Cowra's Cameron Trengove was part of a dominant display from the top NSW schoolboys side taking out the grand final match of the Australian Schoolboys Championship 58-5 against their Queensland counterparts on July 13.
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The Saint Stanislaus' College captain was the only country union player in the side and said his selection was a surprise.
"I was out at dinner with my girlfriend in Sydney and my dad must have gotten a phone call, he was up the road and he came and told me," he said.
"I made the NSW side in under 16's, then missed out last year, so I was hoping I was going to make it this year but I wasn't expecting it.
"It was obviously a shock but I was over the moon, I'm very happy I was selected," he said.
Trengove said the selection had made him excited for Colts programs next year and was grateful to selectors, his school and his parents.
"I think it was nice that the selectors actually gave me a look," he said.
"It would have been easy just to look at the GPS boys and CS boys, so I'm very grateful I was selected and coming together with a bunch of boys I wouldn't have met otherwise.
"We had a few clubs come and approach a few of the boys and talk about next year and the opportunities that are there, I'm keen to get into the Colts program and try my hand at that.
"Thanks to my parents they've sacrificed a lot for me to go to Stannies and have the opportunity I have to play footy. They drive me everywhere and do everything they can to make sure I have the best opportunities I can have.
"Thanks to the school for having a strong rugby program and allowing Stannies boys to pursue higher honours as I have," he said.
Trengrove said the team's win capped off a fantastic tournament and week of fun.
"The tournament was really well run, we had social events, a trivia night where you got to meet boys from all across Australia," he said.
"So that was all part of it, it wasn't just footy, we all had time to bond and grow close to our teammates which I found probably the best part of the experience.
"It was pretty awesome to top it off with a win. A lot of the boys went further and were selected in the Australian Barbarian side, I think that is a result of how well we played together," he said.
Trengove's father David said it was fantastic to see his son take part in a terrific performance.
"To make NSW was pretty special," he said.
"It's always hard to get noticed compared to the kids in the city comps.
"But I think it's great there's a pathway for country kids and while it might be a bit harder if you're good enough, have determination and grit you can get there."
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