NSW AAGPS 2025 (banter and commentary)
- Thread starter Joker
- Start date
Here for the advice
Chris McKivat (8)
Reflecting now yes let’s hope so for 2026.
TonyTackle01
Stan Wickham (3)
I disagree, I think Wendt has huge potential and could go to another level entirely in 2026. He was maybe put in a little prematurely this year but it’s not like SHORE were exactly killing it in 2025 prior to his inclusion.
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Viewglazer990
Frank Nicholson (4)
Could be the first to get on it but here it is, Viewglazer's TOTS
1. Hayden Lavercombe (K)
2. Oliver Smith (K)
3. Buddy Latham (N)
4. William Spora (I)
5. Heinz Lemoto (S)
6. Chalie Ghattas (J)
7. Justice Taumoepeau (J)
8. Isaac Fonua (K)
9. Angus Grover (I)
10. Fred Garling (I)
11. Julian Minto (J)
12. Adam Stewart (K)
13. Ashton X Large (S)
14. Bailey Roberts-Lintmeijer (N)
15. Callum Grantham (N)
16th man (Shadow): Aston Beir (S)
1. Hayden Lavercombe (K)
2. Oliver Smith (K)
3. Buddy Latham (N)
4. William Spora (I)
5. Heinz Lemoto (S)
6. Chalie Ghattas (J)
7. Justice Taumoepeau (J)
8. Isaac Fonua (K)
9. Angus Grover (I)
10. Fred Garling (I)
11. Julian Minto (J)
12. Adam Stewart (K)
13. Ashton X Large (S)
14. Bailey Roberts-Lintmeijer (N)
15. Callum Grantham (N)
16th man (Shadow): Aston Beir (S)
SJC 9ths vs SIC 9ths @Joeys No 1. aka. Heaven Pasture
Over the past few years I have been asked by the View lads to attend this game if possible. This years addition was given an early start @8am. When I stumbled down the Park roadway I noted a very large contingent of View boys warming up. They looked keen and focused with the goal of being to protect their undefeated record. Joeys lads stumbled in later and did some cursory stretches and ran through a few drills. View has brought along with then at least 2 sides, some I am sure some pinched from some higher teams. Joeys had a bench of five players.
As games go for this grade, it was played with some incredible high skill. Yes there was a few fumbles with handling but in all both teams threw everything at one another. A bit of niggle finely flared and some spice was added. With scores deadlocked at 5-5 the large View fan base made lots of noise, in particularly for one player was the focus. There was a late possibility of View snatching the win but were denied. A draw in the end did the trick to keep the legacy of the Nicotine ninths intact. After the game I spoke with several players who were very happy at how the season went. I myself was thrilled for them. In all a tremendous bunch of young men who did View proud. I wonder how many view teams also went undefeated?
The day progressed well with meeting up with several other G&G members, in particular @TheApprentice who was a great young man to chat to. He explained the relative silence from the Lane Cove Lunch Club as another school has stomped down hard on access. A number of brave lads came up and said hello, even a View mother. Not long after my legs were giving out and tried the pie medicine but it made no dent in my condition. During my time in the grandstand Finn Hannon came over and introduced himself. Simply put, a great young fella who enjoys his rugby and his older teammates who have been "awesome" with him. Imagine, walking into a team stacked with some great players and having to steer them around. What a challenge!
Soon my energy was failing badly. It took me an hour to walk to the Augustine St gate. During one of my rests a Joeys 1st XV mother introduced herself. She said she was a big fan of the forum. I have known her son for many years and I told her what a simply lovely young man she and her husband has produced. He has the biggest heart of I have seen for many years. I hope he spends the off-season mending well from all the hits he has taken.
Disappointments? Yes I missed meeting up with Gus Grover. I had to watch him on the Streamer. Gus is a great half back I feel in the vein of Nick Farr Jones. He almost plays as another loose forward. His kicking game was deadly on occasions. In particular when you have excellent chases. (#11 was great) The noise coming from the View stand was on par. A small observation, the Joeys lad started chanting "its all gone quiet" Somewhere in the Field of Mars cemetery the late, great Br. Henry would be spinning in his grave. This is not what Joeys do. I hope someone follows this up. May this type of "cheering" never happen again.
