NSW AAGPS 2025

[Mudgee Mudcrab]

My predictions for Shore 1st XV 2025. Year group listed is their 2025 year group, and the team listed is the team they played in during 2024.

1. Charlie Armarti - 2nd XV (multiple fill in appearances in 1st XV in 2024) - Year 12
2. Max Garner - 2nd XV - Year 12
3. Lawson Armstrong - 2nd XV, u16 Presidents A, also made NSW u16 Waratahs (multiple appearances in 1st XV in 2024 as a sub) - Year 11
4. Liam Sidwell - 16A's and 2nd XV, u16 Presidents A - year 11
5. Charlie Galligan - 2nd XV, and eventual GPS 3rds white replacement due to injury - Year 12
6. Anderton Stock - 2nd XV (numerous appearances in 1st XV) - Year 12
7. Henry Sherrington - Predominantly 3rd XV, but also played 2nd XV (and 4th XV for a very short period) - Year 12. Will be the first time Shore will have a different number 7 (other than Marshall Le'maitre) since 2021.
8. Bede Clout - 1st XV - Year 12
9. Olliver Greig - 2nd XV - Year 12
10. Rex Bassingthwaite - 1st XV, GPS 1sts/Australian u18 - Year 12
11. Charlie Francis - 1st XV - Year 12
12. Nick Wendt - 1st XV in preseason (although eventually excluded from pre-season due to injury) and 2nd XV for 1 game before tearing his ACL on his return game from previous injury - Year 11. I believe he was to play number 14 for Shore 1st XV in 2024 if he wasn't injured. He also played U15 Waratahs 2023
13. Gideon Kingal-Paia - 3rd XV (in '23 and '24) - year 12, OR Oscar D'Almeida - 3rd XV, 2nd XV - Year 12
14. Charlie Mott - 3rd XV (was vital to their 2024 3rd XV premiership) - Year 12
15. Jai Callaghan - 1st XV, GPS 1sts, Australian schoolboys - Year 12

My only concern for this team is that they only have 4 players who are returning to the 1st XV, whereas schools like Kings and Riverview will likely have 6 or 7 returning, and Joeys will be very strong next year, with I believe 10 players returning to 1st XV (even a predominant year 11 team almost took the premiership in 2024). Can someone please provide team lists informing the amount of returning 1st XV players.

My (unbiased) ladder predictions:
1. Joeys
2. Kings
3. Ignatius
4. Shore
5. Newington or Scots
6. Newington or Scots

Next season makes me concerned of the likelihood of another season where it will a theme of 'who can take down the juggernaut, the clear premiership frontrunners', like Kings in 2023, but in this case in 2025 it will be Joeys (like 2022, although to a lesser extent due to GPS competition that year being only 5 rounds). The thing I liked about the 2024 season is that you could not tell who will win the competition, it was really up for grabs for any team, evidently the team that came last place (ignatius) beat the team that won the comp (Shore). This season 'theme' of more equal across the competition and having no juggernaut, is much more exciting as it's unpredictable to who will take the premiership, and that uncertainty makes each game more coveted because likely there's more on the line because you never know when you could just end up at the top of the table when all the other games results are unpredictable too.

Anyone got any updates on school fixtures for preseason, summer holiday games like tours (like how Kings went to England last December), as well as fixtures for trials matches? I think for all GPS schools it will be the same CAS/ISA schools being played against in trials as previous years in the initial 2 week trial period before AAGPS competition starts, and so I assume it will just be the opposite venue to last year for those games?

Intresting that Hamilford, Leahy, Murdoch, Readon, Frape and Hockey are not included somewhere in this line-up

 

[Boshman_Journalism]

Joeys 1st XV 2025 Prediction
1 Bryn Whittaker (16A)
2 Charles Ghattas (1stXV)
3 Chris Quinn (1stXV)
4 Cooper Green (1stXV)
5 Charlie Playford (16A)
6 Charlie Hicks (16A)
7 Mackinley Dooley (1stXV)
8 Justice Taumoepeau (1stXV)
9 Xavier Ryan (16A)
10 Bede Fogarty (2ndXV)
11 Tom Dunn (2ndXV)
12 Matt Gough (1stXV)
13 Kynan Hart (1stXV)
14 Henry Troy (2ndXV)
15 Max Palmisani (1stXV)

