Northern Sharks star Brandon Norris signs two-year contract with Brisbane Broncos Academy

An emerging star of Top End rugby league has taken a further step towards his dream of playing NRL after dominating a national junior competition.

A “massive” 2022 for Territory cross-code star Brandon Norris has culminated in a two-year contract with the Brisbane Broncos Academy.

Back in July, the 17-year-old was plying his trade with Northern Sharks in the Under 18 NRLNT competition until injury wreaked havoc with the club’s A Grade squad.

His super proud father Brad received a call from a Sharks coach wondering if the tyro would be able to handle the step up to the top flight for the undefeated, defending champions against eventual premier Palmerston Raiders in Round 11.

He need not have worried as the younger Norris would score eight tries across his three senior level games, including six in his second fixture against South Darwin Rabbitohs in Round 12.

Playing as a hooker then a winger, he was also judged best on ground in the first two fixtures.

Brandon Norris has signed a contract with the Brisbane Broncos’ academy. Picture: Supplied.

“Before it I was a bit nervous, because I didn’t really want to make any mistakes,” Brandon, who began supporting the Broncos as a kid, said.

“So I was just making sure I was playing it safe.

“But then I scored a try ... I realised ... I was having so much fun. I was having a blast.”

Then, while playing for the NT Titans in the combined affiliated states Under 18 championships on the Gold Coast in September, the MacKillop Catholic College student caught the eye of a player manager.

After several NRL clubs showed interest, he was eventually offered a contract with the Broncos.

“I was just lucky enough to be playing well,” Brandon said, who moved to Queensland about two weeks ago to live with an uncle in Griffin.

Brandon Norris with Nathan McDonald, operations manager with NRLNT. Picture: Supplied.

He will now try to source full time employment – as per the terms of his contract – and could become a teacher’s aid at a primary school.

Brad said his son, who also plays for Palmerston Crocs in Darwin’s rugby union competition, had enjoyed a “massive ‘22” which had netted a trophy room full of accolades: an Under 18s premiership with the Sharks where he was judged best on ground, plus the club’s best and fairest.

Brandon Norris will play for Norths Devils in the Mal Meninga Cup. Picture: Supplied.

He was also judged the Sharks’ rookie of the year, named MacKillop’s sportsman of the year and found a place in its team of the decade.

Brandon, who has “shot right up” beyond six foot and put on some additional size, is also known for his speed, winning gold medals in the 100 and 200m events at the NT athletic championships in early November: “He’s quick as,” Brad said.

Brandon will now play for the Norths Devils in the Under 18 Mal Meninga Cup with an eye on eventually playing first grade.