THE rugby league season hasn't stopped for 16-year-old Ethan Ferguson from Taree.
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He's been named in the NSW Indigenous team to meet Queensland under 16 Murris for the State 'Bear' Hall Shield at a venue to be announced in February. Ethan expects to play either fullback or centre.
He was named in the side after attending a training camp at Narrabeen, where NSW coach Brad Fittler helped put the players through their paces. The 60 strong train-on squad had players from 45 towns across NSW. It was chosen following the NSW Koori Knockout played in October, where Ethan played a pivotal role in South Taree's win in the under 15s,
He's had a stand out year, winning the Group Three under 15 premiership with Taree Panthers and the NSW Country under 15 championship with Group Three. His dad, Doug, coached the Panthers, Group Three and South Taree.
Ethan's been travelling to Newcastle three days a week to train with the Knights Harold Matthews (under 16) squad. He's been in the Newcastle system since under 14s.
"We go back to training on January 6 and we play trials at Manly in Sydney, the Titans at Coffs Harbour and Cronulla in Newcastle. Then the season starts,'' Ethan explained.
The Matthews Shield runs for 13 weeks, starting in February and finishing in May. Ethan hopes to then be cleared to return to play for Taree Panthers under 16s and Taree City under 18s.
He admits the constant travel 'gets me down a bit.'
"But if that's what I've got to do to eventually make first grade, then I'll do it,'' he said.
Ethan admits Souths were his favourite side before the Knights came calling.
"But now I want to play NRL with the Knights,'' he said.
While he alternates between fullback and centre, he thinks fullback is his best spot.
Former Taree Panthers, brothers Matt and Harry Croker and their cousin, Mitch Black now play with Newcastle. All left this area to finish their schooling in Newcastle and that's something Ethan said he's willing to discuss with the club, depending on how things go in the Matthews Shield.
"Maybe at the end of next year,'' he said