Joeys 2nd XV 2025 Prediction
1 Xavier Boon (3rdXV)
2 Finn Leary (16A)
3 Angus Littler (16A)
4 Abe Race (16A)
5 Jack McCarthy (16A)
6 Austin Short (16A)
7 Cameron Stuckey (3rdXV)
8 Apollo McInerney (3rdXV)
9 Julian Ryan (3rdXV)
10 Pat Smith (16A)
11 Max Circosta (16A)
12 Sam Jorgensen (16A)
13 Rory O'Conner (3rdXV)
14 Henry Gardiner (16A)
15 Finn Hannon (15A)

In the race for top picks, Harry Beckett is clearly a step ahead of Julian Ryan. With Beckett spending most of his season in the 2nd XV, he’s been playing at a higher level of competition and gaining valuable experience that sets him apart. Meanwhile, Ryan has mostly held down a spot in the 4th XV, putting him a few rungs below in terms of match exposure and the caliber of his opposition. Let’s keep personal biases aside—on merit alone, Beckett’s consistent performance in the higher ranks makes him the clear frontrunner for selection.

Furthermore In the selection stakes, Harry Beckett’s name continues to gain traction, with a real chance to step into the 1st XV ahead of Xavier Ryan. Beckett’s strength as a passing halfback aligns well with the style favoured by backs coach Greg Thompson, who has consistently prioritised playmakers with quick distribution skills. This preference was evident last year when Thompson selected Darcy Brown over the more running-oriented Angus Cornish. Beckett’s game sense and reliable passing make him an ideal fit for Thompson’s vision, positioning him as a prime candidate to potentially secure the 1st XV spot over Ryan.

My unbiased and Raw dogged opinion.

Signing off, Boshman

Signing off, Boshman_Journalism

 

[Mudgee Mudcrab]

In the race for top picks, Harry Beckett is clearly a step ahead of Julian Ryan. With Beckett spending most of his season in the 2nd XV, he’s been playing at a higher level of competition and gaining valuable experience that sets him apart. Meanwhile, Ryan has mostly held down a spot in the 4th XV, putting him a few rungs below in terms of match exposure and the caliber of his opposition. Let’s keep personal biases aside—on merit alone, Beckett’s consistent performance in the higher ranks makes him the clear frontrunner for selection.

Furthermore In the selection stakes, Harry Beckett’s name continues to gain traction, with a real chance to step into the 1st XV ahead of Xavier Ryan. Beckett’s strength as a passing halfback aligns well with the style favoured by backs coach Greg Thompson, who has consistently prioritised playmakers with quick distribution skills. This preference was evident last year when Thompson selected Darcy Brown over the more running-oriented Angus Cornish. Beckett’s game sense and reliable passing make him an ideal fit for Thompson’s vision, positioning him as a prime candidate to potentially secure the 1st XV spot over Ryan.

My unbiased and Raw dogged opinion.

Signing off, Boshman

Signing off, Boshman_Journalism

Agreed the immense development at his move to Joeys at the beginning of 2024. Big things from the Newcastle boy

 

[Footy head]

A name too look out for out of Newington this year is definitely Kden Carter. His performance at the 16s Waratahs was nothing short of brilliant! He is new to Newington starting just after the end of the rugby season and will mean the fight for positions in the Newington backs tightens between Kden Carter, Callum Grantham, Tyson Price, Braith Sloane, Jarryd King, Heamasi Makasini, Bailey R-L and Ofa Latu. Should be a dangerous year with all these boys fighting for a spot.

-Footyhead

 

[Maul of Duty]

Will Makasini play given he has signed his deal with League. I hope that he does but just was not sure how that would play out

 

[Footy head]

Will Makasini play given he has signed his deal with League. I hope that he does but just was not sure how that would play out

Rumor is Makasini will in fact not play schoolboy rugby this year as his contract with the tigers is not allowing it. No real details yet but not looking like he will be allowed to play. Set to be on schedule if fit for round 1 of the nrl next year.

