National U16, U19 rugby championships: Waratah Gen Blue sprinter Charlie Heidke on fast track

He’s got speed to burn and it’s what this young rugby player hopes will set him apart during the national U16, U19 rugby championships.

Charlie Heidke is a footballer in a rush.

He’s one of the fastest teens over the 100m and 200m in Australia and this football teen is hoping his head-turning pace will set him apart from the pack.

Charlie Heidke on Sunday had the chance to show his speed and impress for the NSW Waratah Gen Blue 16s team as they took to the field in the second round of the National U16 rugby championships in Sydney.

The young sprinter was part of the Gen Blue side which demolished the ACT Brumbies in round one of the championship series being played by youngsters from five Super Rugby clubs.

“I just love running fast. I find it awesome and a lot of fun,’’ said Heidke, who played for NSW Country rugby earlier this year and scored a try against the Brumbies.

“Hopefully my speed sets me apart. It seems to help a lot in rugby.’’

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Heidke has put down times of 11.59 and 23.2 over the 100m and 200m in track events in NSW and the ACT in the past.

But despite his passion for all things football, it was only a month or two ago he got the shock of his life when his mother rang him at school.

“This is only my first year of rugby so it’s all been a bit surprising,“ said the youngster who turned heads for Country at the recent City v Country championship in Bathurst.

“I was pretty happy when I heard about the Gen Blue program.

“I was at school and mum rang me. I was in total disbelief. I couldn’t talk. I was so stoked.”

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The 16-year-old from Nowra Anglican College, like many of his Gen Blue teammates, is juggling both rugby league and rugby union and also loves sevens rugby.

“I’ve been playing rugby league since I was eight for the Berry Magpies,’’ he said.

“I also joined group seven high performance training to get into Harrold Matts.

“And I’ve been playing rugby since I have been at high school.

“I feel like my sprint training has really helped both.’’

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Originally published as National U16, U19 rugby championships: Waratah Gen Blue sprinter Charlie Heidke on fast track