News while in camp with the Waratahs U16s side. 

“He’s just so well presented on and off the field. Everyone wants to be like him and it’s easy to see why.”

While Suaalii will jump between centre, wing and fullback as he transitions back into the XV man game, Risati is also a playmaker and could arguably wear any number in the backline excluding perhaps No.9. 

“I’m comfortable moving around the back line. Before I came to Kings I used to play 10, but I played mostly 15 at Kings this year. At fullback, I enjoy having space and freedom. At No.10, I like getting my hands on the ball so both are good.”

Risati will start at No.10 in the Waratahs U16s crucial clash against the Brumbies at Rat Park in Sydney on Sunday and has been a standout in his side’s opening two wins. 

He moved to Kings from Oakhill last year and watched on as the 2023 Kings’ first XV outfit went undefeated through the GPS season. 

Risati then debuted and starred in a young Kings’ side this season and is relishing the opportunity to play alongside kids his own age in the sky blue jersey. 

“I got to do some pre-season training with the Kings’ side last year and I learned a lot from them. They were such a tight group and such a tight group of friends and you can see why they were so successful. 

“It wasn’t just at training or on game days, they did everything together and created a really good energy which helped them on the field. 

“We’re trying to do a similar thing with the Waratahs at the moment. It’s a bit different when you aren’t at school together but we are all getting along really well off the field.

“I’ve really enjoyed my rugby this year but it’s been a big step up from the past few years, now that I’ve been playing first XV.

“The positive is that it’s given me plenty of confidence and I’ve noticed that since I’ve come back to play under 16s with guys my own age. 

Risati is one piece of an electric New South Wales backline. 

Centres Keone Anitelea-Tsioussis and Cryus Bloomfield have both been damaging every time they have touched the ball in the opening rounds of the Super 16s competition, while Coffs Harbour Snappers fullback Kden Carter is electric on his feet and well worth a trip to Rat Park to watch. 

NSW and the Brumbies 16s kick off at Rat Park at 1:05pm on Sunday afternoon. 

NSW Waratahs U16s to play Brumbies

Tyson Burdon, Anakin Richardson, Nicholas Kotarac, Josh Arundal, Isileli Moli, Tahj Smith, Justice Taumoepeau, Selesitino Mainakavika, Jeremy Rath, Talen Risati, Samuela Sorovi, Keone Anitelea-Tsioussis, Cryus Bloomfield, Jarryd King, Kden Carter.

Reserves: Oliver Smith, Lawson Armstrong, Hasani Bloomfield, Henri Dempsey, Samuel Polley, Saxon Gaw, Ashton Large, Jack Kalms.