Jai Camilleri has rejected down the opportunity to play in the NFL after signing a trial contract with the Parramatta Eels.
The 18-year-old linebacker and running back stated that when the Parramatta Eels offered him a contract, he didn’t hesitate.
The child, who was awarded MVP in the National Schoolboy Gridiron Championships after representing Queensland and being selected for the Australian merit team, has decided to forego a potential NFL move.
Camilleri, a hooker by trade, will attempt to establish himself inside the Eels Pathways system – SG Ball Cup and Jersey Flegg Cup – before possibly making his NRL debut.
“I’ve loved combining league and NFL, but I knew I’d have to choose one or the other,” Camilleri told Wide World of Sports.
“The two sports complement each other well, and playing both has improved my fitness.” But now that I’m with the Eels, I’m going to devote all of my efforts to them.
“I graduated from Wavell High School in Brisbane a few months ago and relocated to Sydney.”
“I’m hoping to play SG Ball and then Flegg Cup next year; competing against 21-year-olds would be fantastic for my skill set.”
“You never say never, but my dream right now is to play NRL.”
“If the opportunity to visit the United States arises one day… who knows… you never say never.”
