Reds U18s Academy head coach Ryan Schultz has named his match-day 23 for the side’s first match of 2019 against the Rebels U18s at Brimbank Rugby Club in Melbourne, kicking off at 2:00pm (AEST).
The team comprises of players from schools and Queensland Premier Rugby clubs.
Brothers centre Josh Flook has been named captain of the side, while University of Queensland flanker Will Roach has been selected as vice-captain.
There are a number of familiar Rugby names within the match-day 23, with Wilson Blyth and Keenan Timu, the younger brothers of St.George Queensland Reds Angus Blyth and Caleb Timu both selected, as well as Charlie Hayes, the son of former Queensland and NSW centre Michael Hayes.
The players have been in camp at Ballymore this week ahead of their first match, and Schultz has been happy with how the team have been tracking.
“Preparations have been excellent, which is credit to all the individuals we’ve had involved,” said Schultz.
“We’ve had a full squad of 36 players training which we’ve selected the match-day 23 from, with a mix of both school and club talent to draw from.
“One of the program outcomes has been to provide a real Reds experience for the players and we’ve had Brad Thorn, Peter Ryan and current Reds players taking part in the camp, helping provide some guidance to the players ahead of our first match.
“The players have been training as part of the Academy for a number of months now so everyone is looking forward to our first hit-out against the Melbourne side.
“Players are competing for selection in the Australian U18s program later in the year so it’s a great opportunity for the players to impress the Australian selectors this weekend.”
The match will be live streamed on Sunday, with Rugby Australia to confirm details ahead of kick-off.
Queensland U18s Academy side to face Rebels U18s in Victoria:
1. Harry Vella – St.Joseph’s Nudgee College
2. Jake Tierney – Brisbane Boys College
3. Zane Nonggorr – The Southport School
4. George Gibson – Brisbane Boys College
5. Wilson Blyth – The Southport School
6. Matthew Englebrecht – University of Queensland Rugby Club
7. Will Roach – University of Queensland Rugby Club (VC)
8. Titi Nofoagatotoa – St.Joseph’s Nudgee College
9. Kalani Thomas – Ipswich Grammar School
10. Jake Pappin – Brothers Rugby Club
11. Glen Vaihu – St. Joseph’s Gregory Tce
12. Christian Krause – Ipswich Grammar School
13. Josh Flook – Brothers Rugby Club (C)
14. Jojo Fifita – The Southport School
15. Dion Samuela – The Southport School Reserves
16. Zack Crothers – Easts Rugby Club
17. John Downes – GPS Rugby Club
18. Tim Faingaanuku – Toowoomba Grammar School
19. Charlie Hayes – St.Joseph’s Nudgee College
20. Keenan Timu – Marsden State High School
21. Finn Hearn – St.Joseph’s Nudgee College
22. Kaleb Ngamanu – The Southport School
23. Mac Grealy – Downlands College
Staff
Head Coach – Ryan Schultz – Brothers Rugby Club
Assistant Coach – Dale Roberson – Anglican Church Grammar School
Assistant Coach – Tyrell Barker – QRU
Manager – Lincoln Clapham – QRU
Talent Manager – Paul Carozza – QRU
Strength & Conditioning Coach: Jamie Youngson – QRU
Physio:Caitlin Bailey – QRU/Souths
