Reuben Cotter Gains selection in the under-16 Queensland team

MOST young rugby league players dream of playing State of Origin football, but few get to actually experience it.

MOST young rugby league players dream of playing State of Origin football, but few get to actually experience it.

But Mackay youngster Reuben Cotter has been given the opportunity of a lifetime, and will pull on the maroon jersey to face New South Wales at Suncorp Stadium.

Cotter, 15, was yesterday named in the Queensland under-16 team that will face NSW in a curtain-raiser to State of Origin game one on May 28.

"It's a privilege to be selected in this Queensland side to go away to play NSW before State of Origin; it's a pretty good feeling," he said.

"It's one of the things I've tried to work hard for this year ... it was definitely one of my goals, so it's a good feeling to make the side."

Cotter played for the Queensland under-15 last year, and said that was a proud moment for him.

But he said he's never experienced anything like playing for Queensland on State of Origin night, and would cherish every moment of the night.

"Just running out there with all the boys, wearing the maroon jersey, was just such a big thing. It gets you pretty pumped up," Cotter said.

"But this one will definitely be bigger, being before a State of Origin game.

"Thinking about it makes me hungry to play; I just want to fast forward to the game and run out on the field in the maroon jersey."

Cotter's dad Terry said he was very proud of his boy, and hoped to be sitting in the stands watching him play in the main event on day.

"I couldn't be happier; it'll be good to go down and see him play," he said.

"Hopefully he keeps the dream and keeps going down that path; it's a good thing to want to do."

QUESTIONS FOR COTTER

• What does playing for Queensland mean to you?

It's more than just playing the game. Just wearing the Queensland jersey, I don't know what it is, but it just makes you proud. It's a good feeling just running out on the field and seeing all the supporters.

• Who is your favourite Queensland player?

A bit of an older one; probably Gorden Tallis, just because he's crazy in defence and it was always good to watch him play.

• What is your favourite State of Origin memory?

Gorden Tallis dragging the fellow over the sideline, from about 10m away.

Originally published as Reuben Cotter Gains selection in the under-16 Queensland team