An action-packed week of rugby union lies ahead for Inverell’s Brady Mather after being selected to play division two of the Australian Schools Championships.
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Taking place at Runaway Bay on the Gold Coast, this is the first time a non-schools team has been able to enter the championships.
The 18-year-old Inverell Highlander was excited to head coastal for the week of intense rugby playing against some of best schoolboy talent across Australia.
The opportunity first arose for Mather after being selected in the NSW Country U18s side playing City verses Country back in May.
Mather put in work during camp, and managed to get another selection in one of two state teams to trial for the final NSW schools team.
Trials were held in Sydney just a couple of weeks ago.
“They split us into two teams and we played against each other.
“It was a tough trial and I usually play outside centre but I was on the wing for that game,” he said.
It was a tough trial and I usually play outside centre but I was on the wing for that game.
Mather said it was the first time the pathway had been made available for a non-school side to enter the championships, one he hoped would lead to a few wins for the new side.
“I’m pretty excited to play, it should be fun but it will also be a pretty full on week of rugby,” he said.
Predicted to mainly feature on the wing during the week of rugby, Mather’s fitness will be tested.
However the local talent has been training and playing locally in the lead up.
Mather first got involved in union at the age of 14, and this marks his first selection for a representative side.
Rugby selectors are set to be present at the championships, keeping an eye out for the latest up and coming talents.
“It would be good to be selected by a club,” he said.
The Inverell Highlanders Club took to Facebook to wish Mather good luck at the schools championships.
