Rugby fans have been given a sneak peek into the code's future with 25 players named in a preliminary men's Australian under-18 squad.
These players were named following the five State Academy matches held over the last month with Australia U18 coach Shannon Fraser a keen observer.
"Those games were a great opportunity to see the players compete at a provincial level," Fraser told rugby.com.au.
"Identifying potential national players this early in the year allows us to closely track them across the school, association, and club seasons."
While the final squad won’t be confirmed until later this year, Fraser and his coaching staff will closely monitor players over the coming months, with others to be added based on performances in club and school competitions.
"This is a highly talented group of players who I have no doubt will form the nucleus of a team capable of achieving success in New Zealand later in the year," Fraser said.
"It’s imperative that these players perform through the regular season to not only maintain their position within the squad, but to ensure they arrive in September in good form ready to compete."
The Australia U18s will tour New Zealand in late September for a two-match series.
Angus Grover (Waratahs)
Bennett Armistead (Reds)
Sam Blank (Waratahs)
Bailey Bouquaiux (Brumbies)
Dylan Bretton (Brumbies)
Toby Brial (Waratahs)
Luca Cleverley (Waratahs)
Isaac Fonua (Waratahs)
Frankie Goldsbrough (Reds)
Tom Hartman (Waratahs)
Nick Hill (Waratahs)
Ewald Kruger (Reds)
Edwin Langi (Waratahs)
Talia'uli Latukefu (Brumbies)
Marshall Le Maitre (Waratahs)
Lehopo Leota (Reds)
Jay McKenzie (Waratahs)
Charlie Poynton (Waratahs)
Treyvon Pritchard (Reds)
Tom Robinson (Reds)
Will Ross (Reds)
Josh Takai (Reds)
Manaia Tetana (Force)
Kingsley Uys (Reds)
Joe Walsh (Waratahs)