-Footyhead

 

[Newitonga]

Intresting that Hamilford, Leahy, Murdoch, Readon, Frape and Hockey are not included somewhere in this line-up

I'd put Sherrington over Reardon for number 7, although Murdoch could be a major contender for number 7. Frape could get the nod over Sidwell for number 4. Hockey would contest Charlie Mott for number 14. What positions are Hamilford and Leahy, believe they were 16A's 2024.

 

[Maul of Duty]

Rumor is Makasini will in fact not play schoolboy rugby this year as his contract with the tigers is not allowing it. No real details yet but not looking like he will be allowed to play. Set to be on schedule if fit for round 1 of the nrl next year.

-Footyhead

Thanks for the update. It will be a shame not to see him play if this is the case. I can understand from the Tigers perspective through but will be a big loss for the NC backline

 

[wisemaan]

I'd put Sherrington over Reardon for number 7, although Murdoch could be a major contender for number 7. Frape could get the nod over Sidwell for number 4. Hockey would contest Charlie Mott for number 14. What positions are Hamilford and Leahy, believe they were 16A's 2024.

Sherrington looks like he could have the upper hand however his rowing commitments may hinder his chances early on. Only time will tell... I believe Hamilford was on the wing and Leahy number 12 though can also playback row. Both 16A's.

- wis

 

[The Cleaner]

A name too look out for out of Newington this year is definitely Kden Carter. His performance at the 16s Waratahs was nothing short of brilliant! He is new to Newington starting just after the end of the rugby season and will mean the fight for positions in the Newington backs tightens between Kden Carter, Callum Grantham, Tyson Price, Braith Sloane, Jarryd King, Heamasi Makasini, Bailey R-L and Ofa Latu. Should be a dangerous year with all these boys fighting for a spot.

-Footyhead

RE: Callum Grantham, will he play?

 

[fortheloveofthegame]

My predictions for Shore 1st XV 2025. Year group listed is their 2025 year group, and the team listed is the team they played in during 2024.

1. Charlie Armarti - 2nd XV (multiple fill in appearances in 1st XV in 2024) - Year 12
2. Max Garner - 2nd XV - Year 12
3. Lawson Armstrong - 2nd XV, u16 Presidents A, also made NSW u16 Waratahs (multiple appearances in 1st XV in 2024 as a sub) - Year 11
4. Liam Sidwell - 16A's and 2nd XV, u16 Presidents A - year 11
5. Charlie Galligan - 2nd XV, and eventual GPS 3rds white replacement due to injury - Year 12
6. Anderton Stock - 2nd XV (numerous appearances in 1st XV) - Year 12
7. Henry Sherrington - Predominantly 3rd XV, but also played 2nd XV (and 4th XV for a very short period) - Year 12. Will be the first time Shore will have a different number 7 (other than Marshall Le'maitre) since 2021.
8. Bede Clout - 1st XV - Year 12
9. Olliver Greig - 2nd XV - Year 12
10. Rex Bassingthwaite - 1st XV, GPS 1sts/Australian u18 - Year 12
11. Charlie Francis - 1st XV - Year 12
12. Nick Wendt - 1st XV in preseason (although eventually excluded from pre-season due to injury) and 2nd XV for 1 game before tearing his ACL on his return game from previous injury - Year 11. I believe he was to play number 14 for Shore 1st XV in 2024 if he wasn't injured. He also played U15 Waratahs 2023
13. Gideon Kingal-Paia - 3rd XV (in '23 and '24) - year 12, OR Oscar D'Almeida - 3rd XV, 2nd XV - Year 12
14. Charlie Mott - 3rd XV (was vital to their 2024 3rd XV premiership) - Year 12
15. Jai Callaghan - 1st XV, GPS 1sts, Australian schoolboys - Year 12

My only concern for this team is that they only have 4 players who are returning to the 1st XV, whereas schools like Kings and Riverview will likely have 6 or 7 returning, and Joeys will be very strong next year, with I believe 10 players returning to 1st XV (even a predominant year 11 team almost took the premiership in 2024). Can someone please provide team lists informing the amount of returning 1st XV players.

