MOUNT Isa junior Coen Hess has made huge strides towards fulfilling his dream of playing regular football in the NRL after earning a calling for Australian selection in the junior Kangaroos side.
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The North Queensland Cowboys player has been picked to play in the second row of the national team to face the junior New Zealand Kiwis next week on the Gold Coast.
As the sole Cowboy representative in the 18-man squad, Hess is set to make his international debut for his country, something that he never achieved even at school-boy level.
“I trialled for Australian schoolboys but didn’t make it last year or the year before that,” Coen said.
The former Black Stars player in Mount Isa said that the feeling of being picked for a team at the highest level still hasn’t sunken in yet.
“It’s a bit surreal. It’s pretty awesome though. I never really expected it. There’s a high calibre of players in there and I feel pretty lucky to be selected.”
The 18-year-old has pinned down his call-up to knuckling down on getting the small details right in the game that he loves to play.
“I think I’m just doing the little things right - all the one percenters. Everyone thinks they go unnoticed but I think it’s a big part of winning a game of footy.”
The 18-year-old is having a stellar season with the Holden Cup Cowboys, who currently sit in third place, with a most recent game-high of 20 points against the Newcastle Knights last weekend.
“We’re going really well this season. The coaches have been great and a big help.”
The moment when the national anthem comes on the speakers at Robina Stadium will be a proud moment for the Hess family, according to Coen’s dad Warren Hess.
“I’ve got the hairs rising up on my back just talking about it,” Warren said.
“It’s just the anticipation. It’s such a big thing.”
The Hess family and friend entourage will be making the trip down to the Gold Coast to see the former Townsville Brothers player in his national colours for what is soon-to-be a career best highlight.
“We’re very proud parents. He’s done it all himself. He’s very dedicated and determined to fulfil his dreams. He’s just a good all-round down to earth kid really,” Warren said.