Write up on the young kid we signed a few weeks ago.
Sunshine Coast, Cairns rugby league junior Ellyjah Birve signs with Penrith Panthers
Reigning NRL premiers Penrith have poached one of Australia’s premier junior playmakers from rivals Melbourne in a huge coup for the powerhouse club. This is how they did it.
Reigning NRL premiers Penrith have poached one of Australia’s premier junior playmakers from rivals Melbourne in a huge coup for the powerhouse club.
Ellyjah Birve has been part of Melbourne’s system for the past three years won this year’s
National Schoolboys title with Queensland but has now penned a two-year development deal with four-time reigning premiers Penrith.
The 18-year-old playmaker has risen through the grades with the Sunshine Coast Falcons and is expected to join Penrith’s Jersey Flegg and SG Ball squads.
“It’s real surreal and awesome to be given an opportunity to join a club like the Panthers with how much success they have had over the past four years especially,” he said.
“I believe they will help me unlock more of what I have to show, it’s all that small step closer to achieving my dream.”
With his
younger brother Darius signed to the Canterbury Bulldogs, Birve is one of seven brothers and said his family was a major driving force of his rugby league journey.
“My journey has been good so far and to be able to be an inspiration to my younger brothers to do the same,” he said.
“To be able to share a similar journey with Darius is special and he’s doing pretty well so I’m proud and happy for him too.
“Having such a supportive family is what gets me through, without them I wouldn’t be where I am.
“My parents give up everything so myself and my brothers have the opportunity to chase our dreams.”
Last week Birve celebrated his 18th birthday just days after
steering his Caloundra SHS side to an undefeated Gee Shield premiership.
The talented Beerwah Bulldogs clubman has played fullback and hooker but said he feels his best position is in the halves.
“I prefer playing halfback, getting my hands on the ball as much as possible, directing and controlling the game,” he said.
“Growing up I loved watching Johnathan Thurston and now Isaiya Katoa.
“JT is just one of the greatest to play in the halves and was a freak but now the way Katoa plays eyes up, creates space and opportunities for his teammates.”
Birve said he owed a lot to his family, coaches and teammates.
“Besides the obvious ones of my parents, there’s a few people like my school footy coaches,” he said.
“Toby Poole, Craig Monaghan and Andrew Gerken as they’ve helped me develop as a footy player and person after giving me the opportunity in getting me down from Cairns to chase my dreams.
“I’d also thank my English teacher, Madi Brown for her support.
“Besides teaching English, she takes an interest in my footy and other things in my life and she gives great advice in everything.”
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