NSW AAGPS 2025

[Rookie21]

@Rookie21 .....bravo.

I know the enormous effort that goes into these. My strength fails me now and I can no longer wield the sword of words.
I admire the use of terms to define home grounds and students. Personally I am a fan of the "Lovable Lane Cove Loonies"

Great work. I shall retire my previews from hence forth and pass the sword along.
Weild it well.

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An honour, my friend. I felt the need to acknowledge tradition and use names that hold timeless status.

 

[Caesar]

Anyone know the deal with Henry Gardiner? He played Schools 16s last year and is now not in the 1s or 2s.

-Footyhead

Preety sure i saw his name in the 6XV lineup at winger, been progressing well though wouldn't be suprised to see him get up a call up to the prestitgious joeys 4XV very soon... wonder where it all went wrong.

 

[anothernudge]

Could someone enlighten me on the Castle Greyskull lore.

 

[Mr. Speaker]

Could someone enlighten me on the Castle Greyskull lore.

I think we require a new name for the 100 million dollar hogwarts building that the Highlanders have just installed as well!

 

[The Observer]

Terrific improvement on Shores mauling ability as well, especially with a smaller forward pack in most competitive teams, especially opens.

Okay I feel I must comment on this…..Shore had two or three attacking lineouts five metres out to maul over and score and were held up consistently, with 5 minutes to go and down 21-17 a kick for touch goes out on the 22, Shore on the attack and they lose the lineout!!!! Still plenty of work to be done me thinks…..

 

[anothernudge]

I think we require a new name for the 100 million dollar hogwarts building that the Highlanders have just installed as well!

The Deathstar shall be remembered.

 

[bomber06]

Sorry, I don't think it's going to be that easy.

For example, on the weekend, Riverview 16Bs played Grammar 16A and the 16Cs played New 16B. I don't have exact scores, but both won by large margins. Similar arrangements in the other junior grades.

For reference, the View 16As played New and won by 49-5, 16Ds played New 16Cs and won 36-5, and View 15Gs played the New 15Cs and had a win, I believe.

View 16Cs and New 16BS tied 19-all. The New 16Cs was a combined Cs and Ds team that played a game straight before against View 16Es. Other games correct =- I believe New 15As did not beat SIC 15As but not sure of exact score.

 

[bomber06]

No idea about whether the Makasani rumour is true. he was at the game last week suited up - my understanding is it was due to a slight niggle. I'd be surprised if he doesn't play this weekend, however the new Director of Rugby, Ben Herring, is focused on building a strong rugby culture at the school after his predecessor really dropped the ball. So, it wouldn't entirely surprise if he made such a stand - there were a few games last season where the league kids in First XV picked and chose which games they appeared at which was really poor. It was exacerbated by the former DOR not handling it appropriately.

 

[Joker]

Could someone enlighten me on the Castle Greyskull lore.

That would be my fault. For over a decade I used to refer to Kings as the Royal Cattleyard, then cattleyard for short. In 2024 a member here suggested Castle Greyskull in reference to the magnificent Chapel on the school grounds. That seemed to stick.

Now...Scots will be tricky. The new building just screams vanity and excess. It can still be part of the Empire. Could this be?
Thoughts, slings and arrows welcome

 

[Jakeburner65]

View 16Cs and New 16BS tied 19-all. The New 16Cs was a combined Cs and Ds team that played a game straight before against View 16Es. Other games correct =- I believe New 15As beat SIC 15As but not sure of exact score.

Not sure where your info is coming from, but anyway…

 

[The Cleaner]

Well, gentlemen, it appears I have some time to write up some match previews for this week's fixtures. Enjoy.

Joeys vs Newington @ Heaven's Pasture

The Wookies of Stanmore International Airport will travel to the paddock of Hunters Hill with their tails up after putting the Rowdy Riverview Crew to the sword last Saturday. However, a strong Joeys outfit are not a team that will be rolled over. Especially after their last 10-minute demolition of Shore at The Bridge over the weekend.

For Newington, there's a big question looming. Does Makasini line up? For myself, it seems a farce for him not to be played. Alas, even if he doesn't, Newington possess a trait that is not inconsistent with Newington teams of the past - size. This is an advantage that they will rightfully attempt to exploit against a Joeys pack of a much smaller nature. Do they have what it takes to down Joeys at their own fortress? We'll certainly know by 5pm on Saturday. One thing is certain, and that this is a potentially season-defining match. Newington are competition heavyweights and a lot is riding on this match for them.

