REDMEN RECRUIT SETTING FUTURE GOALS.
ZACH Skinner has set himself a major goal…and that is to play rugby to his full potential and represent at the highest level.
At just 17-years-old, Skinner has joined the Grafton Redmen from the Perth-based side the Southern Lions, and has his sights set on playing representative rugby in the future.
It’s an ambitious goal, but you get the sense the Redmen front-rower is determined to see his representative dreams come true.
“My ultimate goal is to play professional rugby either with the New South Wales Waratahs or the Queensland Reds,” Skinner said.
“Another goal is hopefully making the Junior Wallaby Squad for the 2027 World Cup which is being held in Australia.”
The Redmen recruit has already tasted representative footy back in Perth where he was selected in the under-16 Western Force State side.
And after he caught the eye of selectors in the Mid North Zone playing for the Redmen, Skinner has recently been named in the Zone under-18s side.
“I’m playing in the Axeman under eighteen side and have been asked to be part of the leadership group which is exciting,” he said.
At just 17-years-old, Skinner has the physical presence to match it with older seasoned rugby players, and after taking advice from his first-grade coach Gary Powell, the up-and-coming forward believes playing in the front-row is his best chance of fulfilling his rugby dreams.
“I’ve played number eight and in the back-row, but at this stage of my career tight-head prop is my preferred position,” he said.
“It doesn’t phase me too much playing against older players. I just play what’s in front of me.
“I still have to make the tackle and run the ball.”
Skinner added he is enjoying his rugby playing for the local Redmen side.
“It’s different from playing rugby in Perth. It’s country-style rugby and more relaxed to playing in a city competition,” Skinner admitted.
Nico