ZAC Crowley was among a group of young players who Hamilton coach Scott Coleman dubbed rock stars.
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Caleb Hopping, Jacob Rabai, Jack Allen, Jacob Barrett and Crowley led a super-charged Hawks side which beat all before them from under-16s through to colts.
All represented NSW Country and beyond. Stars in the making.
All, bar Crowley, decided to have a crack in Sydney.
Hopping, Rabai and Barrett are playing colts for Warringah. Allen is at Manly.
"I thought about going," the 18-year-old fullback said. "I had finished school and was deciding what to do. I got a job offer and had to toss up whether I wanted to pursue rugby or start working. I chose work."
Now an apprentice electrician, Crowley has emerged as a key man in the Hawks first-grade backline.
The former Jesmond High student had a nibble at the top grade last year, normally at the end of games when the result had been decided.
But a sternum injury to regular No.15 Sam McNeil early against Merewether in round nine, thrust the exciting attacker into the action.
He starred, scoring a try and playing a hand in two others. He has grown in confidence and influence with every outing.
"Playing in juniors, I used to stay around and watch first grade play. It was something you looked forward to," Crowley said. "Coming up into grade and playing seconds for the majority of the year, you stay back after the game and hope you get on. You might get 10 minutes at the back of the game, but it's still a great feeling. To now be starting is awesome."
Against Merewether on Saturday, Crowley produced a brilliant counter attack to set up the Hawks' opener.
"I like seeing the spaces and being able to use my speed to try and attack those areas." Crowley said.
Broken-field running is the easy part for Crowley. It's the other elements of playing fullback which are more taxing at the top level.
"It is obviously more physical but it's tougher mentally as well," he said. "It is such a vital role, having to talk to the defensive line and make sure they are numbered up. It's a big part and you don't want to mess it up."
Coleman couldn't be happier with the efforts of the young gun.
"He came off the bench in round nine and hasn't looked back," Coleman said. "He is elusive, quick, skillful ... probably his biggest asset is his game knowledge."
McNeil made a successful return from injury in second grade last round.
"They are different styles of fullback," Coleman said. "Sam doesn't make any mistakes but he is not going to score a try from 80 metres out. He is super reliable and his communication skills are phenomenal. He is a really good organiser and like a second fly-half, where as Zac gives us a bit of X-factor and is a counter attacker. As a coach it's great to have those options."
