The expanded program of matches at age group level is giving players like Queensland Reds Under-18s centre Taione Taka a prolonged taste of what interstate rivalry is all about.
Taka, 18, will be at outside centre for the Reds U18s when they take on the NSW Waratahs U18s at Bottomley Park in Brisbane at 1:05pm Qld time on Saturday afternoon.
In a few short years, Taka has faced the sky blue of NSW at U16s, U18s and Super Rugby Next Gen levels in four matches.
"It's two wins-two losses against the Waratahs for me. We get to play NSW quite a bit but every game is more special because I feel the improvement in us," Taka said.
"It's a great rivalry to have in Australian rugby."
Co-captain and halfback Alfie Bowman and Taka are the two Reds U18s who played in the excellent Queensland Next Gen side which swept to the title earlier in the season.
"Both Alfie and I have been aware of bringing some experience and different ways to view the game after playing Next Gen.
"There's a bit around knowing what works and doesn't work against the Waratahs."
The U18s had a rare training session on the main field at Ballymore Stadium this week.
"We've been training well. We are a fast team and that was a fast session with the extra excitement of training on the main field," Taka said.
Taka played on the wing for the Reds Next Gen team which built his versatility and also his awareness of how wingers like the ball to be presented.
Reds U18s finishers Dylan Terblanche and Marty Hatcher revel with good ball.
"Playing on the wing myself you learn what wingers like and that helps my understanding as an outside centre around when to get the ball out at the right times," Taka said.
The Reds U18s forwards have to nail their skills for good things to happen in the backs.
Lock Jack Calleja is back after an injury lay-off while Harrison Asi is taking his next steps as a powerful No.8 after his previous life as a prop.
The Reds Development team plays Sunnybank at Sunnybank Rugby Club on Saturday afternoon at 2pm Qld time.
Former Fijian international Ben Volavola will continue his return from injury at fullback.
