Teenager Harley Lester making right moves in Rugby Sevens
He’s the son of a former Canterbury Bulldogs and Roosters NRL star making his own way in the world of sport.
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He’s the son of a former NRL gun making his mark on the footy field in two different codes.
Harley Lester, the 16-year-old son of former Canterbury Bulldogs and Roosters star Gavin Lester, has been talent identified by Rugby Sevens for a series of local and international tournaments.
At stake is potentially a career in sevens and the chance to represent at the Olympics.
It’s an opportunity Lester is embracing as he works towards his dream of being an elite footballer..
But Lester said it is league that is in his blood with sevens only a recent passion but one he is loving..
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“I grew up playing rugby league. I started when I was three apparently. I was told I was running on the field at three,” said Lester, working as a ranger doing land and sea care in the La Perouse area.
Lester has already had a run with the Koori NSW under 16s team, playing in the curtain raiser of the Charity Shield against Queensland.
“I am currently in the training squad for the Cronulla Sharks, their SG summer squad,” he said.
But on the weekend he hit the rugby pitch as part of the First Nations team at the Western Sydney 7s event at Lidcombe.
“I just saw it on the Facebook and I had just finished a sevens tour and really enjoyed it so I thought I’d go and try out,” Lester said.
After the Rugby Australia program covered 28,000km searching for talent, Lester and 200 others were chosen to trial at a camp in Sydney where the 20-strong First Nation squad playing this weekend was selected.
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“I got some mates and a cousin to trial and we got lucky,” Lester said.
In the squad is Lester’s cousin Danny Allende, 23, and a number of mates from his La Perouse area.
“They (his parents) are happy for me, glad I’m doing something,” he said.
“Whatever gives me the best opportunities.
“I’d love to play more but at the moment it’s just a one off thing.
“I just want to be a professional footballer.”
MORE SPORT
The First Nations #dreamBIGtime program, run by Rugby Australia, saw scouts travel the country to unearth new Rugby Sevens talent.
The men’s and women’s squads will compete in five domestic and two international tournaments, starting with last weekend’s event at Lidcombe.