As for the feral men of Hunters Hill decked in the Cerise and Blue? Well it's another year where a premiership is well and truly on the table. Combined with the fact that they will be playing in the comfort of their own backyard, this is a classy Joeys outfit (what else is new?). Newly elected Pope Leo XIV was asked earlier if he believed Joeys would get the job done this weekend:

"Oh XXXX yeah," he said. "Mate, do you really think I'd tip against the boys at Heaven's Pasture of all places? You must think real low of me."

"Isn't that Makasini bloke going to league anyway? Freak of nature though haha."

While they aren't as large a pack as the Wookies, they also possess traits consistent with the Joeys Rugby dichotomy - wheels, brains, and the support of the Holiest Man in the world. I feel like they'll be just too good for Newington this weekend.

Joeys by 10+


Scots vs Shore @ The Death Star

Well, it was a disappointing start to the season for both teams last week, with losses to Joeys and Kings respectively. Both will have felt they could have won, with Joeys getting away from Shore in the last 10 minutes, and likewise with Kings for Scots. Shore have won 2 of the last 3 games played at Bellevue Hill (throwback to 2022 when Daimon "Nudge" Pin sent a blinder of a drop goal between the sticks to win the game for Shore). They'll have the confidence knowing that the game is well and truly up for grabs. Only one thing is certain, however, and that is that whoever wins has bragging rights over who has the best looking Mums.

It seemed as though God favoured Catholicism last weekend at Stirling Bridge, with Shore unable to defend their turf against a tough Joeys side. It's rumoured that Henry VIII turned in his grave when the final whistle blew. Luckily for many members of this forum, at least the Shore Mums will still be able to get a divorce. Shore looked clinical when their attack clicked. They were lead by a brave forward pack that was often let down by the backs, with the halves looking a little confused at times. If these issues are able to be rectified, then Shore are a scary team even without the likes of Bassingthwaighte and Callaghan. They'll fancy their chances this weekend.

As for Scots, well they'll feel like they lost a match that they well and truly could have won over at Castle Greyskull. If they're able to string together a few good performances, and play like a team instead of a team of individuals as they did last year, then Scots could have a crack at the top this year. Emperor Lambert will have his stormtroopers ready for battle against the invaders that hail from the similarly privileged lower north shore. Backed by loud bagpipes, and an army of blue and gold, Scots will not be short of support at their home. However, with a large contingent of travelling Shore boys who are some of the loudest in the GPS, it's not like Shore will have a lack of motivation.

Shore Mums to have bigger smiles when they win by 10+


Kings vs Riverview @ Castle Greyskull

Two away games for the Jesuits, and two home games for the Anglicans to start the season. Riverview need to bounce back from their loss to Newington, or it all of a sudden becomes a lot harder to have a shot at the title. Never say never, though, as look at what Shore did last year after a poor start to the season. Kings will be high on confidence after a good win against Scots and also being tipped as having a likely run for GPS glory.

The Rowdy Riverview Crew will be forced to travel again. This time to North Parramatta to go to war against Kings on the pristine lawns of Castle Greyskull. In recent years, Riverview have been hard to pick. They've either been favoured in the pre-season, only to underperform, or be written off, and then to overperform. I'll just stay away from making any calls on Riverview this year as it's quite a dangerous flame to play with. I do believe that they will have to be at their very best if they're to knock over Kings, however. They let in too many tries against Newington early and it cost them dearly - even with a semi-comeback. Defence is the issue for the Lane Cove Lot. Remedy the issue, and we'll have a juicy matchup.

As for Kings, the Pope was contacted again in order to ask him what he thought of this year's team. Confused (and tired after the proceedings of the last few weeks), he replied:

"That's not my denomination, mate."

"I need a beer."

Perhaps Kings will be wishing that they put Scots to they sword a little more as they were out and out favourites heading into the match. Alas, they were the ones who came away with the competition points and no one can take that away. Perhaps some cobwebs need dusting and some bolts need tightening. Either way, Kings should be seen as the favourites to take this match until proven otherwise. I look forward to seeing how they play this weekend.

God to be Anglican by 5+

BRILLIANT.....THANK YOU.

 

[bomber06]

Not sure where your info is coming from, but anyway…

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Clearly you missed where I said "I believe"....but anyway......I didnt see that game. I watched the others, so you can take that info as gospel.

