Meet the Blues brothers chasing NRL dream
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NSW Under 19 representatives Onitoni and Ashton Large have opened up on their dream to play in the NRL together.
The brothers are in the junior Blues squad for Thursday's clash at North Sydney Oval, where the next generation of rugby league stars will be on display.
Onitoni is a member of the Manly top 30 and impressed in an appearance during this year's Witzer Pre-Season Challenge, while Ashton is a member of the Sea Eagles junior system and is set to progress through the ranks after he completes school later this year.
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Such is the regard the younger brother is held, the hooker was selected in the NSW Under 19 squad despite being just 17 and not turning 18 until later this year.
The pair grew up playing with and against each other in the backyard and have long dreamt of representing their family on the big stage.
"Playing in the NRL is a goal in itself, so to play NRL together is another goal for us," Onitoni told NRL.com. "It's not just for us, but it's for our family. To see our mum and dad and our family watch us play together would be special.
"It's definitely what we want to do in the future so fingers crossed we keep doing what we're doing and hopefully get there."
Match: NSW U19s v QLD U19s
Round 1 -
home Team
NSW U19s
away Team
QLD U19s
Venue: North Sydney Oval, Sydney
Thursday's double-header will kick off with the Women's Origin Under 19s clash at 5.45pm before the junior men's teams do battle under lights at North Sydney Oval.
Onitoni has been named at five-eighth and will partner emerging Rooster Carter Mareko in the halves, while Ashton has been listed in the extended squad and could come into the 17 closer to game day.
The Origin Under 19s concept has long acted as a launch pad to higher honours, with Blues rookie Ethan Strange and Maroons centre Rob Toia among the graduates from previous years.
A hat-trick for Strange
While the ultimate goal is to join the list of players to progress from Origin Under 19s to the NRL, the Large brothers are also relishing the chance to spend a week in camp together.
"We can't take this for granted because other boys don't get to play with their siblings," Ashton said. "We're really grateful to play with each other at this level.
"NRL is the main goal but that might not happen so we've got to cherish moments like this. Playing here with my brother is a big thing. If I was to make the NRL, that'll be an even bigger thing. I'm worrying about one thing at a time, but that's the main goal to play with him."
Such is the faith the Sea Eagles have in Onitoni to develop, they locked him down last year through to the end of 2027 on a deal that saw him join the club's Top 30 this season.
The five-eighth is viewed as the long-term halves partner for emerging playmaker Joey Walsh, with the pair to usher in a new era for Manly in the coming years.
Large and Walsh combined during the Pre-Season Challenge and have linked up in NSW Cup in the past month as they look to develop their combination.
Walsh audition tape
The halfback made his NRL debut at the end of last season and has impressed when handed an opportunity this year, with Large's chance in the top flight just around the corner.
The 18-year-old has worked closely with new Manly coach Kieran Foran throughout the past six months and praised the club legend for helping elevate his game.
"Foz has been a big influence on me and the team," Onitoni said. "In the pre-season I would always do my clips with him, working on my game and what I can do to improve. It would also be me and Joey with Foz looking at what we can do better.
"He has so much knowledge and to have him at the club as a coach and be able to learn off him is all you could ask for. He's friends with the boys but also a coach at the same time, so I have a lot of respect for Foz and appreciate him."
"He's told me to keep doing my time in Cup and if they need me, they'll need me. He's said he's confident to put me in so that's given me confidence he has trust and faith to put me in."
Witness the next generation of NRL and NRLW stars live in the State of Origin Under 19 at North Sydney Oval. Tickets are available from just $10 for adults and $5 for kids. Click here to get yours today.
