The biggest accomplishment in Max Altus’ young life was summed up, in part, by the utterance of a one-syllable word common among young people glowing with success.
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“Stoked,” Altus said over the phone after being named in the famed Australian Schoolboys under-18 rugby league side following the national championships at Kingscliff on Friday.
The Coonamble 18-year-old, in Year 12 at Farrer, has joined a roll call of league greats to have made the side, including Brad Fittler, Ben Elias and Paul Sironen, and current stars such as Mitchell Pearce, Jake Trbojevic and Nathan Clearly.
Tamworth’s own Alan Tongue is another former Australian Schoolboy.
I’ve thought about it [making the Schoolboys side] and I’ve finally achieved it. So yeah, bloody massive.
Altus played hooker in the NSW Combined High Schools side at the championships. They lost the final 28-14 to NSW Combined Catholic Colleges.
His selection has left him feeling “over the moon”.
“I’ve thought about it [making the Schoolboys side] and I’ve finally achieved it. So yeah, bloody massive,” the former NSW Country junior said, adding that he was hopeful of being the starting rake in the team, who tour England this year.
On the Knights’ radar prior to the championships, Altus has taken a big step towards his NRL dream.
