Joshs future in league is on the move
15 May 09 @ 10:06am by Paul Lancaster
Bright prospect ... Josh Batalibasi has been selected in the AIS rugby league squad.
REDCLIFFE:
TRYING to keep up with Josh Batalibasis daily timetable is like to trying to catch the speedster on the rugby league field.
The affable Redcliffe State High School co-captain, who turned 17 last week, is handling a gruelling work load in his final year of studies before taking up a contract with NRL giants the Parramatta Eels next year.
But before he takes on that challenge Josh is juggling a footballing schedule which would put his boyhood idol Timana Tahu to shame.
The Deception Bay teen, who can play league ``anywhere in the backs has just been named in the 25-member AIS rugby league squad to tour England and France at the end of the year.
He modestly admits his football jersey collection is growing rapidly to include the Queensland Under-16 side, the Queensland Indigenous side, the Pass Australia rugby union side, which he captained on a tour to Asia and a Sunshine Coast Under 19 representative team.
He even has time to don the red and white for the Redcliffe Dolphins and also his school rugby league jersey.
Then there are his duties as school captain, which include helping to train an Under-13 school side.
He is also studying for a Certificate 3 in fitness training for his post-football life.
But standing at 182cm and an impressive 88.5kg Josh is able to handle the demands of sport and school.
``My phone beeps all the time, reminding me what training I have got to go to, but I love playing footy and running around, Josh said.
``Im just lucky Ive been able to get where I am ... its a great challenge.
His three-year contract with Parramatta means he even had to change allegiences.
``I used to be a big Bulldogs fan and the Eels were my second team, but thats now reversed.
With such prodigious talent it is only natural that Josh is looking to the future of his footballing career.
``Id love to wear the green and gold one day it doesnt matter which sport.
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