At the Manilla Showgrounds this month, Ethan Kelly became the newest member of the Gunnedah Bulldogs' first-grade club when he started in the second-row in a win over the Tigers.

The occasion was made more special after the 18-year-old was named players' player at the end of the contest.

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Kelly said it was "definitely a pretty good honour to play first grade", adding: "It's a big step."

"I was a little bit nervous to start with," he also said. "But I got the ball from the kick-off and took the first run. That settled the nerves."

At a solid 192cm and 106kg, and with a deep voice and moustachioed appearance, Kelly presents as someone older than 18.

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Following year 11, the teen left Calrossy Anglican School to start a boilermaker apprenticeship in Gunnedah, his hometown. He has made junior rep sides for both Central North rugby and Group 4.

Bulldogs coach Mick Schmiedel told Group 4 Media that Kelly "played well, but found adjusting to the intensity of first grade a struggle".

"He found the pace of the game tough to what he was used to, but did well," the veteran mentor added.

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