Junior Sports Star nominee Kalani Anitelea-Hand compared to rugby league great Andrew Johns

MATRAVILLE  Rugby League rising star Kalani Anitelea-Hand could be the southeast’s answer to half-back legend Andrew Johns.

Kalani Anitelea-Hand is a 15 year old Rugby player and this weeks Junior Sport Star nominee.

MATRAVILLE  Rugby League rising star Kalani Anitelea-Hand could be the southeast’s answer to half-back legend Andrew Johns.

The 15-year-old, who also plays half-back, has a similar frame to his idol.

His Clovelly Crocs U15s coach Brett Jackson, who has watched the Randwick Boys High student develop since first meeting him at age 13, said the similarities between the pair extended on to the field.

Kalani Anitelea-Hand is a 15 year old Rugby player and this weeks Junior Sport Star nominee.

Jackson said Kalani had a combination of good footwork, skill with the ball and tough tackling – unusual for his size.

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“That’s probably what makes him a better player because he doesn’t do it with brute force – Andrew Johns might be a bit taller but he’s built similar and they both play with a lot of passion.”

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Playing league from the age of four, Kalani moved from the Coogee Wombats to play for the Crocs.

Kalani Anitelea-Hand showing his form.

Anitelea-Hand has previously played on the U13 and U14 Junior Roosters development squad.

In 2013 he was selected for the U13s Junior Roosters development squad and was selected again for U14s last year. This year he was selected to play U15s Gold Rugby for Sydney West.

He said his goal was to play for the Newcastle Knights, like Johns.

“It would mean everything. It would be a dream come through,” Kalani said.

Jackson said he was confident his charge would be picked for the development squad when selection takes place.

NOMINATE

■ To nominate someone you know for the Young Sporting Spirit, Junior Sport Star, Service to Sport or Team Spirit categories go to juniorsportsstar.com.au

■ The competition is run by NewsLocal
■ Rebel is back as the major sponsor and 7 News as the media partner
■ Fox Sports Pulse is the sponsor for the Team Spirit category

■ Southeast sprinting talent Jessica Thornton was awarded the 2014 Junior Sports Star of the Year at a ceremony in February