Coach Dean Pay gives his thoughts on the NSW under-20s team he's selected for their Origin clash with Queensland on Wednesday.
Here's his say on all 18 members of the NSW under-20s squad preparing to face the Maroons at Suncorp Stadium:
1. Latrell Mitchell (Sydney Roosters)
He’s got speed, he’s a talented kid and we’re really looking forward to him getting some opportunities on Wednesday.
Occupation/Studying: Traineeship: Certificate III in Sport and Recreation
2. Brian Kelly (Gold Coast)
Runs the ball really well, he’s a strong defender, he’s quick. He’s from Ballina originally and he’s been playing really well for the Coast so we’ve been keeping an eye on him.
Occupation/Studying: Teachers' Aide - Department of Education
3. John Olive (South Sydney)
John’s already played first grade so there’s no doubting his talent. He’s got a great future as do all our outside backs.
Occupation/Studying: Cert III Fitness / Part-time: Youth Worker
4. Robert Jennings (Penrith)
I had his brother [George] last year, I think it was, and they look the same and their attitude towards the game is the same. They’re talented kids and we’re looking forward to seeing him play. They’re both like Michael – they’ve got speed and power and are just athletes really.
Occupation/Studying: Full-time Training Panthers
5. Brent Naden (Penrith)
He’s been playing a bit of fullback with the Panthers and he’s got a bit of versatility in him too, capable of playing in the centres as well. He’s been racking up some really big metres in games and is one to watch.
Occupation/Studying: Full-time: Sports Development Officer (NRL Development)
6. Jackson Hastings (Sydney Roosters)
He’s got a number of first grade games in him already and he’s one of our more senior players. Talking to him, he’s really keen to put in a good performance. He and Drew and our hookers will need to play their roles and really be switched on.
Occupation/Studying: Full-time Training Roosters
7. Drew Hutchison (St George Illawarra)
Drew’s a really good kid, he played really well in 2014, playing five-eighth and a bit of hooker too. I swapped him in. He’s a smart footy player and I’m looking forward to him helping lead the boys around again.
Occupation/Studying: Bachelor of Social Work (UoW)
8. Alex Twal (Parramatta)
A tough kid from Parramatta who does the tough stuff up front. He’s more of a hard-working front-rower and will help get us off to a good strong start.
Occupation/Studying: Bachelor of Business & Commerce (ACU)
9. Grant Garvey (Sydney Roosters)
Like his brother Craig, who I had two years ago I think, he’s a really nice kid and is smart out of dummy-half. He’s a particularly strong defender too and will play a few minutes.
Occupation/Studying: Traineeship: Certificate III in Sport and Recreation
10. Liam Knight (Manly)
A good kid from the Sea Eagles, Liam’s a big and good kid and again like Alex in that he’s a hard worker who can play big minutes.
Occupation/Studying: Cert III & IV in Fitness & Removalist Worker
11. Joe Stimson (Melbourne)
Joe’s really come on in the Storm system – they’re doing a good job with him. He’s a tough kid and will play 80 minutes. He runs good lines and enjoys the tough stuff.
Occupation/Studying: Bachelor of Applied Science (Property Development) RMIT
12. Tyrell Fuimaono (Parramatta)
An athletic kid who’s really good with the footy, Tyrell can play in the centres if we need him to as well. He’s got a bit of versatility in him.
Occupation/Studying: Bachelor Business & Commerce (UWS)
13. Luke Yates (Newcastle)
Yatesy’s from Newcastle and is a really hard worker who can play big minutes if we need him to. He’s one of the leaders in our group.
Occupation/Studying: Traineeship: Storeman Lake Macquarie City Council
14. Jacob Liddle (Wests Tigers)
A dummy-half who’ll come off the bench, Jacob’s smart from dummy-half. We’re looking for him to come off the pine and make an impact. We’ll start with Garvs, see how the game’s going and we’ll put Jacob on when we need the tempo lifted.
Occupation/Studying: Bachelor of Engineering (MQU)
15. Oliver Clark (Penrith)
A big kid from the Panthers, Ollie’s similar to some of the other guys in that he’s got a real lot of impact in him. We’re looking for him to also raise the intensity when he hits the field. A front-rower with a future.
Occupation/Studying: Bachelor of Physiotherapy (ACU)
16. Addison Demetriou (Manly)
Plays in the middle and a real impact player, but can also play in the centres too. He’ll be getting some minutes and someone we want to get us on the front foot.
Occupation/Studying: Full-time: Council Worker with SITA
17. Hame Sele (St George Illawarra)
Hame’s another front-rower, an interchange player, and someone with good leg speed and who will up the tempo when he steps out onto the field.
Occupation/Studying: Cert III & IV Fitness & Working at Cronulla Seaside Nursing
18. Matt Woods (Wests Tigers)
On standby, Woodsy’s a really hard-working kid who can play big minutes. That’s his go. He plays in the middle too but can also be shifted onto an edge.
Occupation/Studying: Degree: Sport and Exercise Management (UTS)
