Simonsson on path to glory

By Stephanie Muir
Updated November 7 2012 - 1:35pm, first published August 19 2010 - 12:18am
TRY TIME: Combined Independent Schools player Chris Scott grounds the ball for a try in a game against Sydney West at the NSW PSSA Rugby Union Championships yesterday
TRY TIME: Combined Independent Schools player Chris Scott grounds the ball for a try in a game against Sydney West at the NSW PSSA Rugby Union Championships yesterday
QUICK AS A FLASH: Combined Independent Schools star Bailey Simonsson (left) evades a diving tackle on the way to scoring a dazzling try at the NSW PSSA Rugby Union Championships at Wagga yesterday.
QUICK AS A FLASH: Combined Independent Schools star Bailey Simonsson (left) evades a diving tackle on the way to scoring a dazzling try at the NSW PSSA Rugby Union Championships at Wagga yesterday.
PASSING TRADE (above right): Combined Independent School�s Matthew Dainton offloads yesterday.
PASSING TRADE (above right): Combined Independent School�s Matthew Dainton offloads yesterday.

COMBINED Independent Schools (CIS) star Bailey Simonsson has the pedigree, talent and determination to take the fabulous path to international rugby union glory.At just 11 years of age Simonsson has been hailed one of the brightest rugby union prospects in the state, after impressing officials with his prodigious skill at the NSW PSSA Rugby Union Championships this week.Competing at his third and final NSW PSSA Rugby Union Championships, Simonsson yesterday admitted he yearns to finish the carnival and his primary school rugby career with grand final victory and second NSW guernsey."This is my third year here, I made the state team last year," he said."We are through to the semi-finals and I really hope that we can win the championships."I think we have a pretty good chance, we are a strong team."The gifted fullback has been instrumental in guiding CIS to the semi-finals at Conolly Rugby Complex, using his blistering speed and on-field vision to assist in setting up teammates and pile points on the board.Making the year 6 pupil's form at the carnival all the more impressive, Simonsson returned to the 2010 championships after recovering from a serious back injury."I started playing the season but I got a back injury so I had to stop playing," he said. "I have been having physio and I haven't played for over five weeks because I wanted to be ready to play here."My back is feeling fine now; I haven't had any problems with it."The Knox Grammar School pupil is not just one of the state's hottest young rugby union talents but also a powerful force on the athletic track and field.In future there is little doubt Simonsson will face tough sporting decisions, as the gifted all-round athlete selects the sports he will seek to pursue at an elite level.Simonsson has represented the nation in athletics, breaking a handful of Australian schoolboy records in high jump and long jump in the process.He is also the current NSW hurdles champion for his age.From his extensive sporting regime, it is abundantly clear Simonsson has inherited plenty of sporting attributes and athletic genetics from his father."My dad Paul played for the All Blacks in 1987," he said."He was a really good player."Entering year 7 next year, Simonsson said he is focused on making the first 15 at Knox Grammar School.

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