Kempsey Dragons trio Ivan Madden, Selwyn Smith and Ethan Thompson have added another representative honour to their long list of rugby league accolades after earning selection into the NSW Under-16/17 Indigenous Rugby League side to tour Tonga.
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The tour will include three games, one against a club team while another two against local school teams.
The three Dragons juniors believe it’s a great opportunity to develop their skill level and receive further recognition.
“Hopefully we get noticed by some NRL scouts and can get picked up in their junior pathways,” Ivan said.
“We will be playing with and against some skillful players so if we standout we will be doing well.”
Ivan, who plys his trade as a dummy-half, plans to stick to the basics and not try to overplay his hand while facing off with the Tongan opposition.
“I will just do my job, do all the little things that matter,” Ivan said.
“Make my tackles, help the forwards get on the front foot and make my passes hit the mark.”
Five-eighth Ethan, has a strong running game and prides himself on creating opportunities for his outside backs.
The 16-year-old is no stranger to representative honours and has lined up for Group Two in the past.
“I am proud of our achievement to get picked in the side, especially getting noticed from Kempsey too,” Ethan said.
Meanwhile Selwyn, who takes to the field as a backrower, will face the tough task of battling a large Tongan forward pack.
“We will most likely have to tackle some big boys but I embrace the challenge,” Selwyn said.
“It will be a great experience regardless of the result, I am looking forward to it.”
The three Dragons Under-16s players have been standouts for their club this season and helped lead the side to a minor premiership.
They are proud to represent their Indigenous heritage and will “wear the jersey with pride”.
The boys will head to Tonga at the end of October.
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