The NSW Academy feature’s strongly in Nathan Grey’s second Junior Wallabies squad of 2021, with 16 players named for the upcoming camp in Canberra.
The 45-man squad includes five new additions from the NSW Academy, who will get to experience the Junior Wallabies environment and provide an opportunity for them to push their case for final squad selection leading into the Oceania U20s Championship.
The selections for Nathan Grey’s squad have been based on both their continued training with the NSW Academy and from some impressive performances for their Shute Shield clubs.
A number of the academy players have played 1st grade in the Shute Shield this season with Dan O’Brien at Randwick, Adrian Brown at Eastwood, while Teddy Wilson recently made is first grade debut or Eastern Suburbs at just 18.
Zac Barnabas from Manly and Irie Papuni from Easts have also been selected in the squad after some strong form in the Shute Shield.
Junior Wallabies Head Coach Nathan Grey said: “It’s always good to get the squad together and compete for positions. The camp provides continued time to work on our gameplay and connection to each other.”
Assembling on 10 May in Canberra, the training camp will run for a week as the squad continues to refine preparations for the Oceania U20s Championship, scheduled for July.
“It has been great watching the players in their respective Grade and Colts competitions and seeing them perform on the field. The strong club competitions provide that arena for growth and development,” Grey added.
“As a program, we’re excited for our squad members who have been elevated to their Super Rugby squads. That creates an open door for another player to step in and put their best foot forward.”
NSW Academy players selected in 2021 Junior Wallabies Camp Two Squad:
Hugh Bokenham, Sydney University
Dan Botha, Sydney University
Adrian Brown, Eastwood
Nick Chan, Randwick
Ben Dowling, Randwick
Thomas Maka, Gordon
Hamish Moore, Easts
Dan O’Brien*, Randwick
George Poolman*, Sydney Uni
Witika Rees-Hatu*, Gordon
Papillon Sevele, Sydney University
Paddy Tagg*, Sydney University
Sione Taufui, Sydney University
Tiaan Tauakipulu, Randwick
Mosese Tuipulotu, Easts
Teddy Wilson, Easts
NSW players selected from Shute Shield
Zac Barnabas*, Manly
Ire Papuni*, Easts
*Denotes new squad member.
