Tom Carey and Connor Bush have both had exemplary years, having been selected for the Canberra Raiders Elite Pathways Program, and  have now been chosen to represent the ACT U15’s Schoolboys side. 

Tom’s mother, Sue, said that the Carey family had recently moved to Canberra, and part of the incentive of the move was to accommodate her son’s sporting success. 

“We’ve only just moved over [to Canberra] because of Tom’s training,” Sue said. 

“Training starts at six am in the morning, [and] it was just too much, so we’ve actually had to move.”

However, Sue said that the sacrifices she has made for her son to be able to pursue his passion were worthwhile because “we [Tom’s family] love to see him develop”, and while it is “a lot of hard work and a lot of running around”, she said that Tom “really appreciates everything we do, so we don’t mind doing it for him.” 

Tom’s success means that he has started to compete against players older than himself. Rather than being apprehensive, the youngster said that it “should be good”, and that it will “be a good challenge.” 

Meanwhile, Connor preoccupies himself with not only rugby league, but has made rugby union rep sides as well. 

When asked how he found the time to fit sport in with school and his other commitments, Connor said “I don’t really.” 

“Sport’s kind of first for me, like, I do my best at school. It’s hard to fit everything in, but it’s worthwhile doing it.” 

Although he has obviously excelled in rugby league, Connor said that he still has a long way to go before he is physically or mentally ready to start considering professional football. 

“Just, really, everything,” Connor said when asked what he needed to improve. 

“Basically, with this Raiders program, I’m learning all their structures and stuff. It’s pretty complicated, but once you get it, it’s good.”

Connor’s mother Sherree has three sons, all of whom play rugby of some kind, and who have often earned representative honours. 

However, she still feels immense pride for Connor’s achievements this last year. 

“I was extremely proud of him. He works hard so he deserves it.”

The opportunities don’t come without hard work from the whole family, and Sherree described how she drives to Canberra seven days a week “for different trainings and rugby.” 

“It’s tiring, but it’s good.” 

The ACT 15’s Schoolboys team had a less-than-ideal run through the Rugby League Championships, which began on Sunday. 

Their first match took place on Sunday, against NSWCIS. The result was a tough 22 – 22 draw. 

The QLD White side emerged victorious  from the next match with ACT, 44 – 0. 

For live updates, visit http://websites.sportstg.com/assoc_page.cgi?client=1-2130-0-0-0.