15 year old Billy was pursued by a number of NRL Clubs, but was recruited by the West Tigers in a contract which also includes a two year boarding scholarship at St Gregory's College at Campbelltown.

Billy signed his contract recently with Recruiting Manager of West Tigers Warren McDonnell, who said that the Tigers are very selective in their recruiting and only have a maximum of 20 country recruits at one time.

Mr McDonnell said that selectors were very impressed by Billy's game at a camp earlier in the year, seeing Billy as a great leader that can direct his players around the park, an excellent talker, and is a player with good pace and vision and a great kicking game.

“A good young half back is pretty hard to come by,” he said.

After signing his contract, Billy was invited to watch the opening match of the West Tigers, where they took on the Canberra Raiders.

Billy sat with the first grade players, and then was invited to meet the team after the game, and was especially thrilled to meet Benji Marshall, who is also a half back.

Billy said he was also offered unlimited tickets to go and watch the Tigers play this NRL season.

Billy will head to the city next year, where he will begin in the Under 16's competition playing in the Harold Matthews Competition.

Billy said that he is looking forward to playing in the big stadiums and travelling with the team to play in other cities and states.

“I can't wait,” he said.