NSW Waratahs and Queensland Reds have both announced their teams for this Saturday’s 2025 Santos Festival of Rugby clash at Dangar Park, during which two Narrabri boys will line up in front of a loud and proud home crowd.
Flyhalf Joey Fowler has been named to start in the number 10 jersey, while Sid Harvey will line up on the wing wearing the number 11.
Lining up opposite them will be Joe Brial, the son of former Wallaby and Narrabri’s very own Michael Brial. Joe will be wearing the number six jersey for the Reds.
Another of Michael’s sons, Toby, will be playing for the Waratahs’ under-19s team in their game against the Red under-19s on Sunday.
The senior men’s fixture is a round two match in the Super Rugby Aus competition, which also includes the Western Force and ACT Brumbies.
The Reds beat the Brumbies 36-26 in round one on Sunday after NSW had gone down 24-3 against the Force on Friday.
The competition sees the four sides all play against each other once ahead of the October 5 grand final, and none of them have any current Wallabies players at their disposal, giving future stars and the players on the cusp of international selection an opportunity to shine.
The Waratahs are well aware that they must win on Saturday to stay in contention for a spot in the decider.
Fowler told Waratahs Media that Saturday’s game would be an exciting one for him.
“The atmosphere in Narrabri will be huge,” Fowler said.
“To have family, friends and the community right there on the sideline will make it really special.
“Our physical dominance early will set the tone. If we win those first collisions, we will be looking good for the rest of the game.
“For me personally, a good performance is about being dominant with my calling and putting the boys in the right positions on the field to attack. If I can do that, everything will flow from there.”
Harvey also told Waratahs Media that Saturday’s game would be a momentous occasion.
“It’s incredibly special. Not many people get the chance to do this,” Harvey said.
“Running out in Narrabri will mean a lot and be a super special memory.
“I started playing Union when I was six. I remember playing under-8s and we’d get to run on at Dangar Park before first grade or at halftime. That was the coolest thing ever.
“I spent so much time there with Dad training and I just loved being around the place.”
“I remember the last two Festivals in Narrabri so clearly — they were just the most fun,” he added.
“As a kid, I was absolutely starstruck seeing those players up close. I don’t think the boys realise how special it is for kids out there.
“It gives country kids a real taste of footy in a regional setting. When I was that age, it made me believe anything was possible.”
Joe Brial also said he was excited to play in his father’s hometown on Saturday.
“Dad spent a big chunk of his life in Narrabri. The Blues Boars have a rich history at Dangar Park and there will be a lot of Brials and family friends about this weekend,” he told Queensland Rugby Union Media.
“It’s going to be good being in the same arena as Toby as part of a great weekend of footy with the Santos Festival of Rugby.”
The match will kick off at 5.45pm, and the team lists are as follows:
NSW Waratahs starters:
1. Isaac Kailea (Randwick), 2. Ethan Dobbins (Sydney University), 3. Daniel Botha (Sydney University), 4. Ben Grant (Sydney University), 5. Miles Amatosero (Eastern Suburbs), 6. Leafi Talataina (Sydney University), 7. Jamie Adamson (Eastern Suburbs), 8. Chlayton Frans (Warringah), 9. Michael McDonald (Randwick), 10. Joey Fowler (Blue Boars junior/Sydney University), 11. Sid Harvey (Blue Boars junior/Eastern Suburbs), 12. Lawson Creighton (c) (Randwick), 13. Jackson Ropata (Warringah), 14. Leo Jacques (Eastern Suburbs) 15. James Hendren (Randwick).
NSW Waratahs reserves:
16. Bruce Kauika-Petersen (Hunter Wildfires), 17. Tom Lambert (Sydney University), 18. Apolosi Ranawai (Northern Suburbs), 19. Clem Halaholo (Sydney University), 20. Austin Durbidge (Sydney University), 21. Teddy Wilson (Eastern Suburbs), 22. Otto Serfontein (Eastern Suburbs), 23. James McGregor (Eastwood).
Queensland Reds starters:
1. Aidan Ross (vc) (Bond University), 2. George Blake (Bond University), 3. Massimo De Lutiis (Wests), 4. Connor Vest (Souths), 5. Seru Uru (Souths), 6. Joe Brial (University of Queensland), 7. Tom Robinson (University of Queensland), 8. Vaiuta Latu (Brothers), 9. Kalani Thomas (University of Queensland), 10. Jock Campbell (c), (University of Queensland), 11. Tim Ryan (Brothers), 12. Dre Pakeho (Brothers), 13. Isaac Henry (Wests), 14. Lachie Anderson (University of Queensland), 15. Heremaia Murray (Bond University).
Queensland Reds reserves:
16. Theo Fourie (Brothers), 17. Sef Fa’agase (Sunnybank), 18. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen (Norths), 19. Hamish Muller (Brothers), 20. Kohan Herbert (Souths), 21. James Martens (GPS), 22. Will Cartwright (Brothers), 23. Xavier Rubens (Souths).
