The RaboDirect Rebels would like to congratulate Victorians Moli Sooaemalelagi (above right), Siotame Kavapalu (above left), Junior Laloifi and Niua Puaka who have all been selected to represent Australia, after impressing at the recent Australian Schools Rugby Championship in Sydney.
Victorian Captain Moli Sooaemalelagi was rewarded for his excellence both on and off the field by being selected at hooker in the Australian Schoolboys squad. His performance at the championships was superb, he showed brilliant leadership and professionalism, making him the Victorian player of the tournament.
The front-row stocks in Victoria are strong, with tight head prop Siotame Kavapalu also selected. Siotame’s work rate cannot be underestimated and we’re sure this young man has a big future in the game.
The electric Junior Laloifi was also rewarded with selection in the extended Australia A squad for his pace, speed, endurance, footwork and ability to bamboozle opposition defenses.
He will be joined in the Australia A side by fellow Victorian Niua Puaka, whose strength in both the tackle contest and with ball in hand were a shining light all week.
The selection of four players in the Australian Schools squads is a marvelous result for these young players and also Victorian Rugby. Whilst there is still work to do to grow the game in this state, this result will help encourage fellow Victorians who want to chase their dream of playing for the Rebels.
The Rebels would also like to recognise Ean Drummond at Wyndham Rhinos and Mike Davies at St Kevins, where Niua has learnt his trade; Anthony Nelson and the entire team at Endeavour Hills, where Siotame plays; and Grant Wasson, the President of Northern who has tirelessly worked for years with both Laloifi and Moli.
RaboDirect Rebels, General Manager, Rugby Operations Josh Philpot said that these selections: “Shows what hard work by the players, and the partnerships between Rebel Rugby and the Victorian Rugby community, can do for young men who play rugby in this state.
“It is fantastic recognition for Moli, Tame, Junior and Niua, but it also serves as a great example for every young player in Victoria. There is now a real rugby pathway in this state.”
Australia A side to play Tongan Schools
St. Ignatius’ College, Riverview
Wednesday 11 July at 2:30pm
Adam Deck - Toowoomba Grammar School - QLD 2
Sam Greene - Brisbane Grammar School - QLD 1
Albert Hemopo - Endeavour Sports High - NSW 2
Monty Ioane - Anglican Church Grammar - QLD 1
Jack Johnson - Waverley College - NSW 1
Jake Kay - Castle Hill School - NSW 2
Adam Korczyk - Brisbane State High School - QLD 1
Junior Laloifi - Lalor Secondary College - VIC
Tim Manns - Downlands College - QLD 2
Tanne Milne - Newington College - NSW 1
Fabian Natoli - St Augustine’s College - NSW 1
Montana O’Neill - Marist College - ACT
John Porch - Farrar MAHS - NSW 2
Francois Postal - St Joseph’s Nudgee College - QLD 2
Philip Potgieter - Toowoomba Grammar School - QLD 2
Daniel Preen - Ipswich Grammar School - CS
Oscar Pryor-Lees - Newington College - NSW 1
Niua Puaka - St Kevin’s College - VIC
Harry Randell - The Kings School - CS
Tomas Robertson - St Joseph’s College - NSW 2
Dylan Sikimeti - St Joseph’s Nudgee College - QLD 1
Ben Tarr - The Southport School - QLD 2
Jack Tuttle - St Joseph’s Nudgee College - QLD 1
John Guy - Manager - NSW
Michael Wallace - Coach - QLD
Jarred Hodges - Assistant Coach - NSW
Tom Lombardo - Physiotherapist - NSW
Australian Schools to play Tongan Schools
St. Mary’s Leagues Stadium
Saturday 14 July at 6pm
Jack Cornelsen - Brisbane Grammar School - QLD 1
Jack Dempsey - St Ignatius College - NSW 1
Lolo Fakaosilea - Brisbane Boys College - QLD 1
Andrew Ferris - The Kings School - NSW 2
Lalakai Foketi - The Kings School - NSW 2
Michael Gunn - Anglican Church Grammar - QLD 1
David Horwitz - The Scots College - NSW 1
Harry Jones - The Kings School - NSW 2
Siotame Kavapalu - Rowville Secondary College - VIC
Andrew Kellaway - The Scots College - NSW 1
Jake McIntyre - Alstonville High School - NSW 1
Neori Nadruku - St Edmund’s College - ACT
Cameron Orr - Trinity Grammar School - NSW 2
Matthew Philip - St Augustine’s College - NSW 2
Jonah Placid - Toowoomba Grammar School - QLD 1
Aaron Pleash - Ipswich Grammar School - QLD 1
Angus Pulver - The Shore School - CS
Andrew Robinson - St Mary MacKillop College - ACT
Harry Rorke - St Ignatius College - NSW 1
Moli Sooaemalelagi - Roxburgh Park Sec College - VIC
Jim Stewart - The Scots College - NSW 1
Mitchell Whiteley - St Ignatius College - NSW 1
Tom Wilson - Barker College - NSW 1
Paul Geddes - Manager - NSW
John Rownes - Assistant Manager - NSW
Stephen Phillpotts - Coach - QLD
Tim Rapp Assistant - Coach - NSW
William Maher - Physiotherapist - ACT
Michael McLean - Doctor - QLD
Andy Clark - Technical Assistant - ACT
Darren Clunn - Strength and Conditioning - ACT