The Junior Kangaroos

[imported_Roopy4246]

This team has been a great indicator of emerging stars of the game over the last few seasons.

Blokes like Braith Anasta, Justin Hodges, Paul Franze etc etc etc have stepped up to be regular firstgraders the year after being Junior Kangaroos.

The team

Chris Armit-Parramatta
Greg Bird-Cronulla
Ben Czislowski-Brisbane
Ashley Graham-Parramatta
Ben Harris-Bulldogs
Steve Irwin-Brisbane/Toowoomba
Luke Lewis-Penrith
Anthony Quinn-Newcastle
Luke Rooney-Penrith
Shane Rodney-Penrith
Michael Russo-Melbourne/Brisbane Nths
Cameron Smith-Melbourne/Brisbane nths
Brett Seymour-Brisbane
David Shillington-Roosters
Jonathon Thurston-Bulldogs
Willie Tonga-Parramatta
Anthony Watmough-Manly
Michael Weyman-Canberra

 

[Willow]

No Wes Naiqama?

Roopy, do you know the maximin age of a junior Kangaroo?

 

[imported_Roopy4246]

I think the cut off is twenty, but don't quote me.

The junior Kiwis;

Damien Crappe (Auckland),
Karl Johnson (Auckland),
Zebastian Luisi (Auckland),
Filinga Fifiga (Bulldogs),
Toshio Laiseni (Auckland),
Danny Bernard (Auckland),
Jerome Ropati (Auckland),
Thomas Leuluai (Auckland),
Evarn Tuimavave (Auckland),
Epalahame Lauaki (Auckland),
Kane Ferris (Canterbury),
Roger Eliu (Auckland),
Louie Anderson (Waikato),
William Raston (Manawatu),
Jason McDougall (Canterbury),
Herewini Rangi (Waikato),
Sonny-Bill Williams (Bulldogs),
Andrew Auimatagi (Canterbury),
Manu Vatuvei (Auckland),
Vince Wellars (Warriors).

 

[Willow]

Somethings not right here.

I only ask because there isnt a single St George player in that squad. Their U/22s Jersey Flegg side were regarded as the best side of the year until 90 seconds from fulltime in the grand final when they lost by one point.

Its fairly well accepted that in the Jersey Flegg comp, Saints were first and daylight was second for most of the year.

I see David Shillington got in there. He had a good year for the Roosters but I can't see how he could have got in ahead of Steven Southern.

Why are there no representatives from the minor premiers?

If Saints had of held out the Roosters in the grand final, would they have players in the squad? After all, they only by one point.

Have Saints been penalised for losing the grand final?

 

[ozbash]

i thought the cut off was 18 years old.

 

[imported_Kaon]

It certainly looks like a very strong Aussie team with plenty of them having 1st grade experience.

1. Steve Irwin
2. Luke Lewis
3. Ben Harris
4. Willie Tonga
5. Luke Rooney
6. Jonathon Thurston
7. Brett Seymour

This backline would put most clubs to shame.

 

[imported_Kaon]

I forgot to add that the <span>Junior </span>Kangaroos are also known as the Aus U'19s or at least they were.

 

[imported_Roopy4246]

In the paper today (Newcastle Herald I think) they said all the players were under 19 at Jan 1st this year. They also said the team was going into camp for three weeks before a game against PNG. I thought Aus an NZ were naming sides for an opening game before the test, but maybe not.

 

[Willow]

Thanks for that Roopy. It suggests a lot of those Dragons players must be over 19. Although many are still teenagers.

 

[imported_Roopy4246]

The starting lineup for the PNG game. I hope they don't mind playing in hot weather. It's good to see Anthony Quinn in the centres. I think he will be a centre next season.

