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Jamie Feeney could never have imagined his destiny.
Late in 1996 Feeney was playing C grade for St Johns, Lakemba in the Canterbury Junior League. At the time Feeney could have not envisaged that three years later he would score two tries in his first grade debut on Stadium Australia, Homebush.
That career-altering moment came just last weekend when Canterbury defeated Aukland. Coming off the bench Feeney scored with his first touch in first grade.
"It was a big day I wish all matches were like that" Feeney said yesterday. "I'm still a little shocked by what happened. I'm pleased to have got that initial first grade match under my belt. It was a bonus getting a couple of tries." "I tired to approach that match the same as all others"
Feeney, 21, is from Muswellbrook near Newcastle and was identified four years ago by the Hunter Mariners. "I didn't actually play a game for the Mariners." he said "They fell through before the season began. During 1996 I went to University but played the final six matches of that season with Canterbury. I have been here ever since."
Feeney believes he can not afford to look to far ahead. "I would love to play for New South Wales and Australia" he said "But at the moment I'm just happy to play first grade with the Bulldogs"
Feeney will come of the bench in tomorrow night's match agaisnt Manly at Stadium Australia. The Bulldogs have three players - Steven Price, Darren Smith and Jason Hetherington backing up from Wednesday nights's State of Origin match while Manly have two players - centre Terry Hill and forward Nik Kosef