THE old saying that 'blood is thicker than water' certainly applies to the case of St George Illawarra rugby league junior representatives Matt and Luke Jurd.
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The brothers, who shared premiership success with the Shellharbour City Sharks under-18s last September, are now in training for the Illawarra Steelers Harold Matthews (under-18s) and St George Illawarra Holden Cup (Under-20s) squads, with elder brother Matt already earmarked as a future star after his recent selection in the NSW Pathways to Origin squad.
"Even though I was one of the younger players in the squad, it is encouraging to know that I have already been recognised as a player worthy of being in such an elite squad," Matt, 18, said.
"It was a really good two days at Narrabeen, even though the weather hampered us one of the days. But to hear NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley and players like Robbie Farah, Trent Hodkinson and Josh Reynolds talking about what you need to do to become an Origin player."
He was part of the successful NSW under-18 Origin squad this year, who scored a convincing win over Queensland before State of Origin II in Sydney.
"It was a terrific experience to play at ANZ Stadium and beat Queensland - then sit back and watch NSW wrap up the series for the first time in nine years.
"Everything that happened last year and selection in the Pathways team has certainly made me even more determined to firstly secure, and then hold down a spot in the Holden Cup team next year.
"The secret is getting on to the paddock week-in and week-out and staying injury free. I just want to be part of the Dragons culture."
Both boys played juniors with Albion Park-Oak Flats and junior representative football at Cronulla after Luke followed his older brother there. However, 16-year-old Luke is excited about being at the Steelers and is working hard on cementing a No. 6 spot in the Harold Matthews side.
"It's great to be in the Dragons and closer to home - I have just finished year 10 at Warilla High School and it will allow me to concentrate more on my studies as well," Luke said.
"I just want to secure a starting five-eighth spot in the Harold Matts team and have an impact. Who knows, I might even cause some damage."
The pair agreed playing together in the Shellharbour City Sharks' under-18 premiership team last year was a career highlight thus far.
"It was unbelievable," Matt said.
"We had a heap of our family there; my dad has 10 siblings, and to be able to celebrate with Luke at full-time was special."
The pair praised local league scout Allan 'Squeaker' Carroll and Warilla High School principal John Hambly.
"Squeaker has looked after us and was instrumental in us moving from the Sharks to Wollongong, while Mr Hambly has always made sure we are able to pursue our football commitments," Matt said.
Matt will move into the second part of year 12 next year under the Pathways program.