National U/16 Championships 2012

[George Smith]

There is force in your analysis but in my experience of junior rugby the refs feel a lot more empowered and dont really hesitate to penalise/bin the captain.
My view is you select the most astute tactical brain as the captain. The astuteness often provides the pecking order in that no one questions his tactical judgment and so all follow him. An interesting insight into (and arguably against my view) was that debacle of the Brumbies v Reds when Giteau wanted to rub salt in the wounds by taking the penalty after the bell and Moore tried to talk him out of it - of course by that stage Gitts had spent a lot of his credibility.

yep, Gits in that one superlative piece of footage showed all and sundry that he was going out "bitter and twisted".

 

[Lee Grant]

On an entirely practical level: are there any restrictions on members of the public (i.e. me) taking photos of these games and, say, posting them up here?
Copyright?
Accreditation?
Privacy?

I have received media accreditation from the ARU through their Try Rugby division and have received approval to post photos in Green and Gold Rugby blogs. That would extend to posts as well. The proviso is that the photos can not be used for commercial purposes.

Whether anybody else connected with G&G can do so in the forum is moot.

However, if you become a correspondent yourself for G&G that approval could flow through to you - taking photos on my behalf. [Be advised though, that unless you have undergone the "Working With Children" protocols you cannot approach the players - and you have to stay behind the fence on the western side and and the ropes on the eastern side.]

I feel that since you have done blogs on GPS games for G&G, that flow could be justified, provided your blogging status is current.

I have a cunning plan: just agree to do a couple of match reports of about 200 words each during the week and I reckon that I could get your status classified as "current".

Anybody else want to post photos??
.

 

[Inside Shoulder]

I have received media accreditation from the ARU through their Try Rugby division and have received approval to post photos in Green and Gold Rugby blogs. That would extend to posts as well. The proviso is that the photos can not be used for commercial purposes.

Whether anybody else connected with G&G can do so in the forum is moot.

However, if you become a correspondent yourself for G&G that approval could flow through to you - taking photos on my behalf. [Be advised though, that unless you have undergone the "Working With Children" protocols you cannot approach the players - and you have to stay behind the fence on the western side and and the ropes on the eastern side.]

I feel that since you have done blogs on GPS games for G&G, that flow could be justified, provided your blogging status is current.

I have a cunning plan: just agree to do a couple of match reports of about 200 words each during the week and I reckon that I could get your status classified as "current".

Anybody else want to post photos??
.

I could always just send you any photos I take - my kids will probably be too embarrassed to have me wandering around with a camera "looking like a wanker, dad".

 

[Rugby Mum]

Not sure about photographs. If the kid is recognisable ie not part of a large group, then it is always good to ask him, the parents if around, or the Team Manager (the Team Manager will be acting in loci parentis) if they have any objections.

They ARU have very tight restrictions on Players agents and talent scouts talking to the kids. There is an accreditation process and you can bet your bottom dollar that the Accredited Agents will be watching like hawks for any non-accredited types engaging with the kids. The tournament will be open to all to watch, even the dreaded "non-accredited" agents. They are just not allowed to approach the kids.

As long as you look like a "General Public" you should be OK.

Inside Shoulder, I note a couple of posts back that Uncle
Lee was looking for Match Reporters. Sounds like you may have volunteered yourself.

Edit: Spelling

I hope I can take photos as I find it keeps me quiet and busy. Otherwise I may cheer like The CCC Grandma.....
Also how can I get in contact with Rupert Cater...for a copy of NSW vQLD last year. My son would love a copy.

 

[Lee Grant]

Inside Shoulder (and anybody else taken digital pictures) - you can share your photos with Green and Gold.

The best way I know, if you use Google, is to use Picasa to get them into the cloud so others can share them. I'm not sure how you do that because I know about it only as a user - a camera nut (Oakhill parent) gave me access to his Oakhill photos in the cloud that way just by sending me a link to it on email.

