Former South West Rocks resident Triston Reilly earned selection into the 2017 GPS Schoolboys Rugby ‘Team of the Year’ as fullback, despite an injury sidelining him for the first half of the season.
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Reilly injured his ankle in the second trial game and he missed the next six games of the season.
However, the 2016 GPS Rising Star returned to play a starring role in his side, St Joseph's College, finishing in third place in the 2017 GPS season.
Reilly’s performances lead to his selection into the shadow squad for the U18s Australian Schoolboys Rugby team while he has been picked for the U18s Australian Schoolboys Rugby Sevens squad for the World School Sevens tournament held in New Zealand in December.
Triston Reilly’s GPS Schoolboys Rugby highlights package
The sevens team will be finalised within the week.
Reilly’s accolades are helping him achieve his lifelong dream but he is still tossing up which code he will pursue.
"My long term goal since I was really young was to be a professional rugby union or rugby league player, nothing has changed,” Reilly said.
“But the short term goal is to solidify a starting position in the sevens team and complete my HSC, then I will weigh up my options.”
The year 12 student was grateful for the acknowledgement he received but he is his own worst critic as he continues to strive for greatness.
“I am never satisfied with any performance in a game as I can always find faults, but I think I was fairly consistent throughout the year.” Reilly said.
“Those accolades are great to get, if you get them then it does give you confidence but I really want my team and coach to say I played good. Every footballer wants to play well for their team, coach and family.”
Reilly will continue his training and is hopeful of attending university next year while playing rugby league or rugby union in Sydney.