NT’s Todd McManus hopes to forge career in rugby union in Canberra

TODD McManus will return to Canberra tomorrow, but this time he won’t be coming back

Todd McManus is moving to Canberra to work and train with the ACT Brumbies. Picture: KERI MEGELUS

TODD McManus will return to Canberra tomorrow, but this time he won’t be coming back.

The Darwin Dragons junior has been invited back to the ACT Brumbies under-18s junior pathway camp after impressing last year.

And he will be staying on in the nation’s capital, having claimed a job as a Brumbies development officer.

The 17-year-old will play for local club Eastern Suburbs in the Canberra-based competition throughout the winter months and hopes to break into the Super Rugby system.

“I don’t know if I’m emotional or excited (about leaving Darwin), it’s a bit of a mix,” McManus said.

“But this opportunity only comes around once. It’s too good to pass up.”

The five-eighth or inside centre said he was desperate to make the most of the opportunity.

“The work doesn’t stop now just because I’ve got my foot in the door,” he said.

“I’ve got to keep pushing and going harder.

“It would mean the world to me (a professional career). Rugby is just what I do.

“ I’m at training all the time and if I’m not there, I’m at home doing extras.”

McManus will play in Canberra’s under-21 colts competition for Easts, but hopes to crack first grade by the end of 2018.

“Hopefully I’ll get through the season and dig deep and a few more opportunities will come about,” McManus said.

“It’s going to be a good challenge for me, especially playing up against bigger bodies.

“I played A-grade in Darwin this year, but there will be a few young fellas down there that will be twice as big.

“It’s going to help my game out a lot.”