Soon my ride appeared to take me off to be checked out. Fortunately it was not too serious.
I am sorry I missed the rest of the day. This fixture is a highlight and I look forward to it. This year View did the right thing to beef up the ground security at the swamp. I feel it is important that the year 12 lads get to play the old enemy on their home turf. Well done.
Best wishes to the Nicotine 9ths and all who will now focus on the HSC. Good luck and remember your quotes.
Joker
Over the past few years I have been asked by the View lads to attend this game if possible. This years addition was given an early start @8am. When I stumbled down the Park roadway I noted a very large contingent of View boys warming up. They looked keen and focused with the goal of being to protect their undefeated record. Joeys lads stumbled in later and did some cursory stretches and ran through a few drills. View has brought along with then at least 2 sides, some I am sure some pinched from some higher teams. Joeys had a bench of five players.
As games go for this grade, it was played with some incredible high skill. Yes there was a few fumbles with handling but in all both teams threw everything at one another. A bit of niggle finely flared and some spice was added. With scores deadlocked at 5-5 the large View fan base made lots of noise, in particularly for one player was the focus. There was a late possibility of View snatching the win but were denied. A draw in the end did the trick to keep the legacy of the Nicotine ninths intact. After the game I spoke with several players who were very happy at how the season went. I myself was thrilled for them. In all a tremendous bunch of young men who did View proud. I wonder how many view teams also went undefeated?
The day progressed well with meeting up with several other G&G members, in particular @TheApprentice who was a great young man to chat to. He explained the relative silence from the Lane Cove Lunch Club as another school has stomped down hard on access. A number of brave lads came up and said hello, even a View mother. Not long after my legs were giving out and tried the pie medicine but it made no dent in my condition. During my time in the grandstand Finn Hannon came over and introduced himself. Simply put, a great young fella who enjoys his rugby and his older teammates who have been "awesome" with him. Imagine, walking into a team stacked with some great players and having to steer them around. What a challenge!
Soon my energy was failing badly. It took me an hour to walk to the Augustine St gate. During one of my rests a Joeys 1st XV mother introduced herself. She said she was a big fan of the forum. I have known her son for many years and I told her what a simply lovely young man she and her husband has produced. He has the biggest heart of I have seen for many years. I hope he spends the off-season mending well from all the hits he has taken.
Disappointments? Yes I missed meeting up with Gus Grover. I had to watch him on the Streamer. Gus is a great half back I feel in the vein of Nick Farr Jones. He almost plays as another loose forward. His kicking game was deadly on occasions. In particular when you have excellent chases. (#11 was great) The noise coming from the View stand was on par. A small observation, the Joeys lad started chanting "its all gone quiet" Somewhere in the Field of Mars cemetery the late, great Br. Henry would be spinning in his grave. This is not what Joeys do. I hope someone follows this up. May this type of "cheering" never happen again.
Soon my ride appeared to take me off to be checked out. Fortunately it was not too serious.
I am sorry I missed the rest of the day. This fixture is a highlight and I look forward to it. This year View did the right thing to beef up the ground security at the swamp. I feel it is important that the year 12 lads get to play the old enemy on their home turf. Well done.
Best wishes to the Nicotine 9ths and all who will now focus on the HSC. Good luck and remember your quotes.
Joker
The Chairman
Arch Winning (36)
The final one.
Week 10 Team of the Week
1. Iliyaz Villiamu (Newington)
2. Xavier Boon (Joeys)
3. Sebastian Conna (Riverview)
4. Jackson Rodwell (Scots)
5. Cooper Green (Joeys)
6. Anderton Stock (Shore)
7. Bede Clout (Shore)
8. Justice Taumoepeau (Joeys)
9. Angus Grover (Riverview)
10. Jarryd King (Newington)
11. Jack Plamondon (Riverview)
12. Adam Stewart (Kings)
13. Julian Minto (Joeys)
14. Rory O’Connor (Joeys)
15. Jai Callaghan (Shore)
Chairman’s Player of the Round: 7. Bede Clout (Shore)
I will give a First and Second XV of the season sooner or later.