1. Steve Irwin (Broncos)
2. Luke Rooney (Penrith)
3. Luke Lewis (Penrith)
4. Anthony Quinn (Newcastle)
5. Willie Tonga (Parramatta)
6. Jonathon Thurston (C) (Bulldogs)
7. Brett Seymour (Broncos)
8. Ben Czislowski (Broncos)
9. Cameron Smith (Melbourne Storm)
10. Chris Armit (Parramatta)
11. Anthony Watmough (Eagles)
12. Shane Rodney (Penrith)
13. Greg Bird (Sharks)
14. Brett Oliver (Bulldogs)
15. Ben Harris (Bulldogs)
16. David Shillington (Roosters)
17. Derrick Watkins (Cowboys)

 

[Willow]

From: Leagueunlimited

<table align=center border=1 bordercolor=#006699 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 width="95%"> <tbody> <tr> <td align=middle bgcolor=#1b7cad width="100%">PNG Presidents 13 -v- Junior Kangaroos </td></tr></tbody></table>
<table align=center border=0 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 width="95%"> <tbody> <tr> <td align=left width="50%">Written by:Esau Mellie</td> <td align=left width="50%"> </td> <tr> <td align=left width="100%">19/10/02</td></tr> <tr> <td></td></tr> <tr> <td align=left width="100%">Send this article to a friend</td></tr> <tr> <td></td></tr> <tr> <td align=left width="100%">Crunch time!
PAPUA New Guinea goes into a double header of international fixtures this weekend, commencing tomorrow when the PNG Pukpuks take on a determined Cook Islands who have one aim in mind to win this IRB World Cup qualifier.
The Pukpuks, who have the home advantage, will use this opportunity to snatch a win in the first leg.
On Sunday, the PNG rugby League President’s XIII take on the Junior Kangaroos in what should be a torrid affair.
If one thing is to come out of this fixture, it will be the blooding of future stars in the greatest game of all — rugby league.
Reporter JOHN PANGKATANA, who has followed the two codes closely, reports. PAPUA New Guinea President’s XIII coach Bob Bennett believes the clash with the Australian Junior Kangaroos will be a huge learning experience.
The newly knitted side of new and experienced hands will take field at Lloyd Robson oval on Sunday for the inaugural Kokoda Memorial Trophy rugby league clash.
Yesterday, Bennett and a batch of “new hands” flew into Port Moresby yesterday to link up with the PNG-based squad in camp at the Correctional Services College at Bomana.
The Australians will arrive today with only two changes due to the withdrawal of Michael Russo, from Melbourne Storm, and Ashley Graham, from the Parramatta Eels.
They are replaced by Derek Watkins and Brett Oliver.
The stylish Junior Kangaroos have stardom written all over the faces and look set to be house hold names in the near future.
They are here to establish themselves as future Kangaroo prospects and it should make for an exciting clash.
Standout names include Cronulla Sharks’ Greg Bird and Brisbane Broncos’ Brett Seymour.
Seymour is likely to replace veteran Alan Langer after a number of stand-out performances this season in the NRL.
Meanwhile, PNG’s exciting new prospects include 120kg prop Matt Nightingale from NRL club Penrith, Wynnum Manly’s 110kg Leroy Day (Queensland State League) and Souths backrower Kevin Prior, also from the State League.
In the backs, Queensland under-19 representative centre Steve Franciscus and half-back Jorgie Skeen with Eastern Suburbs flyer Henari Veratau and Australian schoolboy star Dereck Fletcher add variety to the backline.
Regulars including John Wilshire (East Coast Tigers) and Eddie Aila (Wynnum Seagulls) also jetted in. Notably missing from training yesterday were the experienced Mark Mom and Melbourne Storm winger Marcus Bai. Bennett said both are doubtful starters due to injuries but their presence over the next two days will be a plus to the side. He said the side has to run on the paddock together but the inclusion of Kumuls Makali Aizue, Raymond Karl, Michael Marum and the return of Tony Dai, should give the side direction when the going gets tough.
“The young guys we have here are an exciting bunch like Jorgie (Skeen) and Bafinuc (Ilai) who will share the half-back duties,” he said. “It will be tough out there against a side filtered with NRL experience.
“However, we have a determined young lot who are looking to make an impression as well.”
Bennett said there are 19 players in camp at the moment with one to be omitted.
The other members of the President’s side are Alex Haija, Joseph Omai, Chris Purkikil, Stanley Tapend and Oscar Tonga.
The program for the day will start at 10am with the Port Moresby under-17 grand final between Kone Tigers and Defence, followed by the under-19 clash between PMRFL premiers Tarangau and Pari premiers Raiders.
The curtain-raiser will see PMRFL premiers Post Puma take on the visiting Cape York Crocodiles from Far North Queensland.</td></tr></tbody></table>

 

[Willow]

Many thanks to Esau Mellie who took the time to send that article in from PNG.

