LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Chris Heighington, a former NRL forward, is set to lead an under-17 New South Wales team against a visiting Warrington side of the same age group. This match will take place on Saturday afternoon at Guildford, as part of the English side's academy tour in Australia during the off-season.
The NSWRL team consists of talented players from elite under-17 pathways, including those from the Harold Matthews Cup and the regional Laurie Daley Cup. Of the squad, 13 players are currently affiliated with Sydney clubs. Notably, Cooper Votano, who recently transitioned from the Knights to the Storm, will play at halfback.
Additionally, the roster includes winger Kaiyan Barclay from the western division, second-rower Jett Flatley from the Northern Rivers, his teammate Lynton Close who also plays on the edge, and Karl Turner, the 18th man from the North Coast.
At 42 years old, Heighington boasts an impressive career spanning 338 games for teams such as the Tigers, Sharks, and Knights. His credentials also include eight Test appearances for England, two matches for the Prime Minister's XIII, and two for NSW Country. Recently, he has been involved with the Wests Tigers coaching staff.
The squad for the upcoming match includes the following players:
1. Talen Risati (Parramatta Eels)
2. Kaiyan Barclay (Western Division)
3. Jeziah Papa (Sydney Roosters)
4. Braith Sloane (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
5. Cyrus Bloomfield (Parramatta Eels)
6. Cooper Votano (Melbourne Storm)
7. Carter Mareko (Sydney Roosters)
8. Benjamin Kaberry (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
9. Ashton Large (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles)
10. Kodi Roberts (Canberra Raiders)
11. Jett Flatley (Northern Rivers Titans)
12. Geordan Amaiu (Canberra Raiders)
13. Siotame Havea Junior (Wests Tigers)
14. Lynton Close (Northern Rivers Titans)
15. Michael Nauer (Parramatta Eels)
16. Cooper Townsend (Newcastle Knights)
17. Mason Andrews (Illawarra Steelers)
18. Karl Turner (North Coast Bulldogs)
Coach: Chris Heighington