If you’re a young rugby union player such as Dehan Coreejes that means travelling to the rugby heartland of Brisbane with the under-12s Rugby Victoria team and playing against some of the best players from around the country.
Coreejes participated in the Under-12 Vending First Challenge Cup on July 1 and 2 where the Victorian side finished the tournament in a respectable fifth place.
The Benalla local was pleased with the team’s result at the tournament.
“It went well, we tried our best and it was a challenge,” said Coreejes.
“(Queensland) was amazing, it was hot and we saw some crocodiles from the plane. We went to Southbank and went for a swim there.
“I made a lot of friends (in the Victorian team), I made some friends from the other teams as well.
“It’s kind of a good feeling (not having to drive down to Melbourne for state training) because it makes me tired and I don’t perform my best in games on Saturday.
“I’ll definitely try to get back there next year.”
Coreejes has the backing of his rugby club, the Shepparton Bulls, who held a barbecue fundraiser to ease the financial burden of travelling up to Brisbane for the tournament.
The Benalla boy also has the Rose City’s backing as he is a recipient of the Benalla Young Sportsperson Trust.
Trust president Bill Sykes is proud to be supporting Coreejes in his pursuit to become a professional player.
“We’re very pleased that Dehan has gone up to Brisbane,” said Sykes.
“(It’s good to see him) in good shape and obviously keen to continue pursuing his dream and that’s what the Young Sportsperson Trust is about.
“(It) supports young people to go on and achieve their dreams and we want more and more young people to have a go and come to us seeking support and we will back them to the hilt.”
The Young Sportsperson Trust is an initiative supported by State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland who relishes the initiative as a highlight of her role.
“One of the most exciting parts of this job is the connection with the Benalla Young Sportsperson Trust,” said Cleeland.
“It is an initiative that I am so proud to be a part of, helping several young people in the local community achieve their dreams.
“Congratulations to local sports star Dehan Coorejes on being recognised as part of this program ... (I) look forward to following his promising rugby career in the future.”
As Coreejes aims to hit new heights in his rugby career in the years to come, he can be assured that he will have the full support of Benalla behind him.
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