The Ramien brothers have both  recently been selected in the NSW Indigenous under-16 squad that will play Queensland in a curtain-raiser for the State of Origin game one on June 5.

Almost three years ago Jesse, 16, took the plunge and made the move to the Central Coast to live with his aunt and focus solely on bettering his performance in rugby league with a goal that one day he will play in  the NRL.

Little did he realise that his focus and determination would pay off, securing his place in the under-16 team to play Queensland at ANZ Stadium in Sydney.

Younger brother Bryden may only be 14 years old but he is already following in the footsteps of his older brother, moving to be with Jesse at the Central Coast and has since played representative football for Manly Warringah. 

The boys’ proud and doting father Kris could not praise his sons enough and was “over the moon” when he received the news.

“I wasn’t really happy with it but he (Jesse) had to make the move,” Mr Ramien said.

“I keep in contact with him and go visit him once a fortnight. And now my 14-year-old son has done exactly the same thing.”

Both boys made the NSW Indigenous under-18 side earlier this year and played a game in Brisbane. 

Jesse plays in the centres, and has been for most of his life. He has recently been playing in the SG Ball Cup, where he has scored seven tries and competes against players older than him.

As an “old footballer” of 15 years, Mr Ramien said he couldn’t begin to describe his pride that his sons had “broken the cultural boundaries” and continuously strove for excellence.

“They’re both good boys. They never drink or smoke - they stay out of trouble. 

“It’s good to see them both happy and content - I wouldn’t have them any other way.

“Jesse’s success stirred Bryden to do the same thing. He wants to broaden his horizons and challenge himself to be better,” he said.

He said his sons had always learnt to be responsible and are already well-respected not just at the Central Coast but back home in Coonamble, as well. 

“I attribute their talent to Country Rugby League and their years playing Group 14.

“They’ve played against a tough crowd but the community have gotten behind them and it’s now paid off,” he said.

Jesse’s training will see him go hard two hours a day, fit in his personal gym training as well as maintain his grades while studying year 11.

The NSW under-16 team will only play the one game on Wednesday June 5 before the first State of Origin game at ANZ Stadium in Sydney.