Connor Vardanega was one of Western's most impactful players during the under 16s Andrew Johns Cup campaign, and he's just been recognised for it.
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The 16-year-old Bloomfield back rower captained the men in green throughout their Country Championships run, and while Tony Woolnough's men weren't able to scrape into the finals, Vardanega has received a career-best call-up.
Vardanega is one of 18 players who have been selected to play for New South Wales Country as scouts have placed him in the top tier of bush prospects.
He'll head to Sydney next month for a three-day camp before colliding with the New South Wales City squad.
My goal is definitely to make the NRL.
- Connor Vardanega.
From then on, Vardanega hopes to represent the Blues in the under 16s State of Origin match and, one day, he'd like to play in the big leagues.
"My goal is definitely to make the NRL," Vardanega said. "I got an email saying we're going down there to train. It feels pretty cool."
He used to play up front but after moving into the back row, Vardanega's found a new home.
"I loved it as soon as I moved there," he said.
"I like to watch Tyson Frizell and Viliame Kikau."
To put it into perspective, the bulldozing Penrith Panthers back rower is 119 kilos, while Vardanega still sits around 84.
"I'd still like to gain a bit of muscle," he said.
When asked to pinpoint which facet of rugby league he likes the most, the 16-year-old couldn't pick just the one.
"I like running at the line but I also like tackling as well ... I just like it all."
Rugby league runs the family as his little brother Seth plays for Bloomfield under 14s, while his older brother Alex plays with CYMS' under 18s.
His plan is to remain dedicated to Bloomfield throughout the winter as he's only set to miss one game due to Country commitments.
Vardanega and his family are particularly excited about the location of the looming Country versus City game as it's set to be held at Parramatta's Bankwest Stadium.
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Jake Humphreys
Sports nut at the Central Western Daily.
Sports nut at the Central Western Daily.
