At the recent Canberra trials Latu, 17, made a big impression with the Raiders coaching staff, who have now given him the opportunity to make a name for himself in the state’s premier under 18s competition.

The dynamic centre was thrilled to earn his spot with the ‘Green Machine’.

“I was pretty scared that I didn’t make it. I didn’t get a phone call and they told us that you’d get one. I looked on the website though and I saw my name there,” he said.

“After that you couldn’t wipe the smile off my face.

“I’ve always had a dream to play in the NRL. I wouldn’t mind making that one day. This season should be alright for a bit of confidence and to help get my name out there.

“I’ve been dreaming about it even since I first ran onto the paddock. I’ve been working as hard as I could to get myself to the level I’m at now.”

Latu said he was uncertain after his recent trial whether he’d done enough to book himself a spot in the side.

“I got an email about a month ago telling me that I'd been selected to trial for Canberra. I was pretty excited about that. We had to do a fair bit of fitness testing and then had a 20 minute game,” he said.

“I thought I had played alright, but I was pretty hard on myself.”

His upcoming season with the Canberra club continues the good news for Bathurst Panthers juniors this year after Latu’s teammate Adam Fearnley signed on with the Penrith Panthers.

Panthers found their way into Group 10 under 18s finals this year where they were knockout out at the minor semi-final stage by eventual premiers Lithgow Workies.

Latu picked up nine tries for Panthers in his strong season, which included hat tricks in victories over both the Cowra Magpies and cross-city rivals St Pat’s.

Latu has found a new edge to his game after making the move to the centres and is hoping it pays off for his stint with the Raiders.

“We didn’t make the grand final but it was still a pretty good season with the boys. We had a good, strong team. It was good playing in a strong side, it gets your confidence up,” he said.

“I’ve been playing pretty good and it’s been good moving into the outside backs. I started out at fullback and got moved into the centres as a strong ball runner. I’ve been enjoying playing in the centres.”

While Latu will only get the opportunity to play a single season for the Raiders SG Ball side he will be able to return to the Bathurst Panthers under 18s side next year for another attempt at Group 10 glory.

The Raiders team will have a training camp from this Friday through to Sunday which will give Latu the chance to familiarise himself with his new teammates.

Trial matches for Latu and his Canberra side are just over a month away.

Raiders are set to play last season’s grand finalists Illawarra Steelers in their opening trial before taking on the Bidgee Bulls.

Latu and the Raiders will aim to book a spot in the finals after Canberra just missed out with a ninth place finish last season.