The NSWRL Pathways program is preparing for its final interstate clash 2018, which will see the NSW Under-16 team take on the Queensland Under-16 team at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday, 15 July.
Capping a memorable year for NSWRL representative teams – which notably saw victories in the Holden State of Origin series, Holden Women’s State of Origin, State Residents Game and Under-18 interstate game – the NSW Under 16s will be aiming for a third consecutive victory over their northern rivals.
“It’s a short preparation, but we’ve got a good squad of boys,” coach Scott Jones told NSWRL.com.au. “The sessions we have done together have been quality and we’ve been very happy with the 18 boys to go to Brisbane.
“It’s about them coming together and working together for the common goal. Especially looking over at what the senior Origin boys have done, the aim is just to get together, turn up for each other and get the job done.”
The squad of 18 was sourced from both the UNE Harold Matthews Cup and the Country Rugby League’s Andrew Johns Cup, with players’ form earning them the opportunity to represent NSW. Both UNE Harold Matthews Cup Grand Finalists, the Parramatta Eels and Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, are well represented.
“They were the two standout teams for the competition and at the end of the day, it’s no surprise that some of the best players from that competition are going to be in those two better teams,” Jones said.
“It was a pretty even grand final and it’s also displayed in the number of players selected, that it was pretty even.”
The interstate clash will kick off at 11.35am on Sunday, played as a curtain-raiser for the Brisbane Broncos v Warriors Round 18 NRL match.
