TRL and Western Clydesdales stars sign deals with NRL clubs

Four teenage rugby league players are a step closer to living out their NRL dreams after signing deals with NSW club. Meet the young stars leading the charge here.

Four Highfields Eagles have left the nest – flying south in pursuit of their NRL dreams.

Star trio Declan Ryan, Jai Purser and Bailey Nash have inked deals with the Canberra Raiders and Bud Smith has signed with the Canterbury Bulldogs.

The quartet, who caught the eye of NRL officials during stints with the Western Clydesdales and Eagles over the past two season, are set to play Jersey Flegg (under-21) and SG Ball (under-19) football in 2024.

“It was a bit of a shock,” Purser said of the phone call that radically altered his league career path earlier this year.

“I thought if any clubs were going to reach out it would be toward the end of this year.

“They (the Canberra Raiders) had scouted us in a few Mal Meninga Cup matches.

“Once they made the offer I talked it over with my parents and we locked it in – it was too good an opportunity to pass up.”

Purser, who will juggle the demands of completing his carpentry apprenticeship along with playing footy, is looking forward to the ‘step up’ in competition.

“It (SG Ball) is the toughest under-19s competition in the country,” Purser said.

“It will be a real challenge but I’m looking forward to it.

“Playing in the NRL is the dream for everyone and this gets me one step closer.”

Jai Purser in action for St Mary’s against Mountain Creek State High School in the 2022 Gee Cup. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Declan Ryan of Western Clydesdales fires off a pass. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Declan Ryan

Ryan will never forget his last game in an Eagles jersey.

Just minutes after his side held out a determined Valleys Roosters to send their under-19 grand final into extra time, the skipper and five-eighth kicked the match winning field goal.

“I haven’t hit them well all year at training,” Ryan told The Chronicle on grand final day.

“We have been practising and I have been skewing them to the right, but to get that one, it was a pretty surreal moment.”

Now Ryan will have the opportunity to shine for the Canberra Raiders in NSW Jersey Flegg competition.

Ryan’s move south comes years after a potential deal “fell through”.

“I was in the early stages of talking to the Raiders a few years ago, but it just didn’t work out at the time,” he said.

“They reached out to me earlier this year and said another opportunity might be there and asked if I was still interested.

“It’s very humbling and exciting to have this opportunity.

“Nothing is being handed to me though – the competition is another level and I’m going to have work hard to keep a hold of it (the opportunity).”

Bud Smith for Clydesdales. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Bud Smith

Smith will traverse a familiar path when moves to Sydney next year.

The promising under-21 Western Clydesdales lock forward has signed with the Canterbury Bulldogs – the same club his dad Jason Smith joined as a teenager.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” Smith said.

“It’s a massive opportunity and though it’s a big step I will give it my all.”

Smith will live in one of the Bulldogs’ player houses with other Queensland players who are also making the move south.

“I know most of the boys who are going down there from Queensland, so it will be good,” he said.

“I’ve spoken with the Bulldogs careers people and at this point I’m looking to getting into a career as a personal trainer so I’ll be working around the gyms.”

Smith kicked off the 2023 season with Clydesdales under-19 squad but was quickly promoted to the under-21 side.

He will start next year with the Bulldogs under-19 with the hopes of earning promotion to the U21 and ultimately one day emulating his father who played State of Origin for Queensland and Test matches for Australia.

Bailey Nash for Clydesdales and Tyler Peckham-Harris for Jets. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Bailey Nash

Catching the eye of Raiders scouts last year the last two season have been all about working hard for Nash.

The talented centre knew he could nothing for granted and was fully committed to driving the Clydesdales forward while also preparing for life with the Raiders.

“It’s all pretty exciting,” Nash said.

“I think any young player who wants to improve their footy is thinking about Jersey Flegg and SG Ball.

“The competitions here (Queensland) are a real challenge but it’s a step up again in NSW.”

Nash will make the move south in about six weeks with a simple plan in mind.

“My first goal is just to get down there and get myself as fit as possible before pre-season,” he said.

“Next year hopefully I can establish myself in the SG Ball side and push for a spot in the Jersey Flegg if I can.

“It’s going to take a lot of hard work, but I’m looking forward to it.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity and gets me closer to that NRL dream.”