Rugby teen Jacklin Andrews joins Shute Shield champions Gordon

He’s the young gun with an interest in history bent on making a big impact in rugby in the future.

Young gun Jacklin Andrews played in recent NSW under 18s games. Pic: Supplied

Jacklin Andrews wasn’t sure if he had enough rugby talent to even try out for a rep team a couple of years ago.

Now the teenager - who started playing rugby because he got bored with soccer - has joined one of the Shute Shield’s most successful clubs for 2021.

The 18-year-old second rower, who is just out of school, is heading to Sydney in January to take up a position studying teaching at Macquarie University and playing rugby with Gordon on Sydney's northshore.

Young gun Jacklin Andrews will play with the Gordon club this season. Pic: Supplied

“Last year was my first year playing rep football,” said the 196cm, 95 kilo youngster from Newcastle’s Wanderers club.

“I was unsure if I would have the talent to make it. I asked my coach and he said go for it and I made the Hunter Wildfires team and we won country and state championships.’’

This success saw Andrews later become involved in the NSW country program and then the Gen Blue under 18s, before coronavirus interruptions to the season.

“I took a punt. It was a big surprise making all the teams. It was only my second year playing in the forwards but I thought I’d take a stab,’’ he said.

“Then the whole rep program wen out the window. It was about trying to keep my strength and fitness up during lockdown.’’

Young gun Jacklin Andrews played in recent under 18s games. Pic: Supplied

The young talent was a wanted man by a number of a Shute Shield clubs for the upcoming is upcoming season but confirmed this week he has settled on Gordon, who last season won the Shute Shield under now departed coach Darren Coleman.

“The rugby is good and it’s great to be close to the University,’’ Andrews said.

“I have always wanted to be a history teacher. I’ve always had a passion for it, World War II, the Gulf War, war movies and films and books.’’

Andrews, who was born in the UK but moved to Australia when four, starts on-field training with the club on January 18.

“I want to play at a high level and strive to be the best,’’ he said.

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