 

[The Cleaner]

After just one round, I’d say the selectors are already tossing around ideas for the GPS 1st XV—and I thought I’d have a crack at it too. I’ve left out anyone currently signed to league contracts, as they’re unlikely to play or may opt out, like Rodwell and Humphries from N last year.

1. Lavercome (K)
2. Smith (K)
3. Bloomfield (K)
4. Fonua (K)
5. Galligan (E)
6. Clout (E) or Dempsey (I)
7. Taumoepeau (J)
8. Lemoto (S)
9. Grover (I)
10. ???
11. Hart (J)
12. Gough (J)
13. Francis (E) or O'connor (J)
14. ???
15. Callaghan (E) (if back in time) or Grantham (N). He did say no last year I believe.

Help me fill it out gents.

Taylor from Kings at 10? If not GPS 1st XV maybe 2nds. He is definitely a fly half

 

[Mr. Speaker]

No idea about whether the Makasani rumour is true. he was at the game last week suited up - my understanding is it was due to a slight niggle. I'd be surprised if he doesn't play this weekend, however the new Director of Rugby, Ben Herring, is focused on building a strong rugby culture at the school after his predecessor really dropped the ball. So, it wouldn't entirely surprise if he made such a stand - there were a few games last season where the league kids in First XV picked and chose which games they appeared at which was really poor. It was exacerbated by the former DOR not handling it appropriately.

We will see soon. It would be a tragedy to 2nd grade players if he was playing there. Fairness is a key virtue within any AAGPS school.

 

[The Ruckman]

No idea about whether the Makasani rumour is true. he was at the game last week suited up - my understanding is it was due to a slight niggle. I'd be surprised if he doesn't play this weekend, however the new Director of Rugby, Ben Herring, is focused on building a strong rugby culture at the school after his predecessor really dropped the ball. So, it wouldn't entirely surprise if he made such a stand - there were a few games last season where the league kids in First XV picked and chose which games they appeared at which was really poor. It was exacerbated by the former DOR not handling it appropriately.

With further consideration the rumour could be true, I’ve been told that he didn’t even want to play for Newington this season whilst he focuses on league. This means we might see him playing less and less games for the school as the season goes on. Would be a huge loss for Newington if true as he’s a generational talent.

Thoughts?
Ruck’

 

[bomber06]

With further consideration the rumour could be true, I’ve been told that he didn’t even want to play for Newington this season whilst he focuses on league. This means we might see him playing less and less games for the school as the season goes on. Would be a huge loss for Newington if true as he’s a generational talent.

Thoughts?
Ruck’

That's pretty poor if true. And really disappointing. If he doesn't want to play, I wouldn't play him. I am sick of seeing League kids get given spots without having the level of commitment of other kids. To be brutally honest, not only would I stop him from playing, but I'd also not let him train. If he doesn't want to play, why should he have access to the program. And I say this as a parent of the school. Unfortunately, the last 5 or so years of Newington has seen the focus shift to shipping kids in who clearly aren't committed to the code or the school. I am genuinely excited by the arrival of the new DOR. He is a true and committed rugby man. Very hands on - was even helping the U13s prepare on Saturday - and very passionate about a rebirth of the rugby culture at the school. If the rumour is true as you have suggested, I have no doubt he would be driving the non-selection. But like I said, it's very much a rumour at the moment - normally that type of news filters through pretty quickly, but top this point I have heard nada, other than rumours on this forum.

 

[The 6 Seat]

Taylor from Kings at 10? If not GPS 1st XV maybe 2nds. He is definitely a fly half

He is very good. Played excellently on the weekend.

 

[Rugbynbeers]

Taylor from Kings at 10? If not GPS 1st XV maybe 2nds. He is definitely a fly half

sawyer at 15 for Kings Probbaly slot into that ten roll for a GPS side as he is more a natural 10

 

[The 6 Seat]

Team lists for tonights Rawson Cup - fair few old GPS lads

Thats nuts. Around half there that I can remember

 

[twister29]

With further consideration the rumour could be true, I’ve been told that he didn’t even want to play for Newington this season whilst he focuses on league. This means we might see him playing less and less games for the school as the season goes on. Would be a huge loss for Newington if true as he’s a generational talent.

Thoughts?
Ruck’

Really disappointing. Just starting to show the damage some of these league commitments are doing to the GPS...

Also disappointing because he is such a player to watch, I always enjoy a talented outside back who gets ball time and uses it well.