Canterbury Bulldogs local junior Jordi Mazzone continues to climb the ranks of his beloved club

Two years ago Jordi Mazzone was struggling to get regular time in Harold Matthews. Now the 19-year-old has had a taste of NSW Cup and is a genuine Bulldogs star on the rise. Here’s his story.

Jordi Mazzone is a Canterbury Bulldogs player on the rise. Picture: Kundai Chawira/Sean Teuma

Jordi Mazzone is as Canterbury as they come.

Growing up in Wattle Grove and spending his whole junior career running out in the blue and white of the Moorebank Rams, it’s not hard to guess what the 19-year-old’s dream is.

And with the trajectory Mazzone’s career has enjoyed over the past 18 months, who’s to say he won’t get a taste of NRL action soon?

“It’s only been 18 months since I was playing Harold Matts and only getting three or four games, through to making my NSW Cup debut,” Mazzone said.

“What really motivated me was being in the Matts squad and not getting picked, it made me think that it’s not about talent, but you have to work hard.

“In that off-season I was training every day, making sure I was fit enough and doing all the extras.

Canterbury Bulldogs NSW Cup and Jersey Flegg winger Jordi Mazzone. Picture: Kundai Chawira

“I was prepping my body right and eating healthy, and that’s made things a lot easier. It was hard to get into, but once you’re there it’s easier to maintain and keep that mindset.”

The chance to be around the NRL group is something he has relished, including getting advice from one of Canterbury’s favourite sons.

“It’s crazy being around all the NRL boys during the day,” he said.

“I used to watch Josh Reynolds when I was 10 and get photos with him. Now I sit next to him.

“He’s so welcoming to us younger boys. I was sitting by myself in the video room, then he came over and had a chat. It’s crazy.”

After getting a small taste of Jersey Flegg last season, Mazzone stamped himself as a future flyer with an exceptional SG Ball campaign to start the year.

The winger scored seven tries in the shortened season, before taking the next step to Flegg, and earning his biggest achievement to date soon after.

“I had a bit of game time in Flegg last year which made me more comfortable progressing up,” he said.

Jordi Mazzone with his proud family following his NSW Cup debut for the Canterbury Bulldogs. Picture: Kundai Chawira

“NSW Cup was an experience. It’s a lot more physical than I’ve been used to.

“Being around the boys made it so much easier though. It was tough, but they’ve given me tips and it really is a family club.”

Mazzone comes from a long line of Bulldogs fans, and he said the chance to represent the club is a great source of pride for them, as he hopes to one day wear the colours on the biggest stage of them all.

“My whole family are Bulldogs fans, and being the one who gets to put on the emblem makes them proud,” he said.

“They come out to games, wear their gear and really enjoy it.

“I still like to think I have a bit of time ahead of me (to make it to the NRL). If I keep working hard, hopefully I get that opportunity.

“I’ve taken the right steps so far, and want to keep going in that direction.”

After a pair of games in reserve grade, Mazzone suffered a setback in Flegg when breaking his hand during the first half of a Flegg contest.

Jordi Mazzone. Picture: Sean Teuma/NewsLocal

Such is his toughness, he played out the entire contest despite needing surgery.

“I broke my hand against the Roosters,” he said.

“At the time I didn’t know it was broken. After the game it was pretty swollen, but I just thought it was one of my fingers.

“I had surgery a couple of days later and am hoping to be back in early July.”

Recovery is firmly on the mind of the young flyer, as he eyes off a blue jersey of another kind.

“Making the U19s Origin is a goal of mine,” he said.

“Once I’m back and recovered, I’d like to get a bit more game time in Cup. Doing an NRL pre-season will be a dream for me.

“Next year I want to be able to play consistent Cup footy and see what happens from there.”