It was a disappointing end for the Greater Northern Tigers under 16s side in their Andrew Johns Cup campaign, but it was still a stellar season for captain Jock Brazel.
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The Tigers were defeated 44-4 by a very strong Western Rams outfit in the semi-final on Sunday, but Moree's Brazel, who has just recently signed a contract with the Parramatta Eels, was a standout performer across their six games played.
Tigers coach Steve Haylen said Brazel was one of his side's best and most consistent performer, and is confident he can make the Country NSW side.
"As a ball carrier, he just keeps putting his hand up, but he's also effective with it," he said.
"He scored a few tries in the Johns cup which got everyone standing up and going, 'oh my god'.
"He's quite quick, he knows how to be a bit of a ball player as well.
"I think under the right coaching, whoever gets him, I think he's got a really big future."
Haylen noticed Brazel's toughness as well, with the young forward playing through a hand injury in Sunday's game.
"He's one of those kids that will play with a minor injury and not even whinge about," Haylen said.
It wasn't just Brazel's on-field performances, but also the way he carried himself off the field that makes him one to look out for in the future.
Haylen noticed it during their training sessions prior to the competition kicking off, and Brazel was made captain as a result.
"I don't think I've met too many blokes as mature as Jock, that lead by example," Haylen said.
"He wasn't a big mouth or anything, he just demanded respect without saying anything.
"I've been around coaching kids and seniors but i haven't seen too many people like Jock, I'd be surprised if he doesn't end up at an NRL club.
"He's got a great attitude, always asking how he can improve, always doing something extra."
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After the Tigers' final game, Haylen made sure to let Brazel know how important he was to the side.
"I thanked him for putting in and being a great leader," he said.
"I normally don't say stuff unless I mean it. He had the ability to lift other kids around him."
Brazel will continue to play for Moree this season before he makes the move to the Parramatta Eels in November.