By JARROD POTTER
CRANBOURNE North rugby union champion Reuben Rolleston made an impressive mark in his National Rugby Championship debut.
Rolleston, 23, was given his chance to debut for the Melbourne Rising in the inaugural match of the NRC competition – Australia’s new third-tier union competition – and excelled immediately in the Rising’s 55-34 win over North Harbour Rays.
Running out onto AAMI Park as an inaugural representative of the Rising is something Rolleston could not quite explain but he cherished the chance to take the next step with his union.
“It was good to be out there,” Rolleston said.
“It’s a feeling you can’t explain – was awesome to be out there amongst it and I felt very privileged to get that chance.”
The Endeavour Hills’ rugby union captain had to bide his time on the bench, but was unleashed in the second half and scored a try to cap off a fantastic debut.
“I came on in the second half – played at the seven – it was a great honour for myself to get onto the field and the joy and excitement to get on there and get my hands on someone was fantastic.
“The try came from a line break from one of the backs and me coming in behind and he was tackled and he flicked it off to me.
“It was awesome to get the team try – it was a bit of shock that I actually got the ball – everything happened so fast and it was great.”
Rolleston loves the standard of rugby union the new competition has brought to lower tier union in Victoria and hopes he continues to earn his spot in the side.
“It’s definitely up there and I’m glad to be part of it and looking to cement my spot for upcoming games and retain my spot in the team.
“Looking forward to getting on the paddock again for the Rising – my biggest ambition and goal right now is to secure my spot.”
Melbourne Rising’s next clash is against the Sydney Stars on Sunday at Leichhardt Oval in Sydney.
