THIS time two years ago, former Orange Hawks gun Tony Pellow was carving up the Group 10 under-18 competition with the two blues.
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They later won the grand final at Cowra’s Sid Kallas Oval against a tough Magpies side in their own backyard.
In 2015, with his junior club Dubbo CYMS and alongside older brother Colby, the dynamic ball runner blitzed the Group 11 first grade premiership on rout to another title.
Now, in 2016, the wiry halfback is in the midst of what he’s calling the “fastest and most physical” football he’s played after debuting with the St George Illawarra Dragons in the Holden Cup last month.
But one thing hasn’t changed.
With an obvious knack of helping teams to grand final success, Pellow’s Red V outfit is tracking towards a Holden Cup finals appearance and, potentially, a decider, sitting fourth on the ladder headed into Friday night’s clash against a battling Canterbury Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium.
It seems where ever Pellow lands, success follows.
The former Kinross Wolaroi student is remaining level headed about the prospect of a Holden Cup triumph, though.
“It’s a huge step up,” Pellow, 19, said.
“The pace of it and the physicality, it’s a lot tougher. I’m really enjoying it though.
“Everyone in the team knows they’ve got to work hard to keep their place in the side, and I’m included there.
“We’ve got to train hard and play well. Finals is the goal, but I’m just enjoying being part of the team.”
Pellow’s floated between hooker, fullback and wing for the Dragons’ juniors and on Friday night will trot out in the No.2 jersey against the Bulldogs.
He hasn’t experienced a lot of wing in the past, having played the last two years with both Hawks and Dubbo CYMS in the halves.
“Not really, no,” Pellow responds when asked if he has much experience on the sting.
“I’ve come down here as a half and with (Illawarra club) Corrmial (Cougars) that’s where I’ve played to start the season.
“But my coach Matty Head said there’s an opportunity in the team on the wing … so I took it.”
The slight-of-frame young gun says matching it with the hulking forwards and outside backs carving up the Holden Cup competition wasn't that big a deal – it’s an obstacle he’s faced his whole playing career.
“That’s not really anything I’m not used to … I’ve always been one of the smallest guys on the field,” Pellow said.
“I’m getting used to it and enjoying it.”
Pellow’s Dragons lost 36-16 to the Wests Tigers last Sunday, but are expected to bounce back against a Bulldogs side sitting 15th. He scored a try in the Dragons’ last win, a 30-22 result over the Gold Coast Titans.