James’ hard yards

By Casey Neill
UPWEY 11-year-old James Brooks dreams of being the next Cameron Smith.
James has followed Melbourne Storm match-winner Billy Slater since his debut, but models his game on the captain and hooker.
“Smith’s one of the best players,” James said.
The hooker plays a vital role in rugby league.
“When the player gets tackled and plays the ball, he stands there and passes it, like a playmaker. So he sets up tries,” James said. “I like to get my hands on the ball a lot and when you’re on the line you can grab it and go in for a try.”
James took up rugby league six years ago after his Sydney-raised dad introduced him to the game.
He has since excelled with the South Eastern Titans and was recently selected in the 17-strong Victorian Primary Schools Sport Association Under-12s squad.
The side will head to Canberra to take on teams from each state and territory from 8 to 15 August.
Team selection trials began in April and included a three-day camp with Melbourne Storm development officers.
James was “very happy and a little nervous” to make the final cut and has been training hard with his new team-mates.
The sport keeps the Upwey South Primary School Grade 5 student busy, with training Tuesdays and Thursdays and games each Saturday and Sunday.
“But I really want to play in the professional league,” James said.
He knows there’s a lot of hard work ahead of him. “But I’ll just keep trying my best,” he said.
The Brooks family will make the trip to Canberra to support James.
“We’re really thrilled and proud of him,” mum Danielle said.
“He just loves it with a passion.”
They’re now focussed on raising the $1000 needed to cover a team levy, uniform costs, transport, insurance, administration fees, first aid and more.
Anyone who would like to help James can contact Danielle by calling 0400 117 243 or sending an email to dbrooks@asu.asn.au.