New Queensland Under-19s captain Levi Slater is excited that a clash against the NSW Waratahs will bring out the best from his team at the Santos Festival of Rugby in Roma.
Tighthead prop Slater, 18, is heartened by how the Reds U19s have come together over the past week in preparation for their clash on Saturday morning (10am AEST).
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"We've prepped well. There are a lot of familiar faces from clubland and previous representative teams," Slater said.
"To have the privilege of captaining a Queensland team means the world and any opportunity we have to face the 'Tahs has a lot riding on it."
Slater's captaincy experience with Nudgee College last year played a part in the leadership gong for this game. His determination also shines through because he made the call himself to leave Adelaide at 15 to pursue his rugby dreams at boarding school in Queensland.
"It's been unreal. Without the opportunities from the Reds through the Academy I wouldn't be making the progress I feel I am," he said.
Slater's scrummaging has advanced this year with his regular sessions through the Buildcorp Reds Academy where his 110kg frame has become more influential.
Eight clubs are represented in the make-up of the Reds U19s, including Easts where Slater plays with flyhalf Sam McGahan.
McGahan's exposure to first grade already will be a composure that the U19s lean on in their key playmaker.
High-impact flanker Adam Latham, the son of Reds legend Chris Latham, and non-stop Trent Picot will be influential figures in the backrow.
QUEENSLAND REDS U19s vs NSW WARATAHS U19s
Saturday, September 19
Gallas Fox Park, Roma
Kick-off: 10am
Livestreamed on Rugby Xplorer
Queensland Reds U19s
1 Tito Hamala | Brothers
2 Huw Griffiths | Souths
3 Levi Slater | Easts (c)
4 Bennett Armistead | Brothers
5 Xavier Hough | Wests
6 Adam Latham | Brothers
7 Trent Picot | Souths
8 Jesse Maugatai | Sunnybank
9 Jack Brown | Norths
10 Sam McGahan | Easts
11 Brock Coombes | Brothers
12 Kairus Booth | Bond University
13 Andres Ayache | Easts
14 Nick Cordingley | Brothers
15 Jerry Patea | Wests
Replacements
16 Charlie Hollyman | University of Queensland
17 Koby Washington | Brothers
26 Jonah Rangiwai | Bond University
19 Hayden Keldie-Genner | Bond University
20 Malachi Figota | Brothers
21 Koby Kelland | Brothers
22 Max Bolton | Souths
23 Mitch Moss | University of Queensland
24 Caleb West | University of Queensland
25 Ezalle Matautia | Wests
