Jonah Allen, Jack Allen and Sione Ah-Voa were part of the Riverina side who recently took part in the NSW state PSSA rugby union carnival in Coffs Harbour.

To be selected in the team, the boys first had to try out in Wagga and were successful in dong so.

“The trials were pretty hard,” Sione said. 

2018 was one of the best years for Riverina, having won two games and drawn another. 

It was the first time for each of the boys to have been selected in the team. 

Over three days the side played seven games and the trio agreed the competition was pretty stiff. 

RELATED

“It was definitely hard … there were a lot of big, big kids,” Jonah said. 

The Riverina side was up against others from across the state, including MacKillop, Sydney North, Sydney South West, Hunter, North Coast and more. 

All three budding sports stars play junior rugby union for the Phantoms during the winter in Leeton, but they also find time for other codes such as rugby league and Aussie Rules. 

“I like union because it’s ongoing … it’s fast-paced and there’s always something happening,” Jack said. 

“It’s not Riverina’s best year (at the championships, but we did better than last year.”

The trio believe rugby union continues to gain popularity, not just in Leeton, but across the country. 

“You can tell because more people are playing, but the standard (of competition) is also really good,” Sione said. 

“I think that’s good because it’s a fun sport.”

The group have also been keeping an eye on the Australian men’s union team and were disappointed with their loss to Argentina on the weekend. 

****

While you’re with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox every Friday at 6am from The Irrigator. To make sure you’re up to date with all news in Leeton sign up here.