A former Melville High School student has earned selection for the Australian Schoolboys U18s Sevens squad to compete at the World Championships in New Zealand in December.
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Triston Reilly was a part of the NSW Waratahs side that claimed victory in the National Championships in Perth last year and was recognised for his strong performances.
Reilly’s ambitions go beyond the Sevens side, with his main goal to earn selection for the 15-man Australian Schoolboys side.
“I have set myself personal goals this year. The priority is to stay injury free and to retain my position in my schools Joeys First XV rugby team,” Reilly said.
“Like all players I want to play First XV Aus schoolboys rep footy but there are a number of stages or different rep teams you have to gain selection into, to get to the next level, so I will reassess my goals as the season progresses.”
“Unfortunately for me there are some very talented players playing First XV schoolboys rugby that I am up against and we are all aiming towards those rep jerseys. So I will take it a game at a time.”
Reilly’s side went through the National Championships undefeated and credits the sides teamwork.
“As a team NSW 1 performed very well, there was not much individual play, all the boys stuck to the game plan and executed our set plays,” Reilly said.
Reilly doesn’t restrict himself to the 15-man code as he represents the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the SG ball competition.
“I have been training with the Rabbitohs since the start of November in 2016 and had a great pre-season with the U20s and U18s teams,” he said.
“We are up to round seven of the nine round competition and my match fitness is great which will assist me in the upcoming GPS rugby season.”
Reilly plays at inside centre in rugby and five-eighth in league as he has a strong running, defensive and playmaking game.
The young man will be faced with a tough decision at the end of 2017 and he will have to choose between the two sports he loves.
“Since the age of 11 I have played both codes and genuinely enjoy both formats. League and Rugby are similar but completely different games.”
“I am fortunate that SG Ball Cup (League) and GPS (Rugby) seasons are in separate months and do not conflict with each other, so I have the opportunity to play both games.”
“However, at the conclusion of the school year I will have to select a pathway. I am leaning towards Rugby, maybe an opportunity with NSW Waratahs U20s.”
The opportunity to play on a large international stage drives Reilly to pursue his dream in rugby.
“Unlike League, it (rugby) is game that is played across the world at a high level in either 7s or 15 man format,” Reilly said.
“But for all the positives of Rugby I like the culture at the Rabbitohs from juniors to seniors. I guess I will know this time next year.”
