Siejka grabs the attention of Australian Schoolboys selectors

The former Bathurst Panthers junior will tour Wales, England and France at the end of the year after impressing at the Australian Schoolboys Championships held in Burleigh Heads last week.

Siejka, now at Patrician Brothers College, took to the field for the NSW Combined Catholic Colleges (NSWCCC) and scored a try in his side’s 28-22 win over Queensland on July 11.

Unfortunately for Siejka, NSWCCC were beaten in their second game 28-6 by the eventual champions NSW Combined High School.

Despite his team being out of contention, Siejka knew he had plenty to play for and produced a stellar effort against the Combined Affiliated States racking up 20 individual points in NSWCCC’s 56-12 victory.

“I probably could have played a little better at the Schoolboys Champions-hips, but I am delighted to have made the team,” he said.

“There are a few guys in the team that I have known for awhile, including Jack Wighton who is from Orange and is playing in the ACT.”

Siejka said he expected to have a few family members on the sideline for at least part of the tour to help cheer him on and make sure he was playing at his best.

“I’ve talked to one of the assistant coaches and he said when we get there that the Pommy players are really rough and dirty,” he said.

“I’m really looking forward to it.”

Since Siejka landed a rich three-year contract worth $225,000 at the age of 15 in 2008 he has experienced a whole new world filled with plenty of opportunities.

Now aged 17, Siejka has overcome a knee injury sustained in motorbike incident to become a regular starter again in Penrith’s under 20s team and has even had a taste of the top level.

“I had a trial in the top grade [NRL] at the start of the year and that was really good, I learnt so much and it improved me heaps,” he said.

“I’ll be looking to run the ball more as I had a knee injury last year and everything is starting to come right.”

Having played eight games in this year’s Toyota Cup competition, compared to a total of 17 last year, Siejka said he hoped his latest opportunity would help push his name higher up the list for selection in the NRL side either at the end of this season, or for the start of next year.

“Everything is just going well, I can’t really explain it, but it is just an awesome and unreal experience,” he said.

“I always wanted to go to France and it will be a great thrill to wear the green and gold jumper.”

Siejka, who is expecting to slot into halfback, five-eighth or fullback while on tour, will met the rest of the Australian team in Canberra on November 15 before flying out on November 19 for the three nations tour.

The Australian under 18s team is due back into the country on December 21.