Local U9s Clermont Bears fullback Roman Revell-Blair has been selected along with his teammates to represent Queensland in the inaugural Holden Junior State of Origin in Sydney on June 1.
The U9s team will take on the Dungog Warriors from NSW in a curtain-raiser clash to Game I of the 2016 Holden State of Origin at ANZ Stadium.
For 8-year-old Roman, whose uncle Maurice (Bob) Blair plays professionally overseas, the trip is a dream come true.
“I love playing footy at Clermont with my friends, but I never thought I’d be playing in Sydney in front of a big crowd and get to meet some of Australia’s best players,” Roman said.
As well as playing in the Junior State of Origin, Roman will toss the coin for the Blues vs Maroons game and together with his team, will form a guard of honour for the NRL players.
Queensland skipper Cameron Smith announced the exciting news to the club via video message.
“I hope you guys will knuckle down and train hard and do the Maroons proud,” Smith said.
Holden’s Executive Director Marketing, Geraldine Davys said Holden was thrilled to make this opportunity possible for Roman and his club.
“Roman came to our attention as a rising rugby league star via our Holden Home Ground Advantage grant program which recently awarded $10,000 to the Central Highlands Junior Rugby League to support the league’s expansion,” Geraldine said.
“We’re thrilled to be providing this unique Junior State of Origin experience for some of Clermont’s most footy-mad kids,” she added.
Roman’s mum Anastasia Revell-Blair said Roman was beside himself with excitement.
“It’s Roman’s dream to one day play in the NRL and this opportunity is such a massive stepping stone for him,” Anastasia said.
“We can’t wait to take on the Dungog Warriors and put on a show in Sydney,” Roman added.
