Reds Under-16s Falter After Under-15s Grab Dominant Win in Sydney
SYDNEY – A contrasting weekend of results for Queensland‘s youth rugby programs unfolded at Forshaw Park, with the Reds Under-15s securing a decisive 39-26 victory over the NSW Waratahs U15s, while the Under-16s narrowly defeated the Waratahs 45-54. The results highlight the growing depth of Queensland’s junior rugby pathways, but also reveal areas for enhancement as both teams prepare for future competitions.
The Reds U15s showcased a powerful performance,led by tries from Stanley Grellman,Hugh Stanbury,Thomas Gibb,Digby Ioane,Koby Walters,and Joseph Keke. Zac Zeremes and Daniel De Swardt added conversions, with a penalty goal from Sammy Samson rounding out the scoring. Despite a late surge from the Waratahs, who saw Ethan Mullins score twice alongside tries from Cooper Hayward and Urijah Brown, the Queensland side maintained control.
The Under-16s match proved a tighter contest. The Waratahs U16s mounted a late comeback, closing the gap to 32-26, but the Reds responded with a crucial try from prop Stanley Grellman, stemming from a well-executed rolling maul. Noah Gaffney led the Reds’ try-scoring with a hat-trick, supported by two tries from Dylan Goodwin and one each from Xavier Hill and Will Robinson.Charlie Meredith successfully converted five tries.
The Waratahs U16s were spearheaded by Asher Chapman, who scored four tries, with Finn Hannon adding two. Kaiasi Talakai and Fletcher Hermann each contributed a try, while Wilson Ruthven converted seven attempts. Skipper Hugh Stanbury impressed for the Reds U15s, and Will Jessiman nearly crossed the tryline twice for the Waratahs U16s, but was tackled into touch on both occasions.
