The NSW Waratahs U16s are just three rounds into their 2025 campaign and have already put the competition on notice, showcasing their clear intent and ability to relentlessly stretch oppositions and put points on the board.
In continuing their proud record of never having lost a game in the competition, the team has piled on a staggering 247 points in 240 minutes of game time this season, aided by the kickers achieving an 83 per cent conversion rate.
The Waratahs have scored 37 tries in three games, equating to a try about every six minutes, with winger Asher Chapman touching down nine times and being named in the Team of the Week for all three rounds.
Chapman’s achievements are not in isolation, and the rest of the talented backs have also been cashing in, including Finn Hannon (5 tries, 4 conversions), Payton Tarau (4 tries) and Ben Wright (3 tries).
The forward pack have been flexing their muscle throughout the competition, showing aggression and intent carrying the ball. In the first three rounds the forwards have combined for more than 1000 carry metres and scored ten tries.
Cordell Arama has been a standout performer, with his 131 carry metres, 54 post-contact metres and a hard-earned try seeing him featured in the last two Teams of the Week.
He has been well supported by Ben Wright (95 carry metres, 3 tries) and Asera Peniata (92 carry metres, 2 tries). The Waratahs’ onslaught of tries has been backed up with consistency off the kicking tee.
Wilson Ruthven has converted 27 of 33 attempts at goal, along with scoring a try, for a remarkable personal points haul of 59 points in the opening three rounds. The flyhalf’s accuracy proved most valuable in the team’s 54-45 victory against the Reds last Saturday.
Despite the team's scoring strengths, the result against the Reds exposed some defensive inconsistencies and moments of ill-discipline that allowed the opposition to build momentum.
With the Waratahs already confirmed to contest the Grand Final on Sunday 2 November, reducing infringements will be an area the side can look to improve in their final regular season game against Victoria.
