The Under-15 side was named two weeks ago. Initially consisting of 35 players, it will be trimmed down over the coming weeks, with the final team to be named prior to the Country Rugby League (CRL) Championships on the 17th and 18th of June. 

Caldwell did not make the cut for the team last year, but feels his chances are improved in 2017. 

“Yeah, I feel like I could get picked this year [...] I’m a bit bigger, stronger.

“I’m not sure, just have a feeling I might get in this year.” 

Jayden feels that his parents were “pretty proud”, and father Brent echoed his son’s sentiments. However, he is aware that Jayden’s goals have not yet been realised.

“It’s just another step for him, he wants to go further,” Brent said. “Even just the experience [will be good] for him.

“He’s always had that ambition to make it as far as he can.”

Jayden hopes that this selection will pave the way for future distinctions. 

“Probably [want to] get a contract list with a pro team, or just make it further than I am.” 

Although selection in the Under-15 side is a massive boon, Brent recognises that his son’s chances for a professional career are slim, and that it is necessary to have a contingency plan in place.

“I think he wants to be a plumber or electrician [...] he’s definitely got that as backup if he doesn’t go all the way.

“He knows that the percentages for any young kid getting into first grade is, like, less than one percent of kids make it to first grade,” Brent said. “He realises that, but he still wants to give it a crack.” 

The CRL Championships take place every year and pit the most talented teams from throughout New South Wales against each other in an effort to be crowned ‘Country Champions’. 

Canberra enjoyed a successful attempt at the CRL titles last year, where its Under-14 team reached the Cup Final before being bested by Group 11 in a tight 18-16 finish.