From The Mudgee Guardian
News of his son Mitchell’s train-and-trial with NRL club Manly brought tears to the eyes of Tony Devine.
The Sea Eagles fanatic became emotional when he received a phone call from the northern beaches club a fortnight ago about the prospects of Mitchell playing in the maroon and white jumper in 2013.
“For me, as a father, I was crying,†Tony said.
Mitchell, 18, will head down to Manly in November to try and make a name for himself.
He was one of three players selected to have a train-and-trial with the club, and if he is successful, he could be playing Toyota Cup for Manly next year.
Plenty of Mudgee Dragons players have played in the national under 20s competition including Mitchell’s former under 18s coach Chris Ward, Andy Stott, Ryan Williamson, Brendon Simpson, Tim Condon, Tom Shearman and Josh Jackson.
Jackson will line-up in Sunday’s NRL grand final for Canterbury.
Mitchell looks at Jackson, a Gulgong boy, as an inspiration.
“It just goes to show players from the bush can make it,†Mitchell said.
It has been an incredible ride for Mitchell who only started playing rugby league three years ago.
Since coming across from rugby union, Mitchell’s league career has gone from strength to strength.
Playing under 18s last year, the then Dragons premier league coach Peter Hickman gave him a start in the top grade.
This year, current captain-coach Mat Stott used Mitchell on a regular basis in his first grade team.
The forward utility was in disbelief about his opportunity with the “Silvertails.â€
“I’m still in a little bit of shock,†Mitchell said.
“I’m not pinching myself but I’m sure I will before I go to make sure it’s really happening.â€
The Group 10 under 18s and Western Academy representative was discovered by 1987 premiership-winning player and Sea Eagles old boy Stuart Davis.
“Stuart went out to one of the [Mudgee] games, the one against Panthers where Mitchell scored the 40-metre try,†Tony said.
“He [Davis] went to see [Geoff] Toovey [Sea Eagles coach] and it went on from there.â€
The next thing Tony new he was speaking with Sea Eagles recruitment manager Dave Warwick.
“If you want to play at the top, you just can’t give up. Mitchell has the passion to play the game,†Tony said.
Mitchell wanted to thank everyone who had an involvement in his football career but most notably Col Matthews, Stuart Davis, Peter Hickman and Mat Stott.