Ethan Cocco ready to rip in for Queensland Country

Having only started playing rugby league with a club six years ago, front rower Ethan Cocco has taken another step towards a career in professional rugby league.

Hailing from Mackay, Ethan enjoyed a successful 2019 with a call up to the Queensland Under 16 Country squad after a string of impressive representative carnivals.

Ethan has enjoyed his junior rugby successes in the front row and lock positions, but often plays in the second row in club competition up north.

His local club, Walkerston Wanderers Mackay, recognised Ethan with a player of the year award in his third season of football in 2015 and his accolades have only grown since.

Sunday will be Ethan’s first time at Redcliffe’s Dolphin Stadium; he described representative game against Queensland Under 16 City - one of five games on the day - as “a great opportunity for the Country side to display their talents in front of a major crowd". 

Ethan’s chances to play representative football have become frequent in 2019, which he attributes to his hard work and goals.

“I have a dream of playing in the NRL, I love the chance to play rep footy because it gives me a chance to perform on a big stage in front of scouts and coaches I respect,” Ethan said.

Growing up as a North Queensland Cowboys fan, Ethan has had a number of heroes over the years, but he made special mention of Jason Taumalolo as someone to look up to when it came to professionalism and strength on the field.

Ethan also made special mention to his dad as a big supporter of his goals to play rugby league; Ethan said he had supported him throughout his life as a young forward.

Both the Queensland Under 16 Country and Queensland Under 16 City teams headed into camp on the Sunshine Coast today. 

"The whole group will want to gain experience from new players and new coaches, because you don’t always get these opportunities and we want to make the most of it," Ethan said.