Clamour for Kiwi talent in the NRL is HUGE

The clamour for Kiwi talent in the National Rugby League is huge with over 100 New Zealand players strutting their stuff in the main competition and a plethora of younger talent in the age-group and lower grade levels.   

Adam Pompey is a young man the Sydney City Roosters have high hopes for.

The 16-year old is a Year 12 student at Wesley College in Auckland. He is a fullback in both codes and has already completed a season in the NRL's under-18 Sydney based competition, the S.G. Ball Cup. The S.G. Ball Cup has been going since 1965 and is an 11-week competition played over summer that has featured some of the greats of the game.

Additionally Pompey is a key figure in the Wesley College First XV who have high hopes in 2015. The son of an engineer, Pompey speaks to College Sport media about league, union and his ambitions. 

When did you sign for the Roosters?

I signed last year. It was a tough decision, but I got a lot of help from my parents and am happy with the choice I made.

How did the competition go for you?

Out of nine teams we were second to last which wasn't good. Our defence let us down. Personally it was alright, I played eight games. My best game was against Newcastle when I scored two tries. Travelling to Australia every week was hard. I was quite tired.

Note: The Roosters won the 11 game competition in 2014. The Sharks won the Grand final in 2015. The Roosters were captained by Reuben Porter out of Mount Albert Grammar School in Auckland.

What are the strengths of your game?

My running game is good. I can kick goals and I work hard.

You are allowed to play for the Wesley First XV. What's been the highlight of that experience?

The brotherhood. We are a close team that work hard for each other. If we stay together we can achieve a lot.

Tell us about the win against National champions, Hamilton Boys' High School?

It was exciting. Our defence was really good. We were behind for a while, but showed good composure to comeback.

What do you expect from Manurewa High School in the Big TV game this Saturday?

It will be tough. Manurewa against Wesley is always a big game. Their No.8 Viliami Taulani is real good.

Note: Wesley and Manurewa have split the last four Counties First XV championships, winning two each. 

Who are your favourites players?

In league I like Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and in Union I like Charles Piutau and Malakai Fekitoa.

What are your goals for the remainder of 2015?

Work hard. I go back to Sydney for pre-season in January.

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