South Eastern Titans Ray Ertl, Philip Salue (above) and Darryl Papatua (left) are three of 10 players from their club to be selected to compete for their state over the next month. Picture: Luke Plummer. 19772By Marc McGowan
TEN South Eastern Titans rising stars will showcase their rugby league talents on the national stage over the next month.
Darryl Papatua, Ray Ertl and Philip Salue will represent Victoria at the week-long 15 and under Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League Championships in Brisbane from Saturday.
In further good news for the Titans, Jason Lautolo, Kenny Bromwich, Beau Keefe, James Uttatafe, Elyan Brown, Aaron Laasia and under 19 captain Edward Fa’amausili will compete at the same tournament at 18 and under level in Darwin from 12 to 18 July.
South Eastern under 19 coach Jeff Palalagi is thrilled to have so many of his troops playing at the prestigious event.
“Hopefully when they go up and play the tournament in Darwin they’ll get picked up by (National Rugby League) scouts – whether it’s the (Melbourne) Storm or whoever,” he said.
“They’re a very good bunch of talents and if these guys can get some guidance they’ll go a very long way.”
Six of the club’s 18 and under state selections – minus Fa’amausili – played for Victoria at this month’s Combined Affiliated States Selection Trial in Alice Springs.
Second-rower Bromwich and loose forward Uttatafe were named in the All-Australian Combined Affiliated States squad following the competition.
“Kenny (Bromwich) only arrived this year from New Zealand and is a very dominant player, runs very hard with the ball, is sound on defence, and is a very approachable guy that’s well-liked by his peers,” Palalagi said.
“James (Uttatafe) is basically the same – he’s attacking and on defence he’s devastating.
“He’s been training with the Melbourne under 20 squad for the last two weeks, so it’s good to see the Storm having a look at him.”
But Palalagi saved most praise for Jason Lautolo.
“Out all the players that made the state team, my pick, if I was a leading coach of one of the bigger teams, would be to have a look at Jason,” he said.
“On the field he’s not a very big person, but he plays above his weight and height, is very strong, is sound on defence, is exciting to watch and is one of the best trainers we have.
“He motivates the guys that need that extra motivation and is just a coach’s dream player.”
Fa’amausili is the only Titan in doubt for the national championships due to financial reasons, and the club is hoping to raise money for all of the players through fundraising.
“It’d be frustrating if a talented kid can’t make the trip because then it doesn’t showcase all the talents we have,” Palalagi said.
“Edward told me last week that he’s still tossing up whether he’ll go, so whatever comes from the fundraising money, maybe we can do something for the ones that need extra help.”
On the club front, Palalagi is confident his team can take out the under 19 title, having lost only once in round one to Altona, with the team on a four-game winning streak.
