This follows the NSW Junior Regional Championships at Penrith were Ethan was a member of the Northern Eagles 14s team beaten in the semi-finals by eventual winners, Hunter Hornets.

Ethan is the Manning River Times-Iguana Sportstar of the Week, earning a $50 open order at Iguana. He was nominated by Taree Touch Association.

While he’s pleased to make the State touch team – even though the side doesn’t get to play a match, Ethan admits touch isn’t his main sporting priority.

He’s a rugby league player who has already been identified by the Newcastle Knights and is in the club’s development system. Rugby union is also on the radar and Ethan is in the NSW Waratahs junior program.

But back to touch. Ethan, who plays link, was selected in the Eagles squad after impressing selectors at the Northern Eagles championships in Taree last January and then the Junior State Cup in Port Macquarie in February. Taree won the 14s at the Eagles championships and then performed credibly at Port, making it to the round of 16.

Ethan then rated his form in the State regionals as ‘pretty good.’

He started playing touch when he was seven and has been a member of Taree representative sides going to the State Cup from under 10s.

Ethan has been playing league with Taree Panthers virtually since he was old enough to lace up a boot, although he had a brief flirtation with soccer.

He’s a fullback and later this year he’ll be in the Group Three under 14 side to play Group Two in the Country Championships, although he doesn’t know yet what position he’ll be playing.

Last year he scored two tries and kicked two goals in Taree’s 22-10 win over Port City in the Group Three Junior League under 13 grand final. He was also named player of the match. Ethan was also a member of the St Joseph’s Primary School teams that dominated primary school rugby league and union competitions.

Ethan has also had a taste of playing in the annual Aboriginal State Knockout and was a member of the Biripi Sharks team that won the under 12s two years ago. His dad, Doug, was the coach along with Troy Cochrane.

As a member of the Knights development squad Ethan has to travel to Newcastle every week for training.

He’s made an impression as a number eight in rugby and two years ago, despite having little experience in the code, Ethan was named in the NSW Primary School team to play in the Australian championship held in Adelaide.

“League,’’ he says without hesitation when asked to name his favourite.

His ambition to to one day play in the NRL preferably with either the Sydney Roosters and South Sydne