This is an extract from The Rugby League Website.
Victorian under-14 Australian Rules football captain Cameron Hansen has been chosen in the Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League 15-Years Pool B Australian Merit Team after playing just eight career rugby league games.
In his four games at the recent national championships held in Adelaide, Hansen was one of Victoria’s shining lights. He scored four tries for the tournament, including two against South Australia in Victoria’s crushing 42-4 win in their play-off for third place, and was duly voted man-of-the-match.
Hansen, who plays in the centre, was shocked at his call-up to the national team.
“It was a good experience for me there and I really enjoyed it,” said Hansen.
“I didn’t expect to be chosen in the merit team, but I’m very happy I was.”
Hansen, who started playing rugby league for Waverley-Oakleigh Panthers in their under-14 team because his friends were playing there, wants to pursue both sports for the foreseeable future.
“I’m really enjoying playing both (rugby league and Australian Rules football) at the moment,” said Hansen. “I like both equally, I can’t split them.
“I just enjoy rugby league. I have a couple of friends who asked me to play for Waverley Oakleigh this year so I thought I’d give it a go.
“I’ll probably do both for a couple of years and see which one’s better for me.”
Asked what he liked so much about rugby league, his answer came very quickly.
“There’s more contact in rugby league than Aussie rules,” said Hansen.
“That’s why I like it, it’s different.”
Melbourne Storm Development High Performance Manager, Ben Haran, who co-ordinates the representative programs for the under-15’s, under-18’s and senior teams, was delighted.
“Cameron is a great kid, with enormous potential in rugby league,” said Haran.
“To make an Australian side with limited games and experience is a fantastic achievement in itself, and to think he is eligible next year for the same tournament is astounding.