Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) has today confirmed the Reds U18s Academy Maroon and White match-day 23s, ahead of the next round of Academy matches at St. Joseph’s College Nudgee this Sunday, 22 September.
The two squads have been selected from the Reds Junior Academy, Queensland Premier Rugby Colts and Schools Rugby.
Reds U18s White will play the Brumbies Academy at 12:40pm on Sunday, 22nd of September, followed by Reds U18s Maroon’s clash with the NSW Gen Blue Academy at 2:00pm. Both matches will be streamed via Rugby.com.au.
The Maroon squad will be captained by Queensland Premier Rugby’s U19s player of the year – Brothers’ young gun Josh Flook – while Wilson Blyth, younger brother of St.George Queensland Reds lock Angus Blyth, will pack down in the second row.
Easts hooker Zac Crothers, who made his Hospital Challenge Cup debut this year at age 17, will captain the Queensland White side.
Reds Maroon head coach Ryan Schultz said: “Our preparation has changed heading into this weekend from our first match against the Rebels.
“A lot of the boys are coming off the back of the GPS schoolboy season so this week has been all about clarity and learning, figuring out how we want to perform.
“Having the White team included has added to the program, we’ve prepared together this week leading into the games.
“We had an extended squad heading into the Rebels game and the White team provides other players from that group and those who have impressed at school or club Rugby this year the chance to play and prove themselves.
“I think the challenge of playing NSW isn’t going to be too hard for the boys to get excited about, consistency in terms of selection from the first game helps as well so we’ll look to build on our performance.
“The Academy system has benefited the core group ahead of the Australian U18s campaign, it has also helped individuals prepare for their school and club competitions and has definitely helped players develop and put their best foot forward for selection.”
Reds White head coach Ben Travers said: “It’s been the best week of Rugby, great group of players with plenty of talent, wonderful preparation.
“It’s been a great week of preparation heading into the match. We have a good group of players with plenty of talent.
“It’s great to have the White team in action as well as Maroon this weekend, providing some more players with the opportunity to impress and push for higher honours.
“We have a good mix of players from across the different schools competitions and club Rugby and they’ve all come together really well.
“It’s going to be a great afternoon of Rugby out at Nudgee on Sunday afternoon and I’d encourage the Rugby public get come along to the games and see some of the best emerging talent in Queensland in action.”
