City v Country rugby: City’s Rodney Blake out to impress Gen Blue selectors in U18 battle

While many of his teammates are studying for exams this rugby youngster is working towards his own dream off the paddock in the lead-up to the City v Country junior rugby battle.

SJRU's Rodney Blake with the ball

Rodney Blake has loved rugby from the moment he started to play the game.

His dream is to play at the highest level against the best in the world.

On July 31 he will put himself back in the spotlight as City take on Country at Bathurst in a much-anticipated junior rugby matchup.

But first, Blake has another challenge to tackle.

CITY V COUNTRY:Preview, squads, news

SJRU's Rodney Blake tackled by CCC's Savelio Tamale at NSW Schools rugby union trials last month. Pic: John Appleyard

This week he will be studying for his Dogging and Rigging licence so he can work on building sites.

“It’s alway been something I’ve been really interested in,” said the 18-year-old who graduated from Westfield Sports High at Fairfield last year.

Rodney Blake with the ball.

A Colts player at Southern Districts, Blake started his football career in rugby league at the age of six with the Bankstown Wolves.

“I quit league when I was 14. I just felt as if you knew was my passion and I just like it so much better but I don’t know why,” he said.

Blake is one of the City line-up’s big men and will be looked to for a big performance against Country at the end of the month.

The teenager said he’s keen to impress selectors looking for players to run out for the Gen Blue under 18s in a series of matches against Academy teams later this year.

“That Gen Blue Squad is a big goal for me, this is my biggest goal. To make that squad,’’ said Blake who competed for NSW Juniors at the recent Australian schools rugby championships at Knox

“I know a lot of the country boys. I played for them a couple of years back and they are really good boys.

“It’s going to be a tough game.”

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