The Sydney Roosters are today celebrating the announcement of two more NSW representatives following the news that Holden Cup and SG Ball stars Willis Meehan and Taane Milne have been selected in the NSW Under 18s squad.
The side will face off against their Queensland counterparts in the curtain-raiser for the highly-anticipated second game of the 2013 State of Origin series at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday 26 June.
Meehan - who is also the current Australian Heavyweight Amateur Boxing Champion - and local junior Milne will join NRL stars James Maloney, Michael Jennings and Mitchell Pearce after the trio were yesterday named by NSW coach Laurie Daley to take part in the Blues bid to claim their first series win in eight seasons, after their game one victory at ANZ Stadium.
Recruitment Manager Peter OSullivan, the man who brought the two to the Tricolours, said the news was fantastic for not only the two young men but also the Club.
Its great news for both of them and great news for the Club to have two of our own selected in this match.
These squads arent easy to make, given the amount of talent there is out there but these two deserve this after whats been a fantastic couple of years for them both in SG Ball and now the Holden Cup also.
The pair have spent the last two years playing SG Ball and just a matter of weeks ago joined Paul Greens Under 20s side for the remainder of the NYC season.
OSullivan went on to say, these two are guys we see as the future of this Club and this just reinforces the belief that we have in them and can only benefit their game.
Theyll do a fantastic job, I have no doubt about that, and itll only benefit Greeny and the rest of the squad when they return from this experience.
Milne, who is currently unavailable for selection in the Holden Cup side due to school commitments, earlier said he was "absolutely stoked with selection" after getting the news today.
He also added, "the step up from SG Ball to NYC has been huge and I've enjoyed the challenge and really seen the difference in standard since coming in."
And, what about sharing the moment with team mate and good friend Meehan?
"It's always good to have one of the brothers alongside you," Milne said.
Asked about the two youngsters, following the announcement, NYC assistant Adam Hartigan also couldnt help but praise the Junior Blues squad members.
I think theyve really stood up, since coming up from SG Ball, and showed that they are potentially players of the future here at the Club.
Theyre both very professional young men, on and off the field, who are deserving of their spot.
Meehan in particular has come on leaps and bounds since his promotion from SG Ball into the Under 20s set up and Hartigan has been particularly impressed with the young centres ability to adapt and grow in a professional environment.
Willis is a really coachable young guy and to be honest, I really think our season has changed in a huge way since his arrival.
Hes a great kid and works hard on his game in all areas.
But how will he fare next Wednesday night at the Suncorp Stadium cauldron?
Put it this way, I wouldnt want to be Queensland in front of Willis Meehan," Hartigan said, with a smile.
Neither would we. Go get em boys!
NB: Taane Milne was, unfortunately, forced to withdraw from the NSW Squad on Wednesday (19 May) due to school commitments.
The side will face off against their Queensland counterparts in the curtain-raiser for the highly-anticipated second game of the 2013 State of Origin series at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday 26 June.
Meehan - who is also the current Australian Heavyweight Amateur Boxing Champion - and local junior Milne will join NRL stars James Maloney, Michael Jennings and Mitchell Pearce after the trio were yesterday named by NSW coach Laurie Daley to take part in the Blues bid to claim their first series win in eight seasons, after their game one victory at ANZ Stadium.
Recruitment Manager Peter OSullivan, the man who brought the two to the Tricolours, said the news was fantastic for not only the two young men but also the Club.
Its great news for both of them and great news for the Club to have two of our own selected in this match.
These squads arent easy to make, given the amount of talent there is out there but these two deserve this after whats been a fantastic couple of years for them both in SG Ball and now the Holden Cup also.
The pair have spent the last two years playing SG Ball and just a matter of weeks ago joined Paul Greens Under 20s side for the remainder of the NYC season.
OSullivan went on to say, these two are guys we see as the future of this Club and this just reinforces the belief that we have in them and can only benefit their game.
Theyll do a fantastic job, I have no doubt about that, and itll only benefit Greeny and the rest of the squad when they return from this experience.
Milne, who is currently unavailable for selection in the Holden Cup side due to school commitments, earlier said he was "absolutely stoked with selection" after getting the news today.
He also added, "the step up from SG Ball to NYC has been huge and I've enjoyed the challenge and really seen the difference in standard since coming in."
And, what about sharing the moment with team mate and good friend Meehan?
"It's always good to have one of the brothers alongside you," Milne said.
Asked about the two youngsters, following the announcement, NYC assistant Adam Hartigan also couldnt help but praise the Junior Blues squad members.
I think theyve really stood up, since coming up from SG Ball, and showed that they are potentially players of the future here at the Club.
Theyre both very professional young men, on and off the field, who are deserving of their spot.
Meehan in particular has come on leaps and bounds since his promotion from SG Ball into the Under 20s set up and Hartigan has been particularly impressed with the young centres ability to adapt and grow in a professional environment.
Willis is a really coachable young guy and to be honest, I really think our season has changed in a huge way since his arrival.
Hes a great kid and works hard on his game in all areas.
But how will he fare next Wednesday night at the Suncorp Stadium cauldron?
Put it this way, I wouldnt want to be Queensland in front of Willis Meehan," Hartigan said, with a smile.
Neither would we. Go get em boys!
NB: Taane Milne was, unfortunately, forced to withdraw from the NSW Squad on Wednesday (19 May) due to school commitments.
