The NSW Waratahs U16s have named their side for this weekend’s all-or-nothing grand final clash against the Queensland Reds at Knox Grammar School Sydney. There are notable changes from last week’s round 5 dominant 79–7 win over Victoria, with Asera Peniata, Archie Hill and Kaiasi Talakai returning to the starting XV after featuring on the bench.
Payton Tarau also comes back into the starting line-up, reinstating a formidable attacking structure that was successful against the Reds in round 3 when the Waratahs won 54–45.
The bench includes Tom Longland who adds depth and flexibility for the final encounter. This impressive Waratahs line up will be looking to continue the form and cohesion that carried them through the regular season undefeated, while making strategic adjustments aimed at taking on the Reds in what promises to be a thrilling home grand final.
Across Rounds 1–5 the Waratahs have racked up a staggering 50 tries totalling 326 points— an average of more than 81 points and 12 tries per game. Their most successful outing being last weekends 97 points and 15 tries in Victoria.
The Waratahs sucsess this season has featured the likes of Asher Chapman (10 tries) and key kicker Wilson Ruthven (74 points, 32 conversions), with notable performances by Ben Wright, Finn Hannon and Asera Peniata. The return of Payton Tarau with his 4 tries, 445 carry metres gives them an extra attacking edge heading into the decider against Queensland.
Six Waratahs were featured in U16 Rugby Australia’s Team of the Week from Round 5, while the Reds had seven players — adding even more excitement ahead of the weekends final waratahs fixture for 2025.
1. Asera Peniata – Maitland Blacks
2. Archie Hill – Dee Why Lions
3. Kaiasi Talakai – Blacktown Scorpions
4. Will Gencur – Lindfield Junior Rugby Club
5. Ruari Basten – Lindfield Junior Rugby Club
6. Cordell Arama – Blacktown Scorpions
7. Cooper Williams – Canowindra Pythons
8. Hunter Hall – Scone Brumbies
9. Izak Holmes – Newport Rugby Club
10. Wilson Ruthven – Collaroy Cougars
11. Ben Wright – Randwick Warriors
12. Charlie Xuereb – Western Raptors
13. Payton Tarau – Blacktown Scorpions
14. Asher Chapman – Kiama Rugby Club
15. Finn Hannon – Mosman Whales
16. Talmage Lemusu – Blacktown Scorpions
17. Hugo Lestrange – Terrigal Trojans
18. Thomas Chan – Lindfield Junior Rugby Club
19. Jayden Richards – Newport Rugby Club
20. Eduardo Garcia Wood – Norths Pirates
21. Levi Ellis – Blacktown Scorpions
22. Tom Longland – Collaroy Cougars
23. Ziyon Lepolo – Blacktown Scorpions
Grand Final: NSW Waratahs Vs QLD Reds U16s
Where: Knox Grammar School
When: Sunday, 2nd of November
Kick Off: 2:05pm
