Teenager Keegan Vandenberg sat out half the rugby league season last year because he wanted to switch clubs from Aspley Devils to Redcliffe Dolphins where he now plays.
It was a sacrifice which reflected his single-mindedness.
The switch paid quick dividends with Redcliffe taking out both the Under 15 minor premiership and premiership last year.
"I only played a half a season but I think I scored about 17 tries," Vandenberg told QRL Media.
Vandenberg started the season with Aspley, but under rules designed to protect the integrity and fairness of junior competition, he had to sit out a period of time before being cleared to play for Redcliffe.
"I had to sit out some games but I was happy I eventually got the play for them (Redcliffe)," he said.
His strong form helped him earn selection in this year's Queensland Under 16 side to tackle NSW at Suncorp Stadium at 11.15am tomorrow, ahead of the Brisbane Broncos versus Warriors NRL clash.
Representative football though is nothing new for the hard-running 183cm centre who attends St Joseph's College, Gregory Terrace.
He has been a regular in Queensland age sides since he was 12 and was named Brisbane's Under 13 and Under 14 representative player of the year.
"Our coach (Mick Roberts) just wants us (boys) to keep cool heads and not over-think the game and just enjoy the week," he said.
"He doesn't want us thinking about the game too early because it could mess with our minds."
Vandenberg said he had a good idea of what was coming after playing NSW last year,
"They (NSW) are pretty big boys and we know they are going to come out strong and hard," he said.
"We have to match then in that first 15 minutes.
"After that, hopefully, our fitness and speed will come into play.
"The speed on this team is ridiculous."
Vanderberg said he and his teammates were enjoying the camp atmosphere that had been created by the coaches and staff.
"I am learning so much, the coaches have been really good," Vandenberg said.
"Jharal Yow Yeh (former Brisbane, Queensland and Australian winger) has been terrific, helping me with my positional play.
"I'm trying to soak up all the advice I can and I think I have done a pretty good job of it."
Coach Roberts knows all about being patient as a player, after waiting 10 years to get his first NRL game under Wayne Bennett at the Broncos back in 2007.
A 200-game plus player and three-time player-of-the-year for the Dolphins, Roberts feels a big responsibility to mould his young players into the best players they can be, but more importantly into good young men.
He has done his best to make the week in camp enjoyable and fun for his boys before Sunday's big game.
"Mick just wants the players to have fun and not really think too much about the game," Vandenberg said.
"We get more serious when we have training but in our free time, the boys all have fun together.
Roberts said Vandenberg was the style of person Queensland wanted to produce,
"He's a great kid which is the most important thing," the coach said.
"His attitude and type of person he is, is what Queensland wants to have in their program.
"The way he goes about things and listens and learns, the important areas, he does them really well.
"On the field, he is big, strong and powerful and he carts the ball up especially out of our own end.
"He also knows how to find the try line as well."
QLD U16s are set to take on NSW at 11.35am Sunday, prior to the Brisbane Broncos v New Zealand Warriors NRL match at Suncorp Stadium.