My (unbiased) ladder predictions:
1. Joeys
2. Kings
3. Ignatius
4. Shore
5. Newington or Scots
6. Newington or Scots

Next season makes me concerned of the likelihood of another season where it will a theme of 'who can take down the juggernaut, the clear premiership frontrunners', like Kings in 2023, but in this case in 2025 it will be Joeys (like 2022, although to a lesser extent due to GPS competition that year being only 5 rounds). The thing I liked about the 2024 season is that you could not tell who will win the competition, it was really up for grabs for any team, evidently the team that came last place (ignatius) beat the team that won the comp (Shore). This season 'theme' of more equal across the competition and having no juggernaut, is much more exciting as it's unpredictable to who will take the premiership, and that uncertainty makes each game more coveted because likely there's more on the line because you never know when you could just end up at the top of the table when all the other games results are unpredictable too.

Anyone got any updates on school fixtures for preseason, summer holiday games like tours (like how Kings went to England last December), as well as fixtures for trials matches? I think for all GPS schools it will be the same CAS/ISA schools being played against in trials as previous years in the initial 2 week trial period before AAGPS competition starts, and so I assume it will just be the opposite venue to last year for those games?

Joeys was 7 yr 11 / 8 year 12. The coaches should have picked more yr 12’s, they would have won.

 

[Joker]

Joeys was 7 yr 11 / 8 year 12. The coaches should have picked more yr 12’s, they would have won.

Joeys traditionally picks the best kid for the team. Eg. Beale (yr 10) McCann (yr 9)

 

[Footy head]

RE: Callum Grantham, will he play?

Looks like Grantham will play for now but, it is still up in the air as he will be training with the sharks Top 30 squad this offseason. Things not looking good for some of Newington's biggest stars!

-Footyhead

 

[Footy head]

After this new News my ladder predictions have changed:

1. Joeys - The Year 12 cohort was undefeated until U16, when many players were moved to opens. They have the strongest forward pack in the competition, great backs and with Joeys always being contenders, this led me to place them here.

2. Scots - They have consistently been a strong team as they progressed through the ranks. The Large brothers, when healthy, can really wreak havoc against most teams. Along with their 2nds team winning the comp in 2024, Scots will be no joke in 2024.

3. Newington - Although Newington is losing Makasini and possibly Grantham, I believe they will still give every team a run for their money. With the strongest front row in the GPS, including Sheck, Davies (NSW School 1's 2024), and Viliamu, they will dominate opposing scrums all year and will definitely remain competitive in the 2025 season.

4. Shore - Although they are the reigning premiers, Shore will experience a significant step down from last season. Losing Le Maitre is a major loss, along with a completely new front row. I think they will suffer a few tight losses throughout the year, landing them in 4th place unfortunately.

5. Kings - Similar to last year, the competition will be even closer, which may leave strong teams like Kings and Riverview in the bottom two. I’ve placed Kings here because I believe they will again experience a few tight losses against teams they could beat, and I feel this will be another building year for Risati to lead a winning Kings team in 2026.

6. Riverview - As I mentioned earlier, this year's competition will be as tight as ever, and it’s always hard to count out a team with such quality in the number 9 jersey. However, I don’t think the rest of the team is at the level needed to be competitive this year.

-Footyhead

 

[Mudgee Mudcrab]

I'd put Sherrington over Reardon for number 7, although Murdoch could be a major contender for number 7. Frape could get the nod over Sidwell for number 4. Hockey would contest Charlie Mott for number 14. What positions are Hamilford and Leahy, believe they were 16A's 2024.

Frape, Reardon, Murdoch and Leahy are all high contenders for the flanker position. Maybe Frape being a versitile player as a second row and a flanker option could get him the spot. Murdoch speaks for himself by the way he plays on the field. If anyone got down to the Kings vs Shore u16A game at kings you'd understand what I am talking about. Leahy is a hard ball carying, tackling machine and pilfer demon on the pitch. Its going to be a big pre season for these boys. Hamilford (Wing) was arguably one of the players to watch for the 16A's, whenever he got the ball he looked like scoring. Again going to be a big pre-season for him to prove himself.

 

[PROPaganda]

After this new News my ladder predictions have changed:

1. Joeys - The Year 12 cohort was undefeated until U16, when many players were moved to opens. They have the strongest forward pack in the competition, great backs and with Joeys always being contenders, this led me to place them here.

