Greater Northern Tigers: Joash Boney recognised as 18s best against Western Rams

At Farrer on Saturday the Tamworth teenager showed his ability with a player of the match-winning effort for the Greater Northern Tigers under-18s in their 20-10 Laurie Daley Cup loss to the Western Rams.

Originally named on the bench, Boney found out he was starting at training on Friday.

"I was very excited and very happy," he said of learning he would be running on, having expected to be injected off the bench as he had in their previous games.

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Playing predominantly in the second row, he was tireless for the Tigers, especially in defence, the match ball just reward for his efforts, albeit somewhat of a surprise.

"I was very shocked actually. I wasn't expecting it," Boney said.

"I was actually expecting someone like Mitch (Henderson) to get it and then he (coach Daryl Rando) said my name."

Whether he does get another chance to impress with the Tigers this season remains to be seen. They now face a nervous wait to learn if they make the semi-finals with other results to determine their fate.

On Saturday, the Rams scored first through Sam Lane but Luke Smith hit back for the Tigers to level it up at 6-all. Then just when the Tigers looked like they may take charge the Rams scored to go onto the break 12-6 up.

Another converted Rams try through Cooper Egan edged the visitors out to a 12-point lead before a Braye Porter penalty gave them a 20-6 advantage.

Boney thought they played pretty well. They just needed to be a bit better with their ball security and cut down their mistakes.

He has been playing league "ever since I was allowed to".

"As soon as I found out I can make a career out of it (league) that's been my plan," he said.

Also capable of playing lock or in the centres, this year has been Boney's second involved with the Tigers program. Part of the 16s side last year, he said stepping to the 18s has a good experience

"It's really helped me with my footy game and helped me take big strides in what I want to do," he said.

And it has him pumped for the season proper with North Tamworth.

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