Dragons youngsters Savelio Tamale and Nicholas Tsougranis have both been named in the NSW Blues under-19s State of Origin squad for the side’s clash against Queensland at Redcliffe’s Kayo Stadium on Thursday 13 July.
Both players will go into camp on Saturday morning and will hope to replicate the success of fellow Dragons Toby Couchman and Jacob Webster who were a part of NSW’s 32-4 win at Leichhardt Oval in last year’s fixture.
Tamale joined the Dragons prior to this season from the NSW Waratahs under-18s squad and has enjoyed an impressive 2023.
The 18-year-old began the year with the Steelers SG Ball outfit before making the leap up to Jersey Flegg and eventually Knock On Effect Cup.
A gifted outside back, Tamale has made seven Knock On Effect Cup appearances for the Dragons this season scoring three tries and averaging 100 run metres.
Prior to the season, he set himself a goal of earning selection for the NSW under-19s squad and will get the opportunity to run out for his state in just over a week's time.
Tsougranis has been in the Dragons pathways system since age 13 and also made the leap to Knock On Effect Cup level this season after impressing at SG Ball and Jersey Flegg level.
An Arncliffe Scots junior, Tsougranis has made four Knock On Effect Cup appearances off the interchange this season and put together a 103-metre, 15-tackle performance in his most recent outing against the Jets.
A co-captain of this year’s Dragons SG Ball squad, Tsougranis made a strong impression on head coach Willie Talau.
“Nick’s a tremendous person first and foremost,” Talau said.
“We talk about people that are selfless, people that are team players and work hard for others and Nick leads that... He’s strong in character and that was why he was one of our captains. He didn’t let anyone down and everyone’s got a high opinion of him.”
The clash kicks off on Thursday 14 July at 7:45pm at Kayo Stadium in Redcliffe and will be broadcast on Nine, Foxtel, and Kayo.
