Towering teenage lock Avery Thomson did a tough self-assessment late last year when he missed two representative selections he had set his heart on.
The result has been a significant lift in physicality and maturity that has transformed the productivity of the promising 118kg forward.
His reward was today’s inclusion as a frontline figure in the 30-strong Queensland Under-19s squad to contest the Super Rugby U19s competition that kicks off on September 14.
Thomson missed out on a starting spot in the Australian U18s last season and didn’t make the Queensland U19s at all.
“Missing those two teams was a wake-up call. Physicality was the big work on for me,” Thomson said.
“My No.1 goal to start this year was earning that first grade position at GPS. To be given the opportunity of a full season of first grade by (coach) Sio (Kite) has been great for my development and confidence.
“Staying on the field free of injury was also on my bingo card.”
Thomson started nine times for GPS and came off the bench in the other seven matches, when stepping up from Colts, to be one of the bright lights in a disappointing season for GPS.
He must have been eating the right foods or stretching himself in the gym because he jumped that vital centimetre of every young lock’s dreams from 1.99m to 2m.
"I think Queensland definitely has a well-rounded squad. I think a big difference this year is having a wider group of more than 30 players where everyone is vital. It always allows us 15-on-15 training and we know from experience players need to be called in as a tournament progresses," Thomson said.
Thomson will be a key member of this year’s Queensland U19s which includes a core of players hardened by regular rugby against men in the StoreLocal Hospital Cup.
Sunnybank flyhalf Netani Lesimaikimatuku, a sharp mover who is as hard to tackle as his surname, Norths centre Ryan Heaton, University of Queensland winger-fullback Tom Howard and GPS halfback James Prole are others with valuable first grade experience behind them.
The Buildcorp Reds Academy has also polished the skills of players like Thomson, Howard, Wests prop Jacob Job and classy Brothers centre Josh Takai.
Easts winger William Kartelo will be the youngster in the 30-strong squad at just 18. Non-stop Brisbane State High product Trent Picot will also throw himself into his flanker’s role at 18.
The team will be coached by Cian O’Connor with Simon Craig and Phil Mooney as quality assistants.
Forwards
Angus Kelly – University of Queensland
Avery Thomson – GPS
Ben Davis – Souths
Harry Solofa – Wests
Jacob Job – Wests
Joe Stoddart - Easts
Keanu Rasch – Bond University
Kenneth Harris – Bond University
Lucas Oxley – Souths
Mattias Agent – Sunnybank
Mitchel Waldon – University of Queensland
Oliver Aleman – Norths
Reuben Downes – GPS
Salesi Kali – Wests
Trent Picot – Souths
Will Pascoe – Wests
Backs
Charlie Bird – Wests
David Colaivalu – Wests
Jackson Hill – Brothers
Jackson Jury – Bond University
James Prole – GPS
Jayden Solien – Norths
Josh Takai – Brothers
Kiyan Gunewardene – Sunnybank
Netani Lesimaikimatuku Sunnybank
Ryan Heaton – Norths
Stanley Keats – Wests
Thomas Lambo – Easts
Tom Howard – University of Queensland
William Kartelo – Easts
Shadow Players
Blaze Moana – Bond University
Ilan Cloete – Easts
Jake Leck – Bond University
Jude Knapp – GPS
Preston O'Brien – Souths
Viliame Lacudru – Souths
Head Coach: Cian O'Connor. Assistant coaches: Simon Craig, Phil Mooney
DRAW - SUPER RUGBY U19s
Sunday, September 14: Reds vs ACT Brumbies, Ballymore Stadium (1pm kick-off)
Sunday, September 21: Reds vs NSW Waratahs, Narrabri Rugby Club as part of the Santos Festival of Rugby (1pm kick-off)
Sunday, September 28: Reds vs Western Force, Palmyra Rugby Club (2:30pm kick-off)
Sunday, October 5: Grand Final TBC
(Times all AEST)
Queensland U16s: To be named on September 26 after KDL Property Group Emerging Reds Cup
Queensland squad for Super Rugby AUS: To be named on September 2 after StoreLocal Hospital Cup grand final
