Charlie Rorato represent NSW All Schools in under-15s Australian Football at the School Sports Australia Games in Queensland earlier this month.
Charlie Rorato has returned from representing NSW at the School Sports Australia Games, playing Australian football in the under-15s boys squad.
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The Finley High school student and Jerilderie under-17s player was selected after his performances at the NSW All Schools 15 years and under Australian Football Championship, held in Lavington earlier this year.
The All Schools National Championships brings together the best young talent from across the country and was held in Queensland from July 26 to August 2.
For NSW, Charlie played five games across the week in both pool and knockout games against Victoria, Tasmania, ACT and two Queensland teams.
South Australia and Western Australia were also represented at the Championships.
NSW finished fifth in the competition, suffering defeats in their first two pool games - 0.1 (1) to 11.11 (77) against eventual champions Victoria and 5.6 (36) to 7.6 (48) against Tasmania.
They then won thier last three games - 11.9 (75) to 4.7 (31) against Queensland White, the ACT (no score provided) and 6.8 (44) to 5.7 (37) against Queensland Maroon.
Charlie’s mum Cath said he played mainly in the fullback position, but also on the halfback flank, and performed well during the week representing his state.
“He was at fullback and was quite involved, especially against Victoria. He did really well.
“They run it really well. You get great weather up there, and it is all around a great experience.
“For some kids at the carnival, football is the be all and end all, but at the moment for Charlie he is just enjoying his footy.
“It was a great opportunity, and it did open his eyes to the possible avenues of football that he can take.
“But he’s only just turned 15 and is in Year 9.”
Cath said Charlie enjoyed the amazing experience of playing football at the highest level for his age-group and meeting new teammates.
“We live in Jerilderie and so Charlie plays in the under-17s for Jerilderie.
“They only had six players in his team this year so each week, the under-14s had to come up and play for the team.
“They also often had to borrow players from other teams.
“So it was a great experience for him to play with a full team at a very high standard, and just to meet a lot of the boys. Hopefully, he can keep in touch with them or run into them at other sporting carnivals into the future.
“There were quite a few from the Riverina team he’d played with which was good, including some from Coolamon, Ariah Park and Wagga Wagga.”
After his outstanding play during the week, Charlie also received a coach’s award, and was presented with a signed NSW guernsey.
Charlie Rorato in action for NSW under-15s at the School Sports Australia Games earlier this month.
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