Luke Rees has played only a few months of rugby union but is already making his presence felt on the state representative scene.
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The fly-half, who is the son of Monty and Carmel Rees (nee Kelly), formerly of Gunnedah but now living in Singleton, recently returned from a whirlwind tour to South Africa with the Under-18 NSW Country Rugby squad.
There he was named the tourist’s player’s player of the tournament.
His country outfit lost just one of four matches played against the rugby powerhouse.
The talented teen jetted into Australia to pick up where he left off with more representative honours, this time with the NSW Country 7s squad.
Playing in sweltering conditions at Wagga this weekend, the 17-year-old is vying for a Australian academy position alongside ACT, QLD, and Sydney metropolitan players on rival teams.
All this is on the back of only 14 games experience in the code since switching from league about six months ago.
Luke’s Gunnedah-based uncle, Peter, travelled with the squad to South Africa in support and spoke warmly of his nephew’s international debut.
He said Luke was “quite keen” to pursue his rugby interests but a family connection in league has opened the door for another opportunity.
Luke’s brother Dan recently took on a coaching role with his local U18 league side which may entice the young star back to return to his roots.
“I don’t know what he’s going to do there,” Peter said.
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Dad, Monty, who moved with the family to Singleton in 1999, said his son was a natural talent, no matter the sport.
“He’s not a golfer but he’s one of those kids who could pick up a club and be good at it right away,” Monty said.
Luke has always been a ball player, he added, which made for a smooth rugby transition.
“He says he has more room in rugby and more time for his plays than in league,” Monty said.
The family of Luke’s NSW Country team-mate and fellow tour squad member, Nick Cushan, also have ties to the region.
Nick is the son of Krystal and Gerard Cushan formerly of Boggabri but now Dubbo.
His talented performance in South Africa meant he featured in the post-tournament accolades as well.
Nick was voted player’s player in the side’s only tournament loss when defeated 16-10 by the Bulls Youth side.
“It was the game we were never going to win,” fellow supporter Kym Knight wrote on the team’s Facebook page.
“.... I think the penalty count was something like 20 to five against us.”
A third Gunnedah connection, in Max Stafford, was also part of the U18 touring squad.
He has relatives still living in Gunnedah but also moved with his family to Singleton.
