In seven short months, flying winger Samuela Tuisau has turned his decision to leave Sydney into a premiership quest and now a Queensland Under-19s spot.
The try-hungry finisher is one of the fresh faces in the 30-man Queensland Under-19s squad announced today for October’s Super Rugby Men's Under-19s series.
His case has been turbo-charged by his frontline role for University of Queensland in the StoreLocal Hospital Cup.
He started the season in Colts yet his finishing prowess has been a feature of UQ’s strong second half to the season.
“I was shocked to get the first call-up to play Premier Rugby and even more shocked when they kept playing me there,” the humble Tuisau said.
There’s no need to be shy when you tally his impact in first grade. He’s scored nine tries in eight games, made 10 linebreaks and beaten 26 defenders.
“I’m really pleased to make the Queensland Under-19s. It’s just another reason why making the move from Sydney has been totally the right decision," he added.
“Playing first grade has definitely added more physicality to my game. You have to if you want to play with the big boys.”
The advantages of playing in a backline with Queensland Reds duo Mac Grealy and Jock Campbell are also substantial.
“Jock really encourages me to get off my wing. Mac, too, is always answering my questions about running lines and when to get involved,” Tuisau said.
On Sunday, Tuisau will be in action in the knockout semi-final at Sunnybank Rugby Club when UQ face Souths, who will have Queensland Under-19s prop Trevor King on board.
Buildcorp Reds Academy coach Dale Roberson said he was delighted with the strength of the Under-19s squad.
“The Under-19s squad reflects how tight the Colts 1 competition has been all season because it was very competitive for positions,” Roberson said.
“A team like Norths narrowly missed the semi-finals yet we have three Norths players in the squad.
“We used more than 30 players last year when knocked around by injuries so it’s very important to have depth for what is a four-match series with a potential final.”
The Under-19s have some obvious strengths with sharp Wests halfback James Martens included after some excellent showings in Premier Rugby this season.
Alex Watkins (Wests)
Brody McLaren (Sunnybank)
Byron Murphy (Easts)
Callum Reidy (Norths)
Charlie Brosnan(Brothers)
Charlie Cooke (Wests)
Charles McCauley (Bond)
Cooper Hoare (Souths)
Daniel Malum (Sunnybank)
Darcy Rowan (Souths)
Dominic Kallquist (Wests)
Dre-Dyn Laban (Souths)
Fergus Gillan (Bond)
Finlay King (Wests)
Harry Gould (GPS)
Ieuan Cornelius (Bond)
Jackson Moloney (Easts)
James Martens (Wests)
JD Sivivatu Kanth (Sunnybank)
John Grenfell (Nudgee)
Jovid Aveau (Norths)
Noah Rauluni (Easts)
Rory Bliss (Wests)
Sam Dickie (Norths)
Samuela Tuisau (UQ)
Tom Robinson (UQ)
Trevor King (Souths)
Vaiuta Latu (Brothers)
William Nason (Souths)
Xavier Rubens (Souths)
Isaiah Kolopeaua (UQ)
George Griffiths (GPS)
Jamie Alexander (Wests)
Hunter Robinson (Bond)
Joshua Takai (Brothers)
Maddox Maclean (Souths)
Harry Newnham (Souths)
Netani Lesimaikimatuku (Sunnybank)
Dre Pakeho(Brothers)
Frankie Goldsbrough (Easts)
