Bright future seen for Liam

25th May 2010

Liam Connor labels himself "stocky and average" but he's proving to be quicker than most of his age in the Bay of Plenty Schoolboy competition.

As of yesterday, the 15-year-old Western Heights High School student had scored 10 tries in the four competition games for the Ngongotaha rugby league club's under-15 side.

 At Puketawhero Park in Rotorua in the last round, he bagged four as the Ngongotaha side he captains, his father Rueben coaches and mother Taima manages, beat Forestland 58-18.

One of Liam's tries was a remarkable contender for quickest try of the season, as he tore down field following the kick-off, chased the ball into the in-goal and scored within seconds of the restart.

"I just chased it, and nobody picked it up, and I scored pretty fast. I've scored a few others like that," the 76kg centre told the Daily Post on Saturday.

Bay of Plenty Rugby League life member Jenny Nahu described Liam's kick-off effort as one of the quickest and smartest she'd seen in decades of watching schoolboy competitions.

"I think someone scored one in the NRL in eight seconds. [Liam's] would have been faster," she said.

Liam has been playing league for about four seasons and has already been identified as a player of promise, having been selected in the Bay rep team each year.

 He will likely be in the Bay of Plenty under-15 team taking part in the annual BOPDRL Invitation Tournament, which will have a team visiting from the Sydney Roosters for the first time.

Playing in the NRL is a dream for Liam. "That's every hard-out league player's dream," he said.

"I like league better than rugby. It's better for running and for tackles."

His manager believes he's made of the right stuff. "He's just a good leader. The [other] boys love him, he gets them motivated and they look up to him.

"He's dedicated, and we'll do what we can to help him."

So how does Liam plan to get there? "I've just got to play hard and train."