I'm guessing but: I suppose that you can save a certain number of Gs in the cloud and that they are all private to you, but you can have certain albums that you can share if you nominate them as such.

Can anybody describe the correct story on this and how you can set up an album on the cloud and let us know how it's done?

OR

Those of us who have had a certain number of posts have an "Upload a File" button between the "Post Reply" and "More Options" buttons when they write out a post. You can use that to upload some photos - or you can just add some to an email - my email address is in my profile.

Send only 2-3 of your best any day and add a caption. We're not interested in individual photos of little Johnny or big Fred but more in action photos or some nice scenes.
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[George Smith]

LG, I hope you can edit (cull) any posts each night otherwise us bloggers may need to scroll through pages and pages of photos to get the news!

 

[Lee Grant]

Also how can I get in contact with Rupert Cater.for a copy of NSW vQLD last year. My son would love a copy.

You mean a copy of the DVD?

If you are going on Monday you can ask the people doing the 2012 DVDs. If they are the same people who did it last year you could order a copy at the ground.
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[Lee Grant]

LG, I hope you can edit (cull) any posts each night otherwise us bloggers may need to scroll through pages and pages of photos to get the news!

That's what I'm here for and why I said only 2 or 3 each; but I don't suppose that we will be swamped. Then all Gagger has to do is to choose which of the half dozen I send to him.

Picasa albums are a bit of a problem unless they are culled by the cameraman - and not because they are bad photos. That Oakhill guy's photos were so good that I had a problem working out which were the best.
.

 

[George Smith]

I hope I can take photos as I find it keeps me quiet and busy. Otherwise I may cheer like The CCC Grandma...
Also how can I get in contact with Rupert Cater.for a copy of NSW vQLD last year. My son would love a copy.

RugbyMum; I found Rupert through Norths Juniors (isn't google great?). He confirmed he has arranged for some copies ($5) and expects them ready for Thursday at the Nationals.

 

[Dark Shark]

Why didn't these guys play in the Qld 15s side last October against NSW?

Addressing this query:-

The u15 Queensland team is currently selected through the club system after the QJRU State Championships are held. There is a significant portion of schoolboy rugby players that do not participate in club rugby and are therefore ineligible for this team. The team also has different selectors, coaches, styles of rugby, availability and agenda to the u16 and Schoolboy teams selected in Queensland (that seem to have a more common purpose than QJRU).

I think Sitanilei may have been ill last year and did not play in the QJRU State Champs. For one reason or another, Laxon (Brothers) played up a year in age in the u16 regional team at the State Champs last year which may have affected his eligibility and McNamee (Easts) carried a bad back injury last year and I am not even sure if he took part in the champs.

For the record only seven players from the 2011 u15 Queensland side are in either of the two u16 Queensland teams in 2012 (Red team – four players, White team – three players). So I would not rely on form from last year’s interstate match up to make any predictions this year.

So what will the Qld teams bring to the u16 National Rugby Champs this year? Here is a quick snapshot.

I will preface, that I have not seen the teams train, but over the years have watched over 75% of the players in these Qld teams play in club and/or school and/or rep footy, so I hope to bring a flavour or an insight based on this knowledge. And I still have not seen a team list by position and feel that some positions may not go to convention.

I will also say that I do not believe this year group from Queensland has any “superstar” players that I would put my hard earned on to play for the Wallabies one day. By this I mean that in the recent past I have seen players coming through schoolboys like Liam Gill or Chris F-Sautia and they just stood out so much. This time around with this group I cannot see it. There are still some very good players in here and many will pull on an Australian Schoolboy jersey in the next year or two, some a Super Jersey in next four years or so and just maybe a Wallaby jersey will eventually be earned by one, maybe two – but there is no one here I would call a superstar or “special” at the moment.

