IT’S been a big few days for Issac Worboys.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
He’s just back from Western Australia where he captained the NSW Country under 18s rugby league team on a successful two game tour. Worboys was only just back from WA when he had to face the rigours of turning 18. He admitted when talking to the Times that he was ‘a bit dusty’ from the previous day’s celebrations.
His footballing exploits have earned Worboys the Manning River Times-Iguana Sportstar of the Week award, where he picks up a $50 open order at Iguana.
Worboys was named captain just while the Country side was in camp before leaving for Perth. He said the honour was ‘totally unexpected’.
“It’s a feather in the cap,’’ he said.
Country proved a class above the opposition in both games, first beating a Pilbara-based North West Reds 70-0. The North West squad had a training session with Country later in the week.
Country’s second game was against the Western Australian under 18 side as a lead-in to the NRL clash between Manly and Auckland at nib Stadium. Country again dominated, running out 60-0 winners.
Worboys said the local side was willing enough.
“But we’re obviously a bit ahead of them,’’ he added.
“We had out structures in place and they worked really well.’’
The game was played in a variety of conditions, from driving rain to sunshine, although the Country players had no trouble adapting.
Worboys, a five-eighth, was named co-player of the match in the first game. He said the week away was a ‘great experience.’
With the representative season now over – Worboys gained selection in the Country squad after playing for Newcastle in the under 18 championships – Worboys will now concentrate on commitments with Central Charlestown in the Newcastle competition.
While still living at Wallabi Point, he’s playing in Newcastle. He initially linked with Canberra to play in the Holden Cup (under 20s) for this season but admitted home sickness saw him sever ties with the Raiders and sign with Central. His older brother, Jordan, is also with the club although he’s sidelined with a broken ankle.
Worboys made his first grade debut with Central last month before heading to Western Australia. He’s not sure if he’ll be staying there or moving back to the under 19s, where the club is still in contention for the playoffs.
Looking ahead and Worboys would like to have another crack at the Holden Cup although he’s yet to receive any offers. He reasons he’s 12 months older now than when he went to Canberra and up for the challenge.
“A club a bit closer to home would be good,’’ he said.
The Newcastle Knights would be a good fit.