DESPITE sustaining an injury during trials, Taree touch player Jake Lauder has again been named in the NSW under 18 development team to play at the National Youth Championships at Caloundra in Queensland in September.
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The trials were held at Penrith, where a squad of 27 was whittled down to 14 to make the trip north.
“I thought I played alright before I was injured,’’ he said.
This will be the second successive year he’s made the development team although he’s hoping for a more successful campaign this time around after NSW finished sixth in 2015.
Lauder is the Manning River Times-Iguana Sportstar of the Week, earning a $50 open order at Iguana.
He’ll play in the middle this year and away from his preferred role of link. Lauder concedes that NSW struggled to match it with the stronger combinations last year.
“But I think we have a better side this time,’’ he added.
However, he expects the perennially powerful Queensland sides to again provide formidable opposition.
He’ll have four training sessions with the NSW squad in Sydney before heading to Queensland. However, the championships run from September 14 to 17 and this might cause some scheduling problems for the 17-year-old speedster.
He’s a utility back and plays with Taree City’s under 18s rugby side in the Group Three competition. The Bulls are finals bound and despite an up-and-down season, are expected to be among the contenders for major honours. His trip to the nationals will coincide with grand final week in Group Three.
Lauder started playing touch in the Taree junior competition when he was 11 and has been a member of Taree representative sides at the State Junior Cup ever since.
He’s also been in Northern Eagles representative teams playing in various carnivals throughout NSW.
“The speed of the game,’’ he replied when asked what he enjoys about touch.
However, league remains his main pursuit.
Lauder switched to Taree City this year after turning out with under 18 grand finalists Old Bar in 2015. He’s comfortable playing in just about any position in the backline and the Bulls have tested his versatility this year. However, given the choice he’d prefer centre or fullback although he doesn’t mind being closer to the action.
Lauder was given his first grade spurs by coach Gary Bridge for the clash against Macleay Valley last Sunday at the Jack Neal Oval. Playing on the wing, Lauder was one of Taree’s try scorers in the 40-14 victory over the Mustangs.
He enjoyed the experience.
“It was a bit quicker in parts to what I’m used to,’’ he said, adding that he hopes coach Bridge gives him another opportunity before the season is through.
