FIFTEEN-YEAR-OLD Lincoln Huia says hard work is paying off after he was named in the Sydney Roosters’ Harold Matthews summer development squad.
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It’s not bad for someone who has only played rugby league for three years.
Sydney Roosters scout, Rob Mcalpine, said a player like Huia stands out.
“Lincoln’s attitude has always been to get better, so as a scout and somebody who looks for potential in people, you look for someone who does those little one per cent things that get the results,” Mcalpine said.
“He’s very dedicated, and puts in the work to get places.”
Huia travelled to Sydney earlier this year for development training with former Newcastle Knight, NSW and Australian halfback Andrew Johns, and has since been twice for trials.
When asked if he was confident heading into the squad, Huia said he will continue to push to make it in rugby league.
I will do my very best and try hard and hopefully I’ll make it into the full squad.
- Lincoln Huia
Huia trains daily before and after school, using running, fitness and drills to keep him on the ball.
“I have been training hard every single day for this and it’s finally paid off,” he said.
And his family is involved as well.
“His dad drives him to work with him in the mornings and Lincoln runs all the way home,” Mcalpine said.
Huia played alongside two other Mudgee boys for CYMS this year in the Group 10 under-15s side and was considered a magic touch, leading the team to victory.
“When those three boys joined, the team went from fifth in the comp, because Lincoln went in halfway through the year, to end up from that point going on undefeated to win,” Mcalpine said.
Huia said his move to Sydney is exciting, but he won’t forget where he comes from if he eventually makes the big time.
“My friends are very supportive of me playing footy and if I do make it then I will definitely always remember them,” he said.
His father, Tim, said this is only the beginning for his son, who has a lot of opportunities in front of him.
My friends are very supportive of me playing footy and if I do make it then I will definitely always remember them.
- Lincoln Huia
“It’s a good opportunity for him, and he’ll learn a lot as long as he is fair dinkum about it and trains hard,” Tim said.
Huia will head to Sydney once again for training that will kick-off in December.
“It’s up to him now,” his father said.
Jay-Anna Sleeman
Reporter for the Western Advocate. First began as a sports journalist with ACM in 2018 before moving on to cover news and court.
Reporter for the Western Advocate. First began as a sports journalist with ACM in 2018 before moving on to cover news and court.
