Wellington Junior rugby league president Graham Blackhall says the signing of local teenager Kotoni Staggs to the Brisbane Broncos will be an inspiration to other young footballers in the area.
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"The potential has always been there," he said.
"Kotoni has made a massive achievement in the way he is playing, it has caught the attention of the Broncos and for our up-and-coming players it shows they can achieve anything they want to in life."
The 15-year-old signed a deal with the Brisbane Broncos on Wednesday night.
Recruitment manager Simon Scanlan said he was amazed by his athletic ability in a rare move for the Queensland club which rarely hires talent from outside the state.
"We had a training session with 15 and 16-year-olds and he was very impressive," Mr Scanlan said.
"We tested speed and strength and he was extremely fast. We'd like to develop him through the ranks with his schooling. He has a great future."
Kotoni Staggs excelled for the central west premiership winning Wellington under-15s rugby union side in 2013 and also played for the Wellington Cowboys side in the grand final of the under 15s on the same day.
It is understood Staggs was sought by Penrith, Parramatta and the Wests Tigers, but the Broncos was always the side he wanted to be with.
"It's a dream come true to go with my favourite team the Broncos," Staggs said.
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His player manager Luke Clarke said the Broncos will have an exceptional talent on its hands.
''He has terrific vision and reads the play brilliantly. He can now capitalise on this and also inspire other young players in his community to commit to bettering themselves. I am very excited for him'' Mr Clarke said.
''To shore up this opportunity an early move to Queensland to continue his schooling and career would launch him into a new journey in his life. The community will back him in Wellington because they have a deep affection for him''
The decision on his move will be left up Kotoni, he's already played trial matches in the top grade for Wellington scoring tries against Gilgandra and Dubbo Macquarie.
''I will play in my own age group now and try and be skilful and continue to work on my game'' Staggs said.
''I would love to be like Darren Lockyer he is one of my idols. He liked the way he saw gaps and was very skilled in the five eighth spot. I like ⅝ or fullback '' he said.
Whether it's swimming, touch football, rugby union or league the Wellington teenager has the opportunities big time sports brings.
Wellington JRL president Graham Blackhall says the nursery is bountiful '' From Tyrone Peachey to Daniel Conn, Charly Runciman, Lewis Stanley, Brent Naden, he joins a growing list of talented footballers heading into the big time. If you have the right mentors and your talents are nurtured, you keep positive and work hard sport can reward you with the great things in life'' he said.
