City Origin Coach Brad Fittler believes that James Tedesco and Curtis Sironen can use their surprise selections as a stepping-stone into further representative honours.
Tedesco and Sironen trained with the City team at an open session in Castle Hill yesterday, with Fittler relating to what the rookie duo are experiencing ahead of the match in Coffs Harbour this Sunday.
I was about their age when I came into Rep footy, Fittler said.
I can still remember the feeling coming in to these groups and having some big names around me.
You get the opportunity to socialise with some of the guys you hopefully represent with later. That is the main key, just to feel comfortable in their company.
I think its what the (City-Country) game is all about; giving these blokes a chance and trialling them out to see if they have got what it takes.
Sironen was definitely a bolter into the City team, having played just seven NRL games, with his first of 2013 being last week against the Dragons.
I was actually waiting for the Under 20s Origin call, I was very surprised, Sironen said.
I am over the moon to be here with some of the boys I have been watching since I was young.
I want to make the most of it. I want to do myself proud and do the Wests Tigers proud.
Im looking to play some consistent football and cement a spot in first grade. Whether it be the halves or not, I am happy to play where (Mick) Potter wants me.
After playing just four NRL games, including three games this year on the wing for the Wests Tigers, Tedesco was called in to replace the injured Jarryd Hayne at fullback.
Very surprising I got the call up, its exciting to be in the camp with the boys and its still sinking in, Tedesco said.
Playing with quality players is only going to help my game, so I am hoping I can bring the experience back to the Wests Tigers.
Joel Reddy is another Wests Tigers representative that will take the field on Sunday, with the experienced outside back called in to cover injured teammate Chris Lawrence.
Once we get out there and start playing it doesnt really matter who they picked to start with, Reddy said.
It is the team that is out there playing on the day and if we can all take our opportunity it will be good for us.
Reddy previously represented City in 2010 and has been selected in the centres despite playing on the wing this year.
I have played most of my footy in the centres, but as long as I am on the field for the Wests Tigers I am happy.
Hopefully we can get a win this weekend and carry some form back with me.
The City squad have made their way to Coffs Harbour, with the blockbuster clash against Country kicking-off at 3pm on Sunday.
I THOUGHT IT WAS A STITCH UP: TEDESCO
PHOTO GALLERY: CITY ORIGIN TRAINING
MATCH DAY INFORMATION: WESTS TIGERS V BRONCOS
Tedesco and Sironen trained with the City team at an open session in Castle Hill yesterday, with Fittler relating to what the rookie duo are experiencing ahead of the match in Coffs Harbour this Sunday.
I was about their age when I came into Rep footy, Fittler said.
I can still remember the feeling coming in to these groups and having some big names around me.
You get the opportunity to socialise with some of the guys you hopefully represent with later. That is the main key, just to feel comfortable in their company.
I think its what the (City-Country) game is all about; giving these blokes a chance and trialling them out to see if they have got what it takes.
Sironen was definitely a bolter into the City team, having played just seven NRL games, with his first of 2013 being last week against the Dragons.
I was actually waiting for the Under 20s Origin call, I was very surprised, Sironen said.
I am over the moon to be here with some of the boys I have been watching since I was young.
I want to make the most of it. I want to do myself proud and do the Wests Tigers proud.
Im looking to play some consistent football and cement a spot in first grade. Whether it be the halves or not, I am happy to play where (Mick) Potter wants me.
After playing just four NRL games, including three games this year on the wing for the Wests Tigers, Tedesco was called in to replace the injured Jarryd Hayne at fullback.
Very surprising I got the call up, its exciting to be in the camp with the boys and its still sinking in, Tedesco said.
Playing with quality players is only going to help my game, so I am hoping I can bring the experience back to the Wests Tigers.
Joel Reddy is another Wests Tigers representative that will take the field on Sunday, with the experienced outside back called in to cover injured teammate Chris Lawrence.
Once we get out there and start playing it doesnt really matter who they picked to start with, Reddy said.
It is the team that is out there playing on the day and if we can all take our opportunity it will be good for us.
Reddy previously represented City in 2010 and has been selected in the centres despite playing on the wing this year.
I have played most of my footy in the centres, but as long as I am on the field for the Wests Tigers I am happy.
Hopefully we can get a win this weekend and carry some form back with me.
The City squad have made their way to Coffs Harbour, with the blockbuster clash against Country kicking-off at 3pm on Sunday.
I THOUGHT IT WAS A STITCH UP: TEDESCO
PHOTO GALLERY: CITY ORIGIN TRAINING
MATCH DAY INFORMATION: WESTS TIGERS V BRONCOS