Queensland Red
It seems to be a very big forward pack (more in width than height), but I think the selectors have sacrificed a lot of mobility and conditioning for size. I have seen many of these bigger players in this team lose their effectiveness very quickly this year as the game time has progressed. If the game plan is to smash through the middle, they will go okay, but if the ball gets some width they may run into trouble. The forward to watch will most probably be Rodwell, backing up from last year and probably playing flanker. Mafi is also backing up as hooker and with a season of tough First XV rugby under his belt, should take a significant step up this year.

The backs are also solid without being flashy. I think Halliday (I am not sure if overcome injury from just over a week ago) and Tuttle are better half backs than flyhalves (I do not think Tuttle saw much game time at flyhalf this year), so it will be interesting to see how they are used. Mason is also a possible first choice flyhalf. I do not believe there is genuine speed out wide, but the backs will be safe and will have to play a smart game to make the yards.

The performance of this team will depend on the gameplan formulated and how well and consistently that the team executes. Their strength will be as a team rather than individuals.

Queensland White
There is a bit more of an X factor about this team with more diversified backgrounds than the Red team. They will catch some teams unawares and could cause some upsets during the pool rounds if anyone takes them lightly.

This forward pack while a bit smaller than the Red team will have a lot more mobility but lose nothing in strength. As I have stated on another thread earlier, I rate McReight as a loose head prop not just for his good scrummaging but also for a great and consistent work rate around the field and this may sum up how this forward pack has been selected and should perform across this tournament.

Sorovi will cause surprises at halfback and Hicks’ attacking ability will cause headaches for the opposition wherever they play him (flyhalf, in-centre of full back). Combine that with the finishing success that Marsden displayed on the wing for BGS this year and I think this could be a very exciting backline. A couple of boys I understand to have rugby league backgrounds will also mix things up a bit.

I wish all the boys a safe and sensational rugby carnival and I look forward to all the game reports over the next week.

C’mon Queensland!!!!

 

[Vanuatu Chiefs]

Your insightful post deserves more than just a "like" even from this one eyed NSW supporter, DS - thanks!

 

[Inside Shoulder]

Have to say I am looking forward to seeing some good quality rugby without the weight of the world (i.e. Wallabies v AB's) framing expectations.

 

[FootyHead29]

QLD Red Starting 15
I have been told the starting 15 from a player in the team so here it is:

1. Paulo Leleiusiauo (Nudgee College 16As) - QLD White 2011
2. Alex Mafi (Nudgee College 1st XV) - QLD Red 2011, QLD 1 Schoolboys 2012
3. Robert Green (Gregory Terrace 1st XV) - QLD u15s 2011
4. Dalton Cox (Brisbane Grammar 1st XV)
5. Jamason Schultz (Ipswich Grammar 1st XV)
6. Jayden Rodwell (Nudgee College 1st XV) - QLD Red 2011, Chairmans XV 2012
7. Toby McNamee (Gregory Terrace 1st XV)
8. Daniel Sitaneli (Gregory Terrace 1st XV)
9. James Tuttle (Nudgee College 1st XV) - QLD White 2011, GPS 3 2012
10. Mack Mason (Downlands College 1st XV) QLD Red 2011
11. Josh Robinson (Toowoomba Grammar 16As, 1st XV Bench)
12. Henry Devine (Marist College 1st XV)
13. Liam Jurd (Toowoomba Grammar 1st XV)
14. Tyrone Hussey (Nudgee College 1st XV)
15. Isaac Nathan (The Southport School 1st XV) - GPS 3 2012

Bench:

16. Bronson Tauakipulu (Brisbane Boys College 1st XV) - QLD u15s 2011
17. Harley Fox (St Edmunds College 1st XV)
18. Ritchie Asiata (Sunnybank u18s)
19. Calvin Pritchard (Nudgee College 15As, Eligable next year)
20. Lindsay Collins (Padua College 1st XV)
21. Fergus Halliday (Brisbane Grammar 1st XV) - QLD u15s 2011
22. Fred Dorrough (The Southport School 16As, 1st XV Bench) - QLD u15s 2011
23. Maclean Jones (Nudgee College 1st XV)

 

[Sydneybra]

That looks like an extremely strong all-round team

 

[tripod]

That looks like an extremely strong all-round team

I think so too Bra, think Dark Shark was being a bit cagey with his summary of the Red team. Would agree however that the performance of the team (any team for that matter) will depend on the execution of the game plan played by the whole team. I suppose the rugby played on the field will do the talking from Monday, so best of luck to all the boys.
And C'mon Queensland!!!!

