Age No Barrier For Rugby Star

Not only is the 16-year-old student completing his school-based Certificate II Finance traineeship in partnership with the ANZ, but he is about to jet off to England to represent Group 6 in the Under 18s Rugby League tour.

No stranger to high achievements, Phil is also taking on advanced school subjects in maths, English and science studies.

An impressive CV for a student of 16.

AFL SportsReady’s NSW Indigenous Mentor, Andrew Craig said he was not surprised to hear of Phil’s latest achievement in the Rugby 6 selection.

“Phil puts a lot of dedication into everything he does,” Andrew said. “Before school and his one day a week working at the ANZ, he goes to the gym as part of his footballing commitments. The branch that he works in is one of the busiest is SW Sydney and he has adapted to this very well. “

But, like anything that involves overseas travel, the upcoming trip is quite expensive and participants must fundraise to support their part in the team. “When AFL SportsReady realised what all this involved, we were pretty keen to help out and have happily contributed some sponsorship funds towards the trip,” Andrew said.

In recognition of the valuable contribution Phil makes to his local ANZ branch, the bank has also chipped in with some sponsorship. 

Phil said he was humbled to have been selected for the team and couldn’t wait for departure date, this Saturday, 21 September. “As a kid all I ever wanted to grow up playing sport and doing what I love,” he said. “Rugby league has given me this chance and it’s only my third proper year of footy. Hopefully bigger, better things are in the future and this is just a huge step in the right direction.”

“I found out that the main reason the Group 6 selectors thought of me was because I had the large build, was keen and had the right attitude to learn and the heart to fit into the Under 18s team.” Phil said the next level for him would be a feeder club to an NRL club and then hopefully selection into the SG Ball team, before one day hopefully playing NRL.

AFL SportsReady wishes him all the best.

DATE: 17 September, 2013
IMAGE: Phil Cliff in Action

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