RUGBY LEAGUE
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BATHURST rugby league talent Adam Fearnley will take a significant step not only in his football career, but in his own personal development, this September when he takes on one of the biggest challenges of his life.
The Bathurst Panthers under 16s five-eighth has been selected as part of the NSW Young Achievers squad, who will head to Papua New Guinea for a 14-day tour during the next school holidays.
In terms of the football experience he will get while visiting Australia’s northern neighbours, Fearnley will get to be a part of the curtain raiser for the traditional Prime Minister’s XIII versus Papua New Guinea Kumuls game in Port Moresby.
The Young Achievers team will take on the PNG national under 16s outfit in that match.
They will also get the chance to play two more local teams.
A bigger task though, will be walking the Kokoda Track.
Like anyone facing the hike, Fearnley will have it tough. However, he can take some heart from the fact that one of his famous relatives managed to complete it without using his feet.
“Kurt Fearnley is my second cousin and I spoke to him about what it will be like and how he handled it,” the 16-year-old said.
“He told me it would be a great experience and one I’d learn a lot from, so I’ll try and look at it that way.
“We had to write a description about what we knew of Kokoda and its history, a lot of this is about learning the stories behind it.”
The basis for Fearnley’s selection came from his performances with the Group 10 side at this year’s Western Division cluster.
The squad was picked with three players coming from each of the various country NSW academies as well as players from the Penrith, Parramatta and South Sydney junior areas.
In addition to their work on the field, players have to be showing a good attitude off it in order to earn a spot.
The hard-working youngster has certainly had to put in the effort for his latest honour, which could also include a chance to train in an opposed session with the PM’s side.
Fearnley has had a taste of senior football this year with a couple of appearances for the Panthers under 18s side, and has been working hard on the training paddock.
“I usually train in some way most afternoons of the week,” he said.
“I’ve played some under 18s footy and the kids are obviously a bit bigger and the standard is a bit harder than what I’m used to, but it is helping my game.
“This whole thing is going to be a good experience. The footy will be tough, league is the national sport over there, so I’d guess they’re going to test us out.”