Tom Kingston scoring against Manly in the 2011 Preliminary Final. Below Kingston receiving his University Blue for rugby.
The Waratahs have lost Australia's fastest bloke in boots but the rookie in line to replace Lachie Turner may well be Australia's smartest footballer.
Rising NSW back Tom Kingston was yesterday named as one of the Waratahs' wings to take on Tonga in a trial at the SFS on Friday, and along with fellow flyer Brackin Karauria-Henry, will press his claims to be Turner's successor this year.
Kingston, 20, has plenty of admirers for his burgeoning on-field talent but the Sydney Uni centre/wing is famous around Waratahs HQ for another achievement - scoring 104 out of 100 in his HSC. Yes, 104.
Asked yesterday if the story was true, Kingston laughed: "Oh, here we go,"
"I got 99 in my HSC and footballers get bonus points, so you could say that if you had to," he said.
In final year exams at St Aloysius College in 2009, Kingston scored an almost perfect TER but also qualified for an extra five points due to playing Australian schools.
Any year 12 student who represents their country in sport is eligible for extra marks from the Department of Education due to training potentially affecting study time.Kingston clearly didn't need the extra help; not only did he progress to the Waratahs in his first year out of school, he had more than enough marks to begin a commerce degree as well.
Amazingly, however, Kingston doubts he's top of the tree in terms of brainpower at the Waratahs.
"There are a few smart blokes. Tristy (Nathan Trist) studies medicine, and Al Baxter used to know the answer to every question. I enjoy my studies.
"It's going to take me a while to finish my undergrad degree but I certainly intend to study post-graduate, whether it be commerce or law or whatever.
"The majority of the squad are either studying or have completed degrees so you can certainly get a lot out of those guys. They're really good in terms of setting an example.
"If you need to study on tour or whatever, they're very understanding."
Kingston debuted for the Tahs last year and played four games; he would have played more games had he not played for Australia at the under-20s World Cup in Italy.
A pacy back, Kingston has the inside running to slip on the No.14 jersey this season as Turner underwent surgery on a torn hamstring tendon.
"Obviously I feel for Lachie but I guess that's part of it all (in sport)," Kingston said. "I am hoping to really grasp that opportunity. Playing last year I sort of got a taste, and now I really want to contribute. I want to show up for my teammates.
"That is something I have highlighted in terms of my game this year."
Turner, who will take on a role of analysing opponents during rehab, said he would not be missed with the likes of Kingston, Brackin-Henry, Trist and Peter Betham ready to step up.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/rugby-gold/rookie-waratah-tom-kingston-may-be-the-smartest-man-in-rugby/story-fn8ti7yn-1226271172712
