Last year’s Auckland Nines tournament gave us an early glimpse at a number of talented youngsters who would go onto to make their NRL debut in 2014, including Valentine Holmes, Cameron Munster and Tuimoala Lolohea. Let’s a closer look at the NYC-eligible players who have been selected for the 2015 tournament.
Jackson Hastings (Sydney Roosters)
Born: 4/1/1996 (Wollongong, NSW)
Position: Halfback/Five-Eighth/Hooker
Junior Club: Wests Illawarra
Rep Honours: Australian Schoolboys (2013), NSW U18s (2013-14), NSW U16s (2012)
A talented half, able to play a number of positions, Hastings is one the NRL's fastest rising stars. The Illawarra junior moved from the Dragons to the Roosters in 2014 and progressed from the NYC, to NSW Cup, to the NRL.
Taane Milne (Sydney Roosters)
Born: 19/5/1995 (Auckland, NZ)
Position: Centre/Wing
Junior Club: Clovelly Crocodiles
Rep Honours: Junior Kiwis (2014)
A skilful centre with pace to burn, Milne scored 13 tries in his second season of NYC with the Roosters. The New Zealand-born Milne was a schoolboy rugby union star in Sydney and represented the Junior Kiwis in 2014.
Tuimoala Lolohea (Warriors)
Born: 23/1/1995 (Auckland, NZ)
Position: Five-Eighth/Fullback
Junior Club: Marist Saints
Rep Honours: Junior Kiwis (2013)
Perhaps the Warriors most talented young player, Lolohea spent most of last season in the NSW Cup before returning to the Junior Warriors in their run to the Grand Final. He made his NRL debut in 2014 and will continue to push for a first grade spot in 2015.
Nathaniel Roache (Warriors)
Born: 15/4/1996 (Auckland, NZ)
Position: Five-Eighth/Centre/Hooker
Junior Club: Richmond Rovers
Rep Honours: Nil
A true utility for the Junior Warriors in 2014, Roache played centre in their Grand Final winning side, while also playing at five-eighth and hooker during the season.
Salesi Funaki (Wests Tigers)
Born: 24/1/1995 (Sydney, NSW)
Position: Second Row/Prop
Junior Club: Holy Cross Rhinos
Rep Honours: Nil
A local junior, Funaki has progressed to the Tigers NRL squad for 2015 after two seasons in the NYC. A very strong runner of the ball, Funaki played 25 gamed for the Tigers in 2014.
Lamar Liolevave (Wests Tigers)
Born: 1/12/1995 (Auckland, NZ)
Position: Second Row
Junior Club: Marist Saints
Rep Honours: Junior Kiwis (2014), Australian Schoolboys (2013)
A talented second rower from New Zealand, Liolevave played 26 NYC games in 2014 and is now a member of the Tigers NRL squad. He represented the Junior Kiwis last season and while attending Keebra Park, represented the Australian Schoolboys in 2013.
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