Thanks for all the info Forty - Do you think many boys from this years successful Harold Matts team will get an opportunity to play SG a year young.? if so who do you think will be the ones to watch
I think the Eels had something like six 18-year-olds (Campbell, Carr, Dresler, Keppie, Tupou, Valu IIRC) featuring as regulars in their 2016 SG Ball class with the vast majority of the squad formed from their 2015 Harold Matthews team. In that sense, if you are good enough, you are old enough.
My short list of players that will challenge for roster spots in the 2017 SG Ball squad goes in no particular order:
Matt Doorey (Edge Backrow)
Harry Duggan (Prop)
William Kei (Centre)
Cliff Lea'Aetoa (Wing)
Kyle Schneider (Hooker/Lock/Half)
Uellington Seve (Lock)
Charbel Tasipale (Edge Backrow)
John Paul Nohra (Fullback)
Stefano Utoikamanu (Prop)
Guys that will be on the bubble (might end up in a Talent Squad) but are still good prospects:
Phillip Fanane (Prop/Lock)
Valance Harris (Edge Backrow/Lock)
Dennis Mataia (Wing)
Mark Tepu-Smith (Prop)
Given that the majority of the 2016 SG Ball squad still have another year of eligibility, just how many of these kids end up making the cut will depend on how many current Ball players get accelerated into the NYC next year. Tui Afualo is a sure bet to be a fixture in the 20s, as is Filia Utoikamanu. If Ethan Parry makes a full recovery I think he will be pushed up as well while the rest will come back to the list I made yesterday and just how the club recruits in the 20s over the off-season.