Week 10 Team of the Week
1. Iliyaz Villiamu (Newington)
2. Xavier Boon (Joeys)
3. Sebastian Conna (Riverview)
4. Jackson Rodwell (Scots)
5. Cooper Green (Joeys)
6. Anderton Stock (Shore)
7. Bede Clout (Shore)
8. Justice Taumoepeau (Joeys)
9. Angus Grover (Riverview)
10. Jarryd King (Newington)
11. Jack Plamondon (Riverview)
12. Adam Stewart (Kings)
13. Julian Minto (Joeys)
14. Rory O’Connor (Joeys)
15. Jai Callaghan (Shore)
Chairman’s Player of the Round: 7. Bede Clout (Shore)
I will give a First and Second XV of the season sooner or later.
Where's the beef
Ted Fahey (11)
Joker, The 9th's can be deadly. You are right, its full of boys who can play, but just want to play socially. At Joeys, years ago, before it was graded to the 14th's, it used to be colours, (9ths, Blue, Black etc. ). You could come up against anyone. Often others 4th's 5th's whoever Jimmy Gray could get. Each year, a 9ths all stars was picked and had to challenge a team. In my case it was 4th's, They regularly won. In my case, 12-7. I like watching the lower grades, because they really enjoy themselves win lose or draw. 5 all, a good result.
The Ghost of Raelene
John Eales (66)
Hell of an effort from young Conna. He’s only a year 10 isn’t he? Played both sides of the front row.
Nice selections. Folkes must of been close. The contested high balls are special. A lot of good showings though. Only so many spots.
twister29
Bill Watson (15)
No Hockey?! I will be waiting to see him in your season team…
The Chairman
Arch Winning (36)
AAGPS TEAM OF THE SEASON FIRST XV
1. George Tancred (Riverview)
2. Campbell Conna (Riverview)
3. Hasani Bloomfield (Kings)
4. Daniel Muir (Newington)
5. Will Spora (Riverview)
6. Dylan Simmons (Newington) (vc)
7. Henri Dempsey (Riverview)
8. Isaac Fonua (Kings)
9. Angus Grover (Riverview) (c)
10. Jarryd King (Newington)
11. Jack Plamondon (Riverview)
12. Oscar Tremlett (Scots)
13. Will Farrah (Kings)
14. Bailey Roberts-Lintmeijer (Newington)
15. Callum Grantham (Newington)
Coach: Toby L’Estrange (Riverview)
Assistant Coach: Tim Rapp (Newington)
AAGPS TEAM OF THE SEASON SECOND XV
1. Hayden Lavercombe (Kings)
2. Oliver Smith (Kings)
3. Harry Davies (Newington)
4. Cameron Stuckey (Joeys)
5. Rhys Perrett (Kings)
6. Bede Clout (Shore)
7. Charlie Ghattas (Joeys)
8. Justice Taumoepeau (Joeys) (c)
9. Xavier Ryan (Joeys)
10. Fred Garling (Riverview)
11. Brody Folkes (Riverview)
12. Keone Anitela-Tsioussis (Newington)
13. Julian Minto (Joeys)
14. Rory O’Connor (Joeys)
15. Charlie Lenehan (Riverview)
Coach: Rob Hahn (Joeys)
Assistant Coach: Ed Craig (Shore)
Some comments that I thought of while making this.
There were numerous positions that were far too close to call. Mainly Wingers, Second Rowers and Inside Centres. There are alot of players who have played out of their skins this year that are not on here. A reminder this is a team of the season, longevity is key. I also tried as best I could to keep the positioning realistic as I could. There are numerous big name players that are not on here (figure them out yourself) but I am not going for the biggest names, but for the players with the most impact. I know I will get a few question marks regarding the Coaches, but I think they are fair enough. Probably Craig might get a few eyebrows but just know that Shore essentially did not have a forward pack until this weekend, where they got 3-1 scrum penalties against the U18 Wallabies front row.
Complain (or praise) away!
