By Casey OÇonnor
Former Stanthorpe Gremlin’s junior Leon Karena was selected in the honorary representative team after taking part in the prestigious CQUniversity 2023 Confraternity Rugby League Catholic Schools carnival held at St Laurence’s College, Brisbane.
The 17-year-old, better known as LJ, who is currently a student at Marist Brothers Ashgrove, was back home on the Granite Belt last week, after competing in the Cup in week one of the school holidays.
Karena was the only player from Marist Ashgrove selected in the Honorary team of 19 players. The Honorary rep side was selected from more 1000 players playing in 54 teams drawn from throughout Catholic Education schools across Queensland.
The success follow’s his school’s win in the second tier Bob Linder Trophy during the tournament.
Selection in this squad is not only a great honour but places the second rower in some elite company. Previous player who have found their name on this honour roll have gone on too much bigger and better things in the NRL.
Those players include the likes of Pat Carrigan, Cameron Muster, Daley Cherry Evans and Ben Hunt who lined-up on Wednesday night for Queensland.
Karena also plays in Marist Brothers Ashgrove First XV side making his debut in 2022.
While Karena was reluctant to name which game, he prefers it was quite clear that he has a strong affiliation to rugby League.
Not only is he a good footballer but the 17-year-old is an excellent academic student.
