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With the Junior Wallabies in action in South Africa and their senior counterparts set to follow suit this weekend, it has been of note the growing depth in key positions on display by Australia, especially in places where we have struggled with depth for years.
Today we’re focusing on three players who are coming through the ranks in the centres, and with two already showing their stuff for the Junior Wallabies, they look set to be on the radar of several Super Rugby sides in the near future.
Jackson Ropata – Outside Centre (Southern Districts)
It’s been a tough year for Southern Districts in the Shute Shield. The club has been competitive in nearly all of it’s games during the Shute Shield season and have pulled off some great results (most recently being a stunning win up in the Hunter over the Wildfires, who were sitting on top of the ladder), but inconsistency week to week and getting blown off the park in the latter half of games has often been the story of their season.
That’s not to say that there has been no silver linings for the Rebels, however. One of the most exciting products to come out of the club in Outside Centre Jackson Ropata.
Having only made his Shute Shield debut earlier this year, Ropata has gone from strength to strength following his inclusion in the Waratahs Academy late last year. He has now become a player to watch, having been selected to hop on the plane to South Africa.
While he’s still to earn selection during the current competition, there is no denying that Jackson is having a stellar season, and many teams will be taking interest in his go-forward and physicality to bring into their Super Rugby sides in 2024. The fact that he’s only 19 bodes well, with many years ahead to mature into a quality player.
Tim Ryan in action for Reds Academy (Photo by Stephen Tremain)
Tim Ryan – Outside Centre/Wing (Brothers)
Speaking of Junior Wallabies, a good reason why Jackson Ropata has been struggling to break into the side has likely been the form of Tim Ryan, a fantastic centre and winger out of Brothers Rugby Club and the Reds Academy.
Brothers have been on a barnstorming run so far season, regularly challenging to strongest teams like Bond University, Easts and Wests, while also being able to put away the weaker sides like Norths and Sunnybank.
While form has been inconsistent the last month, it’s no surprise considering how much of their younger talent have been called up for higher honours, and as Brothers highest try scorer so far this year despite having not played for them for several rounds, Ryan is certainly one of those.
Impressing earlier this year in several of the Reds Academy Development squad fixtures in Outside Centre, Ryan was selected for the Junior Wallabies on the wing, and his efforts have been rewarded with him earning a starting cap against Ireland, and tonight against the English U20s.
It seems inevitable that he will be picked up for a Reds contract at some point in the future. A very exciting player to watch.
Marcus Arrindell – Outside Centre (Palmyra Rugby Union Club)
Finishing up out West is an exciting prospect for the Western Force, coming out of their very own comp in Palmyra. The Palms have been one of the most improved sides of the competition in recent years, are currently sitting near the top of the ladder, and have won seven of their last eight games, including over a strong UWA side.
Coming through their program is Outside Centre Marcus Arrindell, who is a regular feature in the RugbyWA team of the week and he confirmed his credentials with a strong performance against current ladder leaders UWA. Heavily featured as a rising star while he was a colt, and being a member of the WA U19 State rep team, Arrindell has achieved nearly every honour in WA club rugby, except winnings Palms their first premiership since 1991.
Regarded as one of the hottest prospects in the competition due to his incredible form to penetrate backlines, Arrindell also played for a long alongside Force stalwart Jackson Pugh, one of the most exciting hometown Super Rugby products in the West.
If Sam Spink stays in the West, who better to have as his protege than a similarly brutal and barnstorming centre in Marcus Arrindell.
Who are the club players that you think are deserving of higher honours? Let us know in the comments!
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.