TAJ Annan has a bit going on - HSC exams, moving out with mates and separation from family because of coronavirus lockdowns.
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And, for the recently turned 18-year-old, that's just off the rugby union field.
This week the Merewether Carlton junior resumed training with the Queensland Reds, having been announced as one of the club's elite development squad contract recipients.
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"All of my school footy is done now so this is the next part of my footy career. I'm pretty excited," Annan told the Newcastle Herald.
Annan, about to complete a fourth and final year at Brisbane Boys College, sits his last test in early November.
Following that he will shift his focus back to sport and learning from the Super Rugby-winning Reds squad, including the likes of Tate McDermott, Hunter Paisami and James O'Connor.
"I just want to get in there and do as much learning as possible with the senior group," Annan said.
"(Queensland coach) Brad Thorn's sons actually go to my school. We get along pretty well and I know he's keen to have me in there.
"If I train the house down who knows I could find myself with a trial jersey early next year."
Annan is also keen on plying his trade at five-eighth in club rugby next year, hoping to link with Easts in the Brisbane premier competition.
Having missed out on the opportunity to make Australian Schoolboys because of COVID-19, Annan has set his sights on selection in the national under-20 squad.
He helped the BBC first XV win last year's GPS premiership.
During his time up north this year, Annan attended the Super Rugby final won by Queensland at Suncorp Stadium and a Test match between the Wallabies and France.
Meanwhile, on Friday the Hunter Wildfires announced 2021 award winners with Nathan De Thierry and Kaitlan Leaney named best and fairest for the men's and women's squads respectively.
Other prizes went to Joseva Tamani, Emma Bradford (best forward), Will Feeney, Ashleigh Walker (best back), Dean Crowley and Anika Butler (Wildfire award). Ashley Marsters was nominated as players' player for the Hunter's women's team.
This follows on from Hugh Carpenter being appointed as the Shute Shield club's head of colts and pathways for next season.
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