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SAM Bernstrom’s dream of playing in the NRL is now another step closer.
The Gin Gin product has signed a two year contract to play with the Sydney Roosters’ Toyota Cup under-20 team.
He decided against a similar Manly Sea Eagles’ deal to follow this year’s coach, Brandon Costin to the Bondi Junction club.
“When Brandon got a coaching job at the Roosters, I decided to go with him,” Bernstrom said.
“I felt really comfortable under his coaching this year.”
Bernstrom made his A grade debut with Wests in the Bundaberg competition in 2009 while still eligible to play under-18.
His selection to play in the Queensland Maroons under-18s to play a New South Wales country side saw him earn the award as Bundaberg’s under-18 Representative Player of the Year.
Strong showings in a beaten side at the Panthers and then again with the representative team, resulted in him being offered a chance with the Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles Colts for the 2010 season.
Representative honours came his way again at the start of 2010 when selected in a Central Queensland team to play against the Central Comets, but since then his appearances were limited to the FOGS Cup.
However, a positional change from the outside backs into the second row sees him relishing a much more intense involvement in the game which he hopes will continue when in Sydney.
“I get my hands on the ball a lot more, and I’m really enjoying the physical battles in defence,” he said.
At 93kg, Bernstrom has increased his weight by about seven kilograms since last year, but at 193cm and only 18 years of age, one must wonder just how big this young giant will become.
Shy and unassuming, Bernstrom has set defined goals and has the burning desire to achieve them.
He will move to Sydney in about 10 days and while many things are uncertain about his future, he is certain he wants to keep following his league dream.
“I’ll do any sort of work and live where I have to,” he said.
“I don’t care what it is, I’m going to make the most of this opportunity.”
Parents Stan and Elisa said they were “thrilled to bits” with the announcement.
“It’s always been his goal to play in the NRL,” Mr Bernstrom said.
“We tried to tell him not to get his hopes up too high, but now it looks like he’s on his way to the next level and the family couldn’t be happier.”
And the family cannot wait until the day he gets the call to make his debut for the Roosters’ top side.
“We’ll be there for sure.”
http://www.news-mail.com.au/story/20...oosters-sport/
The Gin Gin product has signed a two year contract to play with the Sydney Roosters’ Toyota Cup under-20 team.
He decided against a similar Manly Sea Eagles’ deal to follow this year’s coach, Brandon Costin to the Bondi Junction club.
“When Brandon got a coaching job at the Roosters, I decided to go with him,” Bernstrom said.
“I felt really comfortable under his coaching this year.”
Bernstrom made his A grade debut with Wests in the Bundaberg competition in 2009 while still eligible to play under-18.
His selection to play in the Queensland Maroons under-18s to play a New South Wales country side saw him earn the award as Bundaberg’s under-18 Representative Player of the Year.
Strong showings in a beaten side at the Panthers and then again with the representative team, resulted in him being offered a chance with the Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles Colts for the 2010 season.
Representative honours came his way again at the start of 2010 when selected in a Central Queensland team to play against the Central Comets, but since then his appearances were limited to the FOGS Cup.
However, a positional change from the outside backs into the second row sees him relishing a much more intense involvement in the game which he hopes will continue when in Sydney.
“I get my hands on the ball a lot more, and I’m really enjoying the physical battles in defence,” he said.
At 93kg, Bernstrom has increased his weight by about seven kilograms since last year, but at 193cm and only 18 years of age, one must wonder just how big this young giant will become.
Shy and unassuming, Bernstrom has set defined goals and has the burning desire to achieve them.
He will move to Sydney in about 10 days and while many things are uncertain about his future, he is certain he wants to keep following his league dream.
“I’ll do any sort of work and live where I have to,” he said.
“I don’t care what it is, I’m going to make the most of this opportunity.”
Parents Stan and Elisa said they were “thrilled to bits” with the announcement.
“It’s always been his goal to play in the NRL,” Mr Bernstrom said.
“We tried to tell him not to get his hopes up too high, but now it looks like he’s on his way to the next level and the family couldn’t be happier.”
And the family cannot wait until the day he gets the call to make his debut for the Roosters’ top side.
“We’ll be there for sure.”
http://www.news-mail.com.au/story/20...oosters-sport/
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