Eden’s Jordan Martin has secured a starting position in the back row for the first game of the SG Ball Cup – the highest level of competition for boys his age.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Jordan had an offer to join the Canterbury Bulldogs, although after a Colts trial game in Wagga he also impressed Raiders scouts and accepted the offer to move to Canberrra.
Raiders coach Dean Souter said Jordan has transitioned into the team well.
“We train within systems, there are a lot of things we do that come from top down and Jordy was pretty foreign to most of it when he got here, but he has been going quite well,” Souter said.
“He has had a good trial so we are going to give him first stab at it and see how he goes.”
Jordan is looking forward to his first game in the squad, competing in Sydney this weekend.
“It is going to be completely different, a lot harder and challenging both physically and mentally,” he said.
The Raiders will take on South Sydney who are known to be a strong side.
Souter said it will be a challenge for the boys although he is confident the team will hunt the Rabbitohs down.
“Jordy is a more slender character that really fits that bill, he has good legs and good lungs and doesn’t get worn out so quickly,” Souter said.
I would like to play for Australia which is every kid’s dream, and to make the NRL one day.
- Jordan Martin
“We play a different style of football that is quite fast paced, hopefully we can hold them to small half time scores and then we can usually get them at the end.”
There are nine home and away games of the competition before the top eight finals, following the same system as the NRL to determine a winning team.
Jordan is looking forward to the season with the Canberra Raiders, hoping it will create opportunities for a career in rugby league.
“I hope to get another gig next year and to keep going with it, to see what doors will open and to take every opportunity as it comes,” Jordan said.
“I would like to play for Australia which is every kid’s dream, and to make the NRL one day.”
Souter said the SG Ball is a great pathway for players like Jordan.
“Because all of the NRL clubs underpin it, these guys get brought into not just a team but a representative system.
“Jordan had transitioned from the Country rep system which is a bit different to ours.
“The idea is, when the SG Ball finishes we will be looking at who is going to be kept for the Jersey Fleet, which is an Under 20s state-based comp. Then if they progress through from there it is on to the NSW Cup followed by the NRL,” Souter said.
Jordan has his sights set on football although has made a decision to apply for a carpentry apprenticeship.
“Footy is the focus at the moment although I need a job to be able to live. I am booked in for my asbestos card so will hopefully pick up some work soon.”
Souter said that the club works with all of their players, giving them support outside of football for a career path in the future.
“It will be good for him and his football, and better for his career.”
“When they are 17-years-old, we like to talk about their career and what to do when they leave football,” Souter said.
Jordan is currently undergoing courses to gain qualifications in the construction industry. He will then be placed with an employer in Canberra.