The young Leeton residents, who still play in under 16s divisions, have recently signed a three-year contract with NRL club the St George Illawarra Dragons. 

The news gets even bigger for Max, who will be travelling to Queensland next week to play for NSW in the under 16s State of Origin side. 

After a lengthy selection process, Max was eagerly awaiting the match and the opportunity to play before a big crowd in Brisbane. 

Max will be in camp in Kiama over the weekend, similar to what the senior side undertakes for their preparations. 

He will fly to Queensland on Monday for the match. 

Matt has been selected in the shadow squad for the team, meaning if there are injuries, he will be called on to step up and fill their shoes. 

“I’m really excited about it,” Max said. 

“I think for me it makes me proud, but I’m just happy to be making my family and home town proud as well. My mum and dad do so much for me, so for something like this to happen is pretty special.”

The boys’ parents will be travelling to watch the game, which Leeton shire residents can live stream from 5.30pm on Wednesday. 

The team doesn’t play in a best of three series like the senior side, meaning the winner of Wednesday will be crowned the under 16s champions for their state. 

Max and Matt are currently attending lllawarra Sports High School and both train with the Dragons during the week. 

It has been a surreal experience for the pair, who have always dreamed of making the big time in the NRL. 

“It’s really good because we both push each other along,” Max said. “We’re competitive (with each other) I suppose, but it helps us to work harder.

“We still call Leeton home. Leeton will always be our home.” The pair were home briefly this week enjoying a break for the school holidays.