 

[Hugh Jarse]

The cream of U16's will be at Riverview, little doubt about that.

I have seen all the Sydney Juniors and NSW Schools players at various venues around the traps this year, and most of the Country team. There is some great rugby firepower in those teams, and apart from those not playing due to injury, there probably are no better U16 rugby players in NSW.

The way the draw is Schools will meet Juniors in the Final on Friday, or......

If one or both of the QLD teams can upset that dream, and get Reds and/or Whites to the final on Friday, then they will indeed be damn fine players and teams, and worthy of their place.

Whatever teams make it to the big one on Friday, it will be a great game.

All the best to all the players.

WARNING: Don't forget the Smokeys from VIC, WA and the ACT. They won't be there to kow tow to the "on paper" favourites.

 

[scaraby]

The cream of U16's will be at Riverview, little doubt about that.

I have seen all the Sydney Juniors and NSW Schools players at various venues around the traps this year, and most of the Country team. There is some great rugby firepower in those teams, and apart from those not playing due to injury, there probably are no better U16 rugby players in NSW.

The way the draw is Schools will meet Juniors in the Final on Friday, or..

If one or both of the QLD teams can upset that dream, and get Reds and/or Whites to the final on Friday, then they will indeed be damn fine players and teams, and worthy of their place.

Whatever teams make it to the big one on Friday, it will be a great game.

All the best to all the players.

WARNING: Don't forget the Smokeys from VIC, WA and the ACT. They won't be there to kow tow to the "on paper" favourites.

be interested to see how many of next year 16s play 16s . Hutchinson and Mcgregor i know are still Under 15 as are Maddox and Porter from Scots..thats an interesting match up...replay of some MNZ semis from years gone by. Scots will be back to full strength post Glengarry next year so 16s will be strong.

 

[FootyHead29]

The cream of U16's will be at Riverview, little doubt about that.

I have seen all the Sydney Juniors and NSW Schools players at various venues around the traps this year, and most of the Country team. There is some great rugby firepower in those teams, and apart from those not playing due to injury, there probably are no better U16 rugby players in NSW.

The way the draw is Schools will meet Juniors in the Final on Friday, or..

If one or both of the QLD teams can upset that dream, and get Reds and/or Whites to the final on Friday, then they will indeed be damn fine players and teams, and worthy of their place.

Whatever teams make it to the big one on Friday, it will be a great game.

All the best to all the players.

WARNING: Don't forget the Smokeys from VIC, WA and the ACT. They won't be there to kow tow to the "on paper" favourites.

That is where i think your wrong, I believe the draw is setting up a final between QLDs best in Qld Red and NSW best in NSW Schools and I think that will be the final this year

 

[Hugh Jarse]

The intentions of the draw are obviously that way.

Funnier things happen in tournaments, and with injuries and a bit of luck either way you could easily see any one of the following finals:
QLD Red v Qld White
QLD Red v NSW Schools
NSW School v Syd Juniors
QLD White v Syd Juniors

In any one of these outcomes less the first one, the winner will obviously be a NSW based team.

Regardless of the composition of the finals, the intent of the OP (after the obligatory pro NSW "dream" statement) was to compliment any team/s that can manage to prevent an all NSW final.

Some may say that the Juniors are NSW II's. I wouldn't write them off, and don't believe that the gap is as marked between them and the Schools as that between QLD Red and QLD White (according to the QLD scribes).

 

[George Smith]

National U16 Championships Team List (from the official program)