Joey Fowler eyes off World Championships selection after representing Australia at the inaugural TRC

Joey Fowler is hopeful that a spot on the Australian Under-20s World Championships roster will be his in June after lining up in the green and gold this month at the inaugural The Rugby Championships on the Sunshine Coast.

The Australia under-20s took on Argentina, South Africa and eventual champions New Zealand, with the Aussies’ clash with the New Zealanders essentially a final on Sunday.

Australia went down 36-25 in that match at Sunshine Coast Stadium following their 25-6 round one defeat against Argentina on Thursday, May 2, and a 24-19 victory against South Africa on Tuesday, May 7, at the same venue.

The 19-year-old Narrabri boy, who now resides in Sydney, started in the first match against Argentina in the number 10 jersey and played 65 of the 80 minutes. In what were wet and windy conditions, Fowler scored all six of his team’s points as he kicked two penalty goals.

He was then a substitute for the game against South Africa, coming off the bench in the 54th minute before kicking a conversion in the five-point win.

Fowler did not play in the final game as the Aussie side went down to New Zealand. He told The Courier that he enjoyed the experience and was happy with the way he played in games one and two.

“It was a great experience playing against teams like South Africa and Argentina, and New Zealand as well of course,” he said.

“It was pretty special and something I’ve been working towards for a while now. You’re representing your whole country, your family and yourself.

“I have dreamt of playing for Australia my whole life, so putting on the green and gold jersey is pretty amazing. Being able to do it with a few school mates and in front of family and friends was also very special for me.

“In the first game, I was relatively happy with how I played especially considering the conditions. It was tough. I’d never played in that sort of weather before. In the second game, I knew my role off the bench and I was happy with how I executed that.

“I’m going to try and play some good footy back here at Sydney Uni and make that World Cup squad to go to South Africa in June.”

Fowler is still contracted to the Melbourne Rebels and enjoyed a solid pre-season with them earlier in the year.