Hunter Montgomery and Noel Mancuveni.
Camera IconHunter Montgomery and Noel Mancuveni. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Pair primed for football’s big time

Natalie NazzariComment News

Noel Mancuveni and Hunter Montgomery were named in the state's under 15 indigenous team, competing in the Kickstart Championships at Cazalay's Stadium in Cairns.

For the fifth consecutive year, the team claimed top prize.

Belmont-based Mancuveni said he was chuffed to make the team, especially after only getting into the sport last year.

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"Without the kids in my year, I wouldn't have made it into footy so I want to thank them," the midfielder said.

"It was good to play in the championships and get united and playing the other teams got us closer together."

The 13-year-old Eagles supporter, who plays for Queens Park Bulldogs Football Club, admires ruckman Nic Naitanui.

Beckenham athlete Montgomery (14) is also inspired by the Eagles player and wants to some day play on the same field.

"Naitanui, he's so explosive; the way he can get into a game so quickly; I reckon he could be a really good mentor," he said.

First picking up a ball when he was four-years-old, and coached by his dad, the centre-half forward said he was honoured to play in the championships.

He wants a career in football, but if that does not play out, he is already working on a backup.

"If I can't get to the highest level of football, Im hoping to become a lawyer," he said.