The local boy humbly accepted the accolade after a stellar season in the NIAS Rugby League team.

Brazel trialled for the side last year and was one of 21 chosen in the squad, training every second Sunday in Tamworth.

In the first week of the school holidays just gone, the side ventured abroad on a Fiji tour.

Not only did the side spend a week venturing around, exploring Fiji and learning a tonne about a their culture, they also took the field twice.

“We played two games of football against two Fijian teams. We beat them both, one of which was the Fiji Champions so that was a big effort from everyone in the side,” Brazel said.

Playing centre and second row on the tour, Brazel was named Best Back after one game and also received Player of the Tour before heading home.

Off field, the squad went zip-lining, visited mud spas and went to schools, and orphanages to meet local children to hand out some free NIAS gear.

“I didn’t expect the awards on the trip at all but I was very appreciative. Overall it was a very good experience. 

“Visiting another culture and seeing how they deal with life made me appreciate a lot more. They had nothing and they were so happy,” he said.

The 15-year-old will now trial for the Greater Northern Tigers in Tamworth this weekend, hoping to be named as part of the squad for 2019.

“If chosen, we go to Sydney. The trials involve other groups this time so it will be more difficult,” he said.