Luke’s big chance with Boomerangs

Exciting Albany teenager Luke Mowaljarlai Jr has the chance to showcase his talent when he takes part in two exhibition matches for the Flying Boomerangs later this month.

Mowaljarlai Jr was the sole Albany representative named in the 2019 Rio Tinto Flying Boomerangs squad announced last week that will take on a World Team squad in two matches at Trevor Barker Oval in Melbourne on July 9 and 12.

Playing locally with Sharks in the Great Southern Football League, Mowaljarlai Jr was first identified at the Nicky Winmar Football Carnival and then was part of some selection trials in Perth.

The 15-year-old was chosen among 11 WA players for the Flying Boomerangs trials which were held in Melbourne and a starring performance, for which he was named best player, in the practice game secured him a place in this month’s squad.

Mowaljarlai Jr said he had great pride in being selected for the Boomerangs.

“It’s a pretty good experience and the trials had a lot of better boys there,” he said.

“My skills are improving and I’m just really keen to stay a part of the program and learn as much as I can.”

These squads have been selected after State talent and identification programs and also take into account school attendance, leadership skills, and football ability.

He will fly out with his teammates on Sunday ahead of a week-long camp in the lead-up to the exhibition games.

The Flying Boomerangs program is a personal development and leadership program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander boys aged 14-16.

Mowaljarlai Jr is a Year 10 student at Alta-1 College and has dreams of one day playing at the highest level.