BEING headhunted by the Newcastle Knights and offered an NRL rookie contract - it is something that Bathurst talent Myles Martin describes as 'the best feeling in the world'.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The former St Pat's junior was last week confirmed as a member of the Newcastle SG Ball summer squad, but Myles revealed the Knights' plan for him extends beyond playing in a junior team.
"They came after me. They have got big things planned for me, an NRL rookie contract for next year so I'll be in with the NRL players next year after I finish school," the 17-year-old said.
"It's a big opportunity for me to make my mark and start something, start my career.
"It's going to be unreal to work with Kalyn Ponga and those type of people, it will be the best feeling in the world training with them."
While being recruited by the Knights is a big moment in Myles' career, the talented lock is no stranger to big rugby league moments.
After being a part of five St Pat's Group 10 Junior Rugby League premiership sides and lining up for the Western Rams, in 2019 he signed up to play Harold Matthews Cup for Parramatta and got Andrew Johns Cup game time as well.
That same year Martin was also named best on ground in the Australian National School Boys Carnival grand final.
This season Myles was given the #18 jumper for the under 18 NSW City side which beat NSW Country, while he and his fellow Eels reached the grand final of the Harold Matthews Cup, falling 24-12 to Manly.
His Harold Matthews highlights included scoring two tries in as many minutes against the Steelers in round four, while Myles also crossed in the Eels' wins over the Canberra Raiders and North Sydney Bears.
His performances were something that not only impressed the Eels, but Newcastle recruiters as well. Myles knows joining the Knights will be different, but he is looking forward to moving with his family.
"I went to Parramatta when I was about 15, and then this good opportunity has come up with the Newcastle Knights to take the whole family," he said.
"I played starting lock all this season, this year and last year, and when I first came up to Parramatta I had a couple of games when I played two years up with them as well.
"It will be a big difference going to a country town like Newcastle after being in the big city."
Myles is not sure if he will play at lock for the Knights' SG Ball side next season, but he is happy to fill whatever role is required.
He will start pre-season SG Ball training next Saturday but has already done plenty of work in his own time to help him make a mark in the competition.
"I think playing somewhere in the middle is probably their plan for me, but if I get the chance to play wherever I'll take it," he said.
"I know some other people don't get this sort of big opportunity, so I'm very grateful to get it at this stage.
"I give a big thanks to all my coaches at Pat's, Chris O'Neill, Dane Fisher, Peter Colling, all those guys who helped me through juniors and then thanks to Mum and Dad especially for all the sacrifices they've made to bring me down in Sydney and run me around all the time."
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:
- Bookmark www.westernadvocate.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News
