Injury woes at Brothers have opened up an opportunity for Wilson Hamblin to shine on the big stage.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 17-year-old will make his first grade debut against Junee at Equex Centre on Sunday.
Hamblin is set to come off the bench against the Diesels as Brothers look to make it three wins from as many games to start the season.
The schoolboy is looking forward to his chance.
"I'm keen as," Hamblin said.
"It is good to get my opportunity and I've just got to grab it with both hands.
"It was my goal this year so it is good to reach it."
Captain-coach Cameron Breust (calf) is one of the number of injury concerns for the club following wins over Kangaroos and Southcity to start the season.
Breust is confident Hamblin can step up to the mark.
"He's been absolutely brilliant," Breust said.
"He's trained with us over the pre-season and been a big part of the squad.
"In the first couple of weeks we wanted him to find his feet in the under 18s and enjoy some footy with his mates but now he's only got himself to thank for it.
"He's absolutely killed it in the last couple of weeks and his spot is all down to how he's been playing footy."
Hamblin, who was part of the Canberra Raiders SG Ball squad this season, is set to join Aaron Wynne in the hooker rotation.
The 17-year-old is looking to take a simple approach into the clash.
"Cam told me just to take my opportunities when I see them and to give good service when I pass the ball," Hamblin said.
Brothers have scored wins over their two Wagga rivals to start their season.
However Breust knows there is still room for improvement up against the new-look Diesels, who continue to add to their squad after a loss to Young to start the season.
"We haven't really strung a full half of footy together yet so we are looking to be consistent," he said.
"This week is a bit of the unknown as Junee have so many outsiders in their team from other groups so we are just going to concentrate on what we're doing.
"We're going quite well but just want to keep getting better each week."
READ MORE