 

[Ramit54]

Junior Kangaroos 36 (L.Rooney 2, G.Bird, B.Harris, A.Quinn, W.Tonga, J.Thurston tries; Jthurston 4 goals) def Papua New Guinea 28 (M.Auize 2, K.Pryor, C.Pukukil, B.Ilia tries; S.Tepend 4 goals) at Port Moresby. Crowd: approx. 10,500.

 

[imported_Roopy4246]

From the paper today;
One of the players was bitten by a police security dog after the dogs were turned loose to keep the crowd back and the player who got man of the match refused to take part in a set move that might have seen him score when he heard gunfire. the police were shooting at the feet of the crowd to keep them back.
The kids were also caned by the ref in the penalty count, with 7 straight penalties being awarded against them before the last PNG try.

That is an experience they will be able to tell their grandkids about.

 

[Willow]

Possibly all in a days work for PNG fans.

Here's a report from a local who was at the game:
(From League Unlimited)


<table align=center border=1 bordercolor=#006699 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 width="95%"> <tbody> <tr> <td align=middle bgcolor=#1b7cad width="100%">Junior Kangaroos edge out PNG Presidents XIII</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table align=center border=0 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 width="95%"> <tbody> <tr> <td align=left width="50%">Written by:Esau Mellie</td> <td align=left width="50%"> </td> <tr> <td align=left width="100%">21/10/02</td></tr> <tr> <td></td></tr> <tr> <td align=left width="100%">Send this article to a friend</td></tr> <tr> <td></td></tr> <tr> <td align=left width="100%">THE Australian Junior Kangaroos had their work cut out in edging out a determined Papua New Guinea President’s XIII 38-28 to win the inaugural Kokoda Memorial rugby league trophy before a packed Lloyd Robson oval yesterday.
The Junior Kangaroos nearly shot themselves in the foot through ill-discipline when the hosts were leading 28-26 with 10 minutes remaining on the clock.
Papua New Guinean referee Moses Tolingling, although small in size, was in the thick of things, marching back the visitors at crucial moments.
However, the Australians’ superior weight advantage and determination to not get beaten got them through with two last-minute tries.
The locals had the upper hand but failed to consolidate with the ball in hand to run the clock down to keep play deep inside the Australians’ territory.
With the clock ticking down, the President’s XIII lacked ball security and took poor options in clearing kicks to allow the determined Australians in with a sniff.
That was all that was needed as skipper and five-eighth Jonathan Thurston, from the Canterbury Bulldogs, ran through the tiring defence to grab the lead.
Then Penrith Panthers’ giant winger Luke Rooney sealed the locals’ fate with his second and last try of the match on the final hooter.
Before that, the PNG President’s side went toe to toe with their talented counterparts with a strong display, especially from the “young guns”.
PNG President’s stand-out players were Makali Aizue, John Wilshire, Raymond Karl and new hands Matt Nightingale, Leroy Day and Kevin Prior.
For the visitors, Brisbane Broncos half-back Brett Seymour showed his class at pivot, alongside Ben Harris, Anthony Quin in the centres, hooker Shane Rodney and Cronulla Sharks workaholic Greg Bird at lock.</td></tr></tbody></table>

 

[ali]

I hate to spoil Mr Mellie's moment of glory but both those articles come from the PNG newspaper the Post-Courier. (http://www.postcourier.com.pg/) Maybe he works for the paper?
Anyway, this experience has only done more to increase my fascination of all things PNG Rugby League. Hopefully I will get up there one day.

 

[Willow]

Thanks for that ali. It may be that he does but I have to check now.