Narrabri duo play key roles in Waratahs’ under-19s demolition job against the Rebels

Narrabri Blue Boars juniors Joey Fowler and Sid Harvey teamed up for the first time in more than six years on Sunday when they lined up for the NSW Waratahs’ under-19s side at Leichhardt Oval.

The Narrabri boys and their NSW teammates made an emphatic statement in round one of the 2024 Super Rugby Under-19 Tournament as the hosts outscored the Melbourne Rebels 80-20 to kick-start their campaign in style.

It was a memorable match for both Harvey and Fowler as they lined up at fullback and fly-half, respectively, and produced stellar efforts.

For Harvey, it was a debut in the under-19s arena and he made an instant impact as he set up two tries and slotted 10 of 12 conversions, with a handful of those being from the sideline.

He also scored a try himself that was called back for a forward pass in the build-up, however, it was a sign of what’s to come from the explosive fullback.

It was a happy homecoming for Fowler as he played his first game in blue since 2022 following his switch back to the Tahs from the Rebels earlier this year. He set up two tries and was instrumental in leading the side around the park during the 60-point victory.

Fowler had previously lined up for the Rebels in under-20s but missed the under-19s comp last season due to injury.

He is the vice-captain of the Waratahs this year and is confident they can win the competition.

“I think we can go all the way to winning it this year. That’s the goal for everyone,” Fowler said.

“We’ve got a pretty good squad and the boys have worked really hard to be in this position.

“The quality of boys we have can definitely take us all the way.

“It was a strong performance from the team (on Sunday). We had a pretty good prep leading into the game and it’s good to get off to a good start.

“The Rebels are not a team to take lightly, regardless of what the scoreboard said. There are some talented footy players and big bodies in that team.

“I think we played okay, but we definitely left a few points out there. You can’t ask for too much from the first game, but I’m pretty happy with the overall performance.

“We have some pretty exciting backs, with Sid being one of them. We spread the ball really well and played with a lot of width.

“We have a solid forward pack too and they laid a good foundation for us backs to do what we do.”

Fowler has been working on all aspects of his game across the past few years, including leadership, and he is proud to have the chance to vice-captain his state.

“It’s a nice achievement to have,” he said.

“It’s one of the things I’ve worked on over the last few seasons, my leadership.

“Being a 10, it’s important to be a voice within the team. Although it’s something I don’t get too caught up on, being vice-captain is a nice touch and I’m enjoying the role so far.”

The Narrabri duo enjoyed playing alongside one another for the first time since helping Narrabri Junior Rugby Club’s under-14s side secure the 2018 NWRYR premiership with a 28-15 victory against Armidale at Ken Chillingworth Oval just over six years ago.

They are now focused on helping the Waratahs reach the grand final next month on Sunday, November 3, at Ballymore Stadium.

In round one on Sunday, the NSW boys went ahead in the fifth minute when winger Tom Klem charged onto an Oscar Jorgensen pass and went over to score the first try of the match, which Harvey converted to make the score 7-0.

The Rebels hit back soon after as a penalty goal made the score 7-3, but NSW responded in style in the 17th minute as Fowler and Harvey combined to put Klem over for his second of the match as the hosts extended their lead.

Harvey thought he had scored the third try of the game in the 21st minute after he had stormed onto a Liam Grover pass and ran 10 more metres to dive over untouched, but Grover’s pass was ruled to have travelled forward.

The Waratahs’ winger Brendan Palmer was next to score, outside centre Grover then bagged a double before hooker Charles Okane went in for NSW’s sixth. Harvey added the extras to make the score 40-3, which became 40-8 at half-time when the Melbourne outside centre Journey Wana went over in the 40th minute.

NSW started fastest again in the second stanza as Palmer scored two more tries to complete his hat-trick before Okane crossed again for the third five-pointer of the half inside 10 minutes of play restarting.

The Rebels refused to give up and scored two more tries, but Waratahs substitutes Jack Cesare and Lachlan Doheny went over either side of the third Grover try as NSW charged away to an 80-20 victory.

The other under-19s match played on Sunday saw defending champs ACT Brumbies defeat the Western Force 53-23 at home.

The Waratahs have the bye this weekend while the Rebels host the Force and the Brumbies welcome the Reds. NSW’s next game will be played away from home against the Reds in round three on Sunday, October 13, at Ballymore Stadium.