Coonamble junior Jesse Ramien is looking forward to running out onto Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night, even if the packed crowd of 60,000 is hoping his side loses.
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Ramien, who plays for the Cronulla Sharks in the Holden Cup under 20s, has been named in the NSW under 20s side that will face Queensland as a State of Origin curtain raiser.
He is becoming a representative regular, after being part of the Junior Kangaroos team that hammered the Junior Kiwis 46-22 on May 5.
“That was very exciting for me and an unbelievable experience. It’s the biggest match of my career so far and something I won’t forget,” Ramien said.
“I was really happy with how I played and we came away with a great result.”
His performance in that match, as well as his form for the Sharks in the Holden Cup and Newtown in the Intrust Super Premiership, helped earn his a state jumper.
He said he has enjoyed stepping up and was looking forward to the atmosphere created by thousands of screaming Queenslanders.
I’ve played at Suncorp before when I was part of a curtain raiser to the All Stars a couple of years ago. That was a great experience but I expect this to be something else again.
- Jesse Ramien
“I’ve played at Suncorp before when I was part of a curtain raiser to the All Stars a couple of years ago. That was a great experience but I expect this to be something else again,” he said.
“I really hope there is a big crowd, I think it would be incredible.
“The representative football is much tougher and faster so it’s a real step up from club footy. A lot of the under 20s guys are already playing NRL or on the verge of it so it’s a great challenge.”
Ramien said a switch from Manly to the Sharks in the off-season was a great move and he was enjoying his football. He played for the Sharks in the World Club Challenge against Wigan in February.
“I’m more than happy with the decision to come to the Sharks. Everyone has really welcomed me and there is a really good atmosphere here,” he said.
“I feel like I have got a good balance on the field and off it.
“I’m just trying to keep playing good footy and if I do that, hopefully I can keep getting picked in these sides.”
Ramien’s mother and much of his extended family are still at Coonamble and while he said he doesn’t get back as much as he’d like, he knows he has great support there.
“I’m very proud of where I am from and my roots and I will always call Coonamble home. I am over the moon with the support I get from family and friends there.”
