Darling Downs young guns ready to star at rugby championships
RUGBY: Queensland and the Northern Territory’s best young rugby stars will kick-off their QRU Junior State Championship campaigns today.
More than 700 players will line up in the three-day tournament hosted by Toowoomba Grammar School.
Drawing on a vast talent pool stretching from Goondiwindi to the Garden City, the Darling Downs will be more than competitive in the four age divisions.
The Chronicle has spoken to the Downs coaches and identified 12 players to watch.
Head online to thechronicle.com.au/sport for the complete list.
Under-12
Tom Penberthy – Flyhalf Penberthy (pictured) is great with and without the ball.
With the ball in hand he is a great runner, but he can also find his teammates with a pass.
His “game vision” makes him an excellent support player and helps him direct his team around the park. Under-13
Harrison Humphreys– Forward
Humphreys’ versatility is his biggest asset.
Able to play anywhere in the “tight 5” he is a workhorse and almost impossible to tackle. Tommy McDonald – Forward
Like his teammate Harrison Humphreys, McDonald can play anywhere across the “tight 5”.
Great in defence, Humphries is a workhorse that can always be relied on.
Under-14
Xavier Austin – Second row The young forward has the size and speed to trouble plenty of defences.
His goalkicking accuracy will be a real asset in close games.
Under-16
Harry Ole – Number 8
A big strong ball carrier who leads by example.
“He doesn’t say a great deal as captain,” coach John Hill said.
“He leads and inspires his teammates through his action and commitment.”