League eyes SA schoolboy talent
Australian National Rugby League club Sydney Roosters has signed South African teenager JP du Plessis on a three-year contract, while they are also heading to the Craven Week (SA’s premier schoolboy tournament) in search of promising youngsters.
The Roosters said they had also made an offer to another South African teenager to join 18-year-old centre du Plessis at the club next season.
“JP is a quick and beautifully balanced player and will be a real asset to the club,” Roosters recruitment manager Peter O’Sullivan told The Daily Telegraph.
“He is considered a rising star of South African rugby so while he will take 12 months to learn rugby league, he has the potential to be a key player for the Roosters.”
O’Sullivan said he planned to attend South Africa’s elite schoolboy competition, Craven Week, in July to check on other potential signings.
Melbourne Storm’s Frank Ponnissi, a former consultant to the Springboks, is also considering whether to scour South African rugby for player talent.
“The talent is there, there’s no doubt about that,” Ponnissi said. “I know there is an abundance of talent, but I’m yet to be convinced how easy it will be to get players here.”
SAPA
