Shepherd has been named in the Storm’s SG Ball squad to take on St George in Sydney in the under 18s opening match of the season.

According to the club, Shepherd will be a starting prop when the teams run out at WIN Jubillee Oval at Kogarah.

The hard-running forward moved to Melbourne at the end of last year to take up an offer with the Storm and has impressed coaching staff with his work ethic.

The Storm’s Toyota Cup coach Dean Pay has been impressed with Shepherd in the short time he’s been with the club.

“He’s been training really hard and has been doing all the right things since arriving in Melbourne,” he said.

“Jordan’s still young and is eligible for the under 18s and will be in the team to take on St George in the first game this weekend.

“Obviously he is still very young and has a long way to go.”

Pay, who was born in Melbourne, was a skilled front rower with Canterbury and Parramatta in his playing days.

He also represented NSW and Australia on numerous occasions and is well placed to spot a talented prop.

Pay said the team was looking forward to the season.

“I know all the players are keen to get back into it after a long pre-season,” he said. Shepherd will partner Rhys Kennedy in the front row alongside hooker Billy Walters.

Just a few months ago Shepherd was leading his Mater Dei Catholic College teammates to a third consecutive Hardy Shield victory.

While Shepherd is taking his first steps to an NRL career in Sydney, his senior teammates will be taking on Canberra in Albury.