2. Scots - They have consistently been a strong team as they progressed through the ranks. The Large brothers, when healthy, can really wreak havoc against most teams. Along with their 2nds team winning the comp in 2024, Scots will be no joke in 2024.

3. Newington - Although Newington is losing Makasini and possibly Grantham, I believe they will still give every team a run for their money. With the strongest front row in the GPS, including Sheck, Davies (NSW School 1's 2024), and Viliamu, they will dominate opposing scrums all year and will definitely remain competitive in the 2025 season.

4. Shore - Although they are the reigning premiers, Shore will experience a significant step down from last season. Losing Le Maitre is a major loss, along with a completely new front row. I think they will suffer a few tight losses throughout the year, landing them in 4th place unfortunately.

5. Kings - Similar to last year, the competition will be even closer, which may leave strong teams like Kings and Riverview in the bottom two. I’ve placed Kings here because I believe they will again experience a few tight losses against teams they could beat, and I feel this will be another building year for Risati to lead a winning Kings team in 2026.

6. Riverview - As I mentioned earlier, this year's competition will be as tight as ever, and it’s always hard to count out a team with such quality in the number 9 jersey. However, I don’t think the rest of the team is at the level needed to be competitive this year.

-Footyhead

Yikes! A few takes that won't age well.

Joeys will no doubt be solid.

To think that you've put Scots at 2nd is laughable, they just went into the 2024 season with one of the most stacked teams we've seen and they couldn't even get a top 3 spot, and most of their top players are leaving this year (Brial, Fittler, Jaques).

Newington might've been up there but with no Makasini, I think they'll be closer to their 2024 finish.

I think people are sleeping on Shore, they have the GPS 1sts 10 and 15 returning, this duo will no doubt dominate and with decent forwards with 1st XV experience (Armati, Galligan, Stock, Clout), I think they'll be right up there, we might even see a Joeys Shore GF again next year.

TKS wont have a strong year with a relatively weak year 12 group. But they will have high hopes for the 2026 season so a solid year will build nicely into a premiership.

Riverview will NOT finish last! The likes of Grover and Dempsey will earn the white and blue stripe some great victories, although not enough to be in title contention.

My Predicted Ladder:
1. Joeys
2. Shore
3. Riverview
4. Newington
5. Kings
6. Scots

 

[fortheloveofthegame]

Joeys traditionally picks the best kid for the team. Eg. Beale (yr 10) McCann (yr 9)

Yes, traditionally.

 

[Footy head]

Yikes! A few takes that won't age well.

Joeys will no doubt be solid.

To think that you've put Scots at 2nd is laughable, they just went into the 2024 season with one of the most stacked teams we've seen and they couldn't even get a top 3 spot, and most of their top players are leaving this year (Brial, Fittler, Jaques).

Newington might've been up there but with no Makasini, I think they'll be closer to their 2024 finish.

I think people are sleeping on Shore, they have the GPS 1sts 10 and 15 returning, this duo will no doubt dominate and with decent forwards with 1st XV experience (Armati, Galligan, Stock, Clout), I think they'll be right up there, we might even see a Joeys Shore GF again next year.

TKS wont have a strong year with a relatively weak year 12 group. But they will have high hopes for the 2026 season so a solid year will build nicely into a premiership.

Riverview will NOT finish last! The likes of Grover and Dempsey will earn the white and blue stripe some great victories, although not enough to be in title contention.

My Predicted Ladder:
1. Joeys
2. Shore
3. Riverview
4. Newington
5. Kings
6. Scots

Any team with the Large brothers will be dangerous, but I admit that was a bit of a brain lapse on my part. I’m starting to think that Joeys will be far ahead of everyone else. That said, if Makasini and Grantham are able to play, Newington could be a significant threat.

-Footyhead

 

[TBelly]

A few young ones listed here who have already had a decent season in 1sts at their respective schools. Would think they’d feature again in any team lists for 2025

 

[Footy head]

For Newington:

Keone A-T - 1s - 12

Kden Carter - 1s - 15

Anakin Richardson - 2s - 2 or 3

Ofa Latu - 2s - 13

Jarryd King - 1s - 11

-Footyhead