Like many Kobe Bone was caught by the NRL bug early.
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Now the dream that the North Tamworth young gun has been aspiring to pretty much since he first laced up the boots is a step closer.
The Bears' under-18s lock is currently training with the North Sydney Bears SG Ball summer squad, and eyeing a spot on their roster for next year's competition.
It is an exciting opportunity for the teenager and one that albeit while on his radar he didn't expect to come this quickly.
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"I was a bit shocked to be honest but at the same time keen to get down there and learn," Bone said.
The feeder club for the Sydney Roosters, he said it is a good opportunity for him to "get my foot in the door and get my name out there".
"I'm obviously going to take it with both hands and do my best with it so I can accomplish the dream I have of playing at the top," he said.
A big step towards realising that, Bone isn't getting ahead of himself. He knows he still has a lot of hard work in front of him and "a lot more little steps to go".
With training three days a week, they train Monday, Wednesday and Friday, he has relocated down to the Central Coast for the next few weeks, potentially longer if he makes the final squad.
Being selected to be part of the summer squad has been the perfect tonic after what was a frustrating season as - like tenpins - one competition after another he was involved in fell over.
First it was the Laurie Daley Cup. While his Greater Northern Tigers side had wrapped up their campaign they were a chance to play in the finals.
Then the Group 4 season was cancelled.
Then after the Bears under-18s found a home in the Newcastle competition, the introduction of tighter public health measures around community sport saw them withdraw.
Fortunately Bone was able to get a bit of footy in, playing for JT Fossey in the recent Wests Entertainment Group 9's.
A lot of fun, it was also good for some match fitness.
Part of the Bears under-18s premiership-winning side last year, Bone spoke of the huge influence coach Tom Learoyd-Lahrs has been for him.
"I don't think I'd be where I am today if it wasn't for him," he said.
"Also Nathan Blacklock, he's helped me out a lot."
As well as helping out with the Bears, Blacklock was of the trainers for the NSW Indigenous side that Bone toured Tonga with two years ago.
"With their NRL experience they've taught me what they're going to expect in Sydney, because it's a lot higher level of footy," he said.
"They've just got me ready for that and if wasn't for them getting me ready for that I don't think I'd be where I am today."
