Newcastle Knights junior Harry Croker said he’s humbled to be selected in the NSW Under 16s team to take on Queensland next Wednesday, just like his brother and fellow Knight Mathew Croker did back in 2015.
“It would be a real privilege because my brother did it as well... so just to copy what he did and to be out there with the NSW team will be great,” stated Croker.
“Hopefully I can help to lift the team and the boys as I come on from the bench and it will be a great experience.”
Named on the bench, Croker is one of four players from the Knights’ premiership-winning Harold Matthews side to have been selected in the side.
Jaron Purcell has been named in the number 13 jersey while Bradman Best and Cooper Jenkins will play alongside each other at centre and wing.
Set to go into camp on Friday before heading to Brisbane, Purcell said he’ll be soaking up his first time training and playing for the Blues.
“I think the biggest thing is to get that mateship and get everyone willing to work on the field for each other,” explained Purcell.
“We have had a couple of training sessions before, so everyone is pretty familiar with each other so it’s just all about getting to be mates and having a good time.
“You only play one game so it is a do-or-die situation and you want to go out there and give it your best.”
Croker agreed it will be an incredible opportunity.
“Besides the game, there will be memories with the boys,” commented Croker.
“This will be the only time we’ll play as the exact same team so you just want to absorb it and enjoy the moment.”
Brad Fittler is the Under 16s head coach with former Knight Danny Buderus taking on the assistant role.
“It will be great to get some advice from a different team and coach and to get a different perspective,” said Croker.
“Looking at our team and combining from different clubs, it should be a strong side which I’m really keen to play with.”
The Under 16s match is played as a curtain raiser for Origin III at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday.
