Having the courage to take an opportunity to relocate to the city from the country and away from friends and family, dedication to his sport and a bucket-load of talent have all helped former Narrabri Junior Rugby player Joey Fowler secure a 2019 NSW Rugby under-15 Gen Blue squad spot.

Players selected into the Gen Blue squad were chosen based on their form and performances this year.

2019 has certainly been a memorable year for Joey, the son of Chris and Amanda Fowler.

The 14-year-old has excelled at a new position after making a switch from five eight to inside centre at a representative level, although he was selected into the Gen Blue squad as a five eight.

He achieved a major milestone in June when he represented the Gordon region at the NSW Junior Rugby Union State Championships.

Joey’s team won the under-14 division after going through the tournament undefeated before beating ACT Brumbies 22-17 in the grand final.

Joey is a Year 9 student at St Joseph’s College, Hunters Hill, and has played a key role in his school team’s success.

He plays for the school’s under-14 A rugby union team which beat The Scots College 56-0 last weekend to win the competition undefeated.

The Narrabri boy recently represented NSW City in the under-14s City v Country game in Newcastle on Sunday, August 4.

Joey’s team was victorious 48-7 against a Country side that included Narrabri boys Josh Briggs and Don Watkins, both former teammates of Joey as recently as last year.

Joey played inside centre and starred in the match, crossing for City’s first try and kicking several conversions.

The Gen Blue program for 2019 includes training camps throughout the month of September leading into a National Championships in October.

The squad will train across six days in September before being split up into three teams to compete at the Under-15 Junior Gold Cup which will be held at

Bellevue Hill from Sunday, September 29, until Thursday, October 3.

The tournament’s grand final will be played at Waratahs HQ, Daceyville, on Saturday, October 5.

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