1. George Tancred (Riverview)
2. Campbell Conna (Riverview)
3. Hasani Bloomfield (Kings)
4. Daniel Muir (Newington)
5. Will Spora (Riverview)
6. Dylan Simmons (Newington) (vc)
7. Henri Dempsey (Riverview)
8. Isaac Fonua (Kings)
9. Angus Grover (Riverview) (c)
10. Jarryd King (Newington)
11. Jack Plamondon (Riverview)
12. Oscar Tremlett (Scots)
13. Will Farrah (Kings)
14. Bailey Roberts-Lintmeijer (Newington)
15. Callum Grantham (Newington)
Coach: Toby L’Estrange (Riverview)
Assistant Coach: Tim Rapp (Newington)
AAGPS TEAM OF THE SEASON SECOND XV
1. Hayden Lavercombe (Kings)
2. Oliver Smith (Kings)
3. Harry Davies (Newington)
4. Cameron Stuckey (Joeys)
5. Rhys Perrett (Kings)
6. Bede Clout (Shore)
7. Charlie Ghattas (Joeys)
8. Justice Taumoepeau (Joeys) (c)
9. Xavier Ryan (Joeys)
10. Fred Garling (Riverview)
11. Brody Folkes (Riverview)
12. Keone Anitela-Tsioussis (Newington)
13. Julian Minto (Joeys)
14. Rory O’Connor (Joeys)
15. Charlie Lenehan (Riverview)
Coach: Rob Hahn (Joeys)
Assistant Coach: Ed Craig (Shore)
Some comments that I thought of while making this.
There were numerous positions that were far too close to call. Mainly Wingers, Second Rowers and Inside Centres. There are alot of players who have played out of their skins this year that are not on here. A reminder this is a team of the season, longevity is key. I also tried as best I could to keep the positioning realistic as I could. There are numerous big name players that are not on here (figure them out yourself) but I am not going for the biggest names, but for the players with the most impact. I know I will get a few question marks regarding the Coaches, but I think they are fair enough. Probably Craig might get a few eyebrows but just know that Shore essentially did not have a forward pack until this weekend, where they got 3-1 scrum penalties against the U18 Wallabies front row.
Complain (or praise) away!
Rugbynbeers
Johnnie Wallace (23)
Looking Ahead to Aus 18s, who do we think steps in for Heinz and lavercomb who will both be enjoying the sun in France .
The Ghost of Raelene
John Eales (66)
Fonua is a likely candidate to start at 8 with some of the timber in the second row in QLD.
It is of interest that the 1st XV contains NOT ONE Joeys boy even that they were runners up this season with the 2nd best PD.
Joeys beat Newington, Kings and Riverview in the final rounds it seems without a superstar.
6 X Riverview (I understand that)
5 x Newington (league players?)
3 X Kings (I agree with 2)
1 x Scots....really?
Anyway. I have left my whinge to the end.
twister29
Bill Watson (15)
I think if you look at the certain positions that the Joeys boys missed out on it ends up making a bit more sense. I doubt @The Chairman is going to throw some Joeys boys in there because it tickles your tummy…
Cauliflower Ear
Peter Burge (5)
WOW! No Daniel Osborne (Riverview) is a laughable offense. The most dominant foward in the best foward pack in the GPS.
No Joe-Boys in the first team is ALMOST as bad.
Couple of them tickled the AAGPS and NSW selectors tummies hence my disbelief.
The Chairman
Arch Winning (36)
Joker, which players should be in there that are from SJC?
I would have thought
7. Charlie Ghattas (Joeys) Yes he is small but he pinched a lot of ball and has the best line out throw in the AAGPS.
8. Justice Taumoepeau (Joeys) Huge work rate. Not a superstar but is damaging in defense and carries all game.
Sometimes you need a workhorse rather than a show pony who only turn up in attack.
Hey what would I know? I was a AAGPS selector from 2007-2009.
It just comes down to the recipe you want in a team. Hell, we rarely got it right!
Anyway that's my....
The Chairman
Arch Winning (36)
They were both close but,
Dempsey was the Houdini thief of the season. He is an unreal ball runner for someone of his stature, and was just a bit better than Ghattas for me. If Ghattas had continued at 2, it would have been another story.
Then you come to another, Taumoepeau vs Fonua. Both big players, I really think Taumoepeau only really started to put his foot down and be the worldbeater he is with 3/4 games left in the season. No one got more gainline carries than Fonua (Simmons of Newington may have been close) so he takes the edge for me, mainly for consistency reasons