A total of ten players from the NSW Waratahs Gen Blue program have been selected by Peter Hewat.
They’ve started their tour strongly, notching wins over Fiji (39-7) and the New Zealand Barbarians (30-17) with only a fixture against New Zealand remaining.
Before you tune into today’s game against the Kiwis, get to know our NSW contingent a little better:
John Connolly
A Central Coast junior – having originally played with the Ourimbah Rugby Club – Connolly has drawn significant attention during his time at Kings. The fullback started from the reserves against Fiji, but joined the starting XV for Australia’s win over the Barbarians.
Hugh Bockenham
The Matthew Street Shield winner and former Bathurst Bulldog started against the Fijians but sat out the fixture against the Barbarians. A talented second rower boasting all the physical attributes required for his role at the set piece and in general play, Bockenham has also been given leadership opportunities at St Joseph’s and within the Gen Blue program.
Daniel Botha
The Mossman Whale and Scot’s College product has featured in the XV against the Barbarians, after being named in the reserves against Fiji. Botha has been in good company up front, packing down with fellow Gen Blue players Billy Pollard and Hamish Moore.
Billy Pollard
Involved with the Australian Schoolboys last year, via Hornsby Rugby Club, Barker College and Gen Blue. Pollard started against Fiji at hooker but did not feature in the Australian’s second game.
Hamish Moore
A try scorer against the Barbarians, Moore has shared the hooking duties with Billy Pollard and makes up a strong contingent of NSW Country juniors making a mark at representative level.
Joe Brial
Has featured in both games for Peter Hewat so far in the tournament, with the Scot’s College backrower showing his versatility having played at lock against the Barbarians.
Malachi Hawkes
Another of the NSW Waratahs up-and-coming front rowers, who was a part of an all-NSW starting front row against the Barbarians. Hawkes turns out for Trinity College in schoolboy footy having played for the Western Raptors as a junior.
Tolutau Koula
An electric outside back with speed to burn, Koula turned out against the Barbarians and scored late in their victory over the New Zealand outfit. A Newington and Randwick product, Koula has been turning heads with some strong performances at schoolboy level.
Nick Chan
Plying his trade in the midfield, Chan was part of a group of players brought into the Australian side following their first up win over Fiji. Playing his schoolboy rugby with Hugh Bockenham at St Joseph’s, Chan has turned out strong performances in the GPS competition over a number of seasons.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii
It was a double to open the tournament for Suaalii as part of a seven-try route of Fiji, before coming off the bench against the Barbarians.
Australia v New Zealand Schools
St Pauls Collegiate,
Friday 4 October at 1:05pm AEST
WATCH THE U15 AND U16 GEN BLUE TEAMS PLAY IN THE FINALS OF THE JUNIOR GOLD CUP AND THE JUNIOR RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP
