NAMBUCCA High School student Toby Batten has earned one of the highest honours in junior rugby league, being named as halfback in the 2025 Australian Schoolboys rugby league team.
The selection comes during another stellar season for Batten, who plies his trade in Group 2 with the Nambucca Roosters, playing U/18s and First Grade.
Batten has also had strong performances at the national school championships, representing NSW Combined High Schools (CHS), where he was identified as a standout for his leadership and playmaking ability.
While the official international match program is still being finalised, it is likely the Australian Schoolboys team will travel to Papua New Guinea in October to compete against international opposition.
Batten described the moment he learned of his selection as “overwhelming”.
“At first I was in shock to hear I was named the halfback for the Aussie Schoolboys,” he told News Of The Area.
“But I’m also very proud and honoured to be representing my country.”
Heading into the national championships, Batten said his focus was on performing for the team rather than personal selection.
“My main focus leading into the Australian Championship was on my role for CHS, communicating and leading well on the field,” he said.
“I was definitely more focused on winning the championship with CHS than on earning an Australian jumper.”
Now preparing for the upcoming tour, Batten is embracing both the challenge and the opportunity.
“I’m looking forward to the whole experience such as developing my game, training and playing with and against the best 18-year-olds in the world and having our games played in PNG definitely makes me excited too.”
With preparation already underway, Batten is keeping things simple.
“I’m just trying to keep myself fit and healthy so I’m ready to train and play, but I’m also making sure I enjoy the time and the experience as it’s not something many people get to do.
“I won’t be taking it for granted.”
Parents Linda and Geoff Batten say they couldn’t be prouder, not only of their son’s selection, but of his commitment and character.
“We are immensely proud of Toby’s achievement, but even more proud of how he got there; the hours of training, the extras on his own and looking after himself.
“We’re extremely proud of the humble young man he is.”
Batten now joins an elite group of players to wear the Australian Schoolboys jersey, a proven pathway to higher-level rugby league.
He has recently signed up to play in the Redcliffe Dolphins pathways system.
By Mick BIRTLES
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