We go behind the scenes, into the sheds of the NSW U16 team room to chat with the Dyldam Parramatta Eels representatives who starred in the NSW 12-10 victory over the Queensland Maroons on Wednesday night ahead of State of Origin Game I.
Blue and Gold Kyle Schneider, William Kei, John Paul Nohra and Cliff Lea’aetoa took part in the clash, whilst Harry Duggan was 18th man for the clash.
Click here to read the match report
"It was really nervewrecking, to step out onto that field in front of a massive crowd. The atmosphere was real good but it was really nervewrecking," Schneider said after the clash.
"It was really good to work with Freddy [NSW Blues U16 Coach Brad Fittler] this week, obviously being who is is and what he did in rugby league it was great to learn off him."
"It was all about being a really tight knit group, being in the Blues brotherhood and staying really tight together."
Schneider was not surpised by fellow teammate William Kei crossing for the match winner with 5 minutes to spare.
"Not suprised at all! Especially when he has crossed for 20 tries in 9 games during the Harold Matthews season," he said.
Kei was over the moon to cross for the match winning try, along side his fellow Blue and Gold teammates.
"It was great to have Cliff, my cousin here, JP, Harry and Schneider, they are good blokes." Kei said.
"It was heaps of pressure off my shoulders, it came off, all the boys ran in and I'm so happy!"
John Paul Nohra was a standout for the NSW side the entire game, and the young fullback was honoured to pull on the NSW jersey.
"I felt really honoured to run out. You don't get too many of these opportunities at this age as a 16 year old, so me and all the boys here and just so honoured to throw the jumper on and get the win for NSW." Nohra said.
"It was good to run out alongside some fellow Eels. We know each others game, we know what we can do and we know how we play so it made the transition pretty easy."
