He has just packed away his schoolbooks but Max Altus is about to join an elite class.
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The recently-graduated Farrer student jets out for the United Kingdom on Tuesday for what promises to be one of the greatest experiences of his young life, and career.
The Australian Schoolboys jersey has been worn by some of the games greatest players and biggest names, and Altus can’t wait to add his name to that illustrious list.
He has spent the last few days down in Sydney training with the Aussie side and preparing for the five game tour, which will culminate with two tests against the England Academy.
It’s the first time the squad has been together since it was selected following the national championships held at Kingscliff in July.
Altus played hooker for the NSW Combined High Schools at the championships, and was “stoked” to learnt of his selection.
“It’s all I’ve worked for so it means a lot to me,” the Coonamble native said.
The Aussies open the tour against England College at Kingston Park on Sunday, and Altus said it will be pretty special to pull on that green and gold jersey.
“That’s what I’m most excited for, game one – we get to pull on the jersey and get into it,” he said.
They then tackle Yorkshire on November 28 and Lancashire on December 1 before facing the England Academy on December 8 and 14.
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“I think it will be real high quality footy and I think it will be tough as,” Altus said.
He said one of the biggest challenges will be adjusting to the UK conditions.
“It will be cold and good chance it will be raining too.
“Haven’t had that many wet weather games this year so adjusting to that will be tough. I think that will be our main focus,” he said.
Conscious of being at the peak of his game for the tour, Altus has been doing at least two fitness sessions and four weight sessions a week, the latter in a gym he has fashioned back on the family farm.
“I finished off the season and I was at a good fitness level there so I’ve just been trying to maintain it and maintain my strength. Not go backwards at all, just try and stay on top of it,” he said.
The daily rigors of farming life have helped.
Aside from the games, Altus is mostly excited about looking around England.
“It’s a pretty nice place,” he said.
“You only hear good things about it so I’m keen to look around and see what it’s like.”
Altus led Farrer to the quarter-finals of both the NRL Schoolboys Cup and Elite Schools University Shield this year, and while looking forward to the next chapter, conceded it was “a bit sad” finishing up at the school having spent the last six years of his life there.
“Saying goodbye to all my mates was the hardest thing,” he said.
As to what is in store after the tour – he’s not quite sure yet.
“I’m just trying to get my tour out of the road first and hopefully pick up a club afterwards,” he said.
“That's the plan anyway. I’ll see what happens when I get back.”
