Wellington's Brock Naden is heading to Brisbane to play the biggest match of his young rugby league career.
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He will join Dubbo youngster Blaine Gordon in the NSW under-16 Indigenous side to take on the Queensland Murri.
Naden usually plays five-eighth or centre but will move into the second row as a mobile running forward in Saturday night's match at Suncorp Stadium.
"I am a bit nervous but pretty excited and with Blaine there we are the two country players in the side," Naden said.
The year 10 student plays for the junior Cowboys in Wellington and his brother Brent Naden was captain of the premiership winning NSW Penrith Panthers.
So football is definitely in the DNA.
His mum and dad are also heading to watch their son in the big match.
His mother Julie Blackhall said she couldn't eat a thing before Brent's grand final and she is just as excited for Brock who played for the Western Rams on the weekend in the Mudgee so he's match fit event this early in the season.
Brock said like his teammate Gordon the occasion would be big but he's looking forward to it.
"I think I am more nervous just getting on the plane by myself but I am ready to go," he said.