He is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his famous cousin and namesake and Orange CYMS star Feleti Mateo already looks the goods. The Newcastle Knights scholarship holder is among a host of talented youngsters to win selection in the 2015 NSW Indigenous Under-16s squad. They will play Queensland Murri Under-16s in one of the curtain raisers to the NRL and Indigenous All Stars clash in Queensland in February.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for these talented players who performed exceptionally at the recent training camp at Narrabeen,” said NSWRL Indigenous Programs Officer Steve Hall.
“They’ll come back into camp the week of the game to prepare for what promises to be another tough match against the Queensland Murri side. It’s a great chance for them to experience rugby league at an elite level after showing tremendous potential in their local competitions all around the State.”
Those who missed out on the squad are still in the running to make the NSW Under-16s Young Achievers side. The Young Achievers will take on the West Coast Pirates Under-16s as the NSW side looks to defend the Rhys Wesser Shield in Sydney on January 18.
NSW Indigenous Under-16s: Zac Nuttial (Cranebook), Kane Allen (Forde), Lincoln Stewart (Eden), William Baker (Wauchope), Blake Taafe (Killarney Vale), Braden Stewart (Chifley), Tristan Reilly (South West Rocks), Johnathon Walsh (Belmont), Kyle McLean (Umina), Zac Saddler (Cooma), Feleti Mateo (Orange), KC Edmonds (Inverell), Josh Curran (Castle Hill), Jai Merritt (Dubbo), Josh Cook (Phillip Bay), Tyson Hodge (Wagga Wagga), Learoy Brown (Kingswood), Isaiah Barker (Kempsey), William Lockwood (Kempsey), Allan Lockwood (Kempsey).
Train-on squad
Backs: Jai Doolan (Cowra), Jack Carney (Sydney), Warren Baxter (Forbes). Forwards: Liam Bashford (Ngunnawal ACT), Luke Rosworne (Cranebrook), Percy Cubby (Goodooga).
Note: Players need to email Steve Hall on shall@nswrl.com to confirm their place in the team and receive a player profile kit and team paperwork.
