Colourful young front rower Harry Johnson-Holmes and barnstorming winger Taqele Naiyaravoro are two of a number of NSW Waratahs who will pull on their club colours this weekend.
Across five trials this Saturday, 21 players will play for eight teams at various venues in the afternoon.
With the NSW Waratahs on a bye in round six of the Vodafone Super Rugby competition, coach Daryl Gibson says the selected players are eager to have a hit out in club land.
“Our players are keen to represent their clubs this weekend in preparation for the Shute Shield competition and we have a large number participating in various trials,” Gibson said.
Winger Taqele Naiyaravoro summed up his feelings about returning to club land.
“Can’t wait. It’s always good to go back to Shute Shield and have a run with the boys,” he said. “I’ve always enjoyed my rugby with West Harbour and returning to the grass roots of rugby.”
Echoing the wingers words was NSW teammate Harry Johnson-Holmes, who will represent Sydney University in tomorrow’s trial against Eastwood.
“I’m really excited to take all I’ve learnt in pre-season and the past few weeks in terms of experience back to club,” he said.
Saturday afternoon will also see our NSW Women take on the Brumbies Women at Pittwater Rugby Park prior to the 1st Grade showdown between hosts the Warringah Rats and Gordon at 4:45pm (AEDT) to conclude a day of rugby festivities on the Northern Beaches.
Check out the NSW Women’s matchday 23 for Saturday’s clash against Brumbies Women.
1st Grade Shute Shield trial fixtures:
Southern Districts v West Harbour, CA Redmond Oval, 2:30pm
Southern Districts: Shambeckler Vui
West Harbour: Taqele Naiyaravoro
Randwick v Northern Suburbs, Latham Park, 3:00pm
Randwick: Andrew Kellaway
Northern Suburbs: JP Sauni, Kalivati Tawake, Nick Palmer, Will Miller, Irae Simone, Cam Clark, Nick Duffy
Penrith v Eastern Suburbs, Nepean Rugby Park, 2:30pm
Eastern Suburbs: Cody Walker, Ryan McCauley, Mack Mason
Warringah v Gordon, Pittwater Park, 4:45pm
Warringah: Maclean Jones
Sydney University v Eastwood, St John’s College Oval, 3:00pm
Sydney University: Tolu Latu, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Matt Sandell, Lachlan Swinton, Brad Wilkin
Eastwood: Hugh Roach, Mick Snowden
Parramatta v Manly, Merrylands RSL Rugby Park, 3:00pm