![Ethan Kelly has reason to smile after making his first-grade debut. Picture by Mark Bode Ethan Kelly has reason to smile after making his first-grade debut. Picture by Mark Bode](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/KUhQizDbwW8WqAyPP4x5yp/382764e3-8bbe-424d-8131-ca73c142f182.jpg/r0_0_4032_3024_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Meet the latest inductee into a club steeped in history.
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At the Manilla Showgrounds this month, Ethan Kelly became the newest member of the Gunnedah Bulldogs' first-grade club when he started in the second-row in a win over the Tigers.
The occasion was made more special after the 18-year-old was named players' player at the end of the contest.
Kelly said it was "definitely a pretty good honour to play first grade", adding: "It's a big step."
"I was a little bit nervous to start with," he also said. "But I got the ball from the kick-off and took the first run. That settled the nerves."
At a solid 192cm and 106kg, and with a deep voice and moustachioed appearance, Kelly presents as someone older than 18.
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Following year 11, the teen left Calrossy Anglican School to start a boilermaker apprenticeship in Gunnedah, his hometown. He has made junior rep sides for both Central North rugby and Group 4.
Bulldogs coach Mick Schmiedel told Group 4 Media that Kelly "played well, but found adjusting to the intensity of first grade a struggle".
"He found the pace of the game tough to what he was used to, but did well," the veteran mentor added.
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