Ready to represent the Blues..(l-r) Joshua, Albert, Kaeo, Filimaua, Ben. Photo: Wayne Cousins
NSW U16 Coach Brad Fittler has given his views on the five outstanding Manly players to represent the Blues tonight at Suncorp Stadium.
The clash against Queensland can be watched live here from 5.40pm.
1. Albert Hopoate (Manly Sea Eagles)
He’s been in our system for a long time; obviously I played with and against his dad. He’s a pretty special kid who recently made the Australian Rugby Union and for his age at the moment he’s very strong and fast, so he’s got a big future in the game.
6. Kaeo Weekes (Manly Sea Eagles)
He’s the only kid who is a year young, and he’s really crafty and fast. He’s got a good kicking game, I think in the under-16s kids haven’t kicked enough at this age, so if he gets that right, he will be a handful and he’s very fast, so hopefully a little show and go is on the cards and I don’t think they will stop him if he gets through.
10. Filimaua Filimaua-Tau (Manly Sea Eagles)
Here’s a mouthful - Filimaua Filimaua-Tau – I just call him Fili. Manly had two really good front rowers and out of all the selectors he ended up getting the jersey. He plays good minutes and is a really nice kid, he’s a big fella so he’s going to have to take us forward and work pretty hard through the middle. I look forward to watching him.
11. Ben Trbojevic (Manly Sea Eagles)
I’ve been watching Ben for a few years, obviously the relation to Tom and Jake. I watch him down at the Mona Vale Raiders – my son plays for that club – he’s been outstanding at that level and I hope he gets the ball, he’s a quiet kind of kid playing in the back row so I just hope he gets the ball, he’s an absolute handful, he’s got to be 6’1” or 6’2” already. If he wants it, he will make it.
12. Josh Schuster (Manly Sea Eagles)
He’s the standout, he’s got all of the skills, the size, and it will be interesting how he handles the occasion. He’s a real nice kid, a good team bloke, and they all like having him in the team and hopefully we get him some good ball and we’re not tackling all night so I’m keen to watch him.
See the full article here
