Community & Business
5 June, 2023
Former Gladiator makes Queensland schoolboys side
MAREEBA’S Raysa Srhoj has secured himself a spot on the Queensland Schoolboys under 15 rugby league side after a standout performance at the recent state championships held in Townsville.
The squad selection has now thrusted him one step forward in the hopes of one day achieving his dream of playing the NRL.
The 15-year-old, second and front rower, took on teams from across the state playing for the Peninsula region schoolboys’ side at the Brother Rugby League Football Club.
Even though Raysa felt like he played his best, he was still shocked when his name was called out for the state side.
“I feel like I played to the best of my ability, and it showed in one game where I got player of the match,” he said.
“But to be honest, I was a bit shocked when my name was called because I didn’t think I could have made the Queensland team out of 450 players.”
Raysa started out playing with the Mareeba Gladiators at the age of five and late last year made the move to Cairns to live and play for the Edmonton storm.
“I have always loved playing and watching rugby league since I was a little kid and I have always dreamed of becoming an NRL player one day,” he said.
“I think I’m a good playing in the front row and second row because of my build and size, but I also run hard and tackle hard in the middle as well.
“It feels good to be a part of something like this and I am pretty proud to represent my state and region.
“It’s a big achievement in my eyes and I am thankful to a lot of people who have helped me get here.
“I would like to thank my mum, dad and step-mum for their support before, during and after the championships and also my coaches for the effort they put into helping me with my development and fitness.
“But most of all I’m doing it for my Nonno, Tito Srhoj.
“He’s always been my number one supporter and he has been by my side my whole life with footy.”
Raysa will now continue playing footy for his club on the weekends and training hard to prepare for the national championships in Port Macquarie, New South Wales in the September school holidays.
