CAMDEN Haven local Darby Moore is on the path to becoming a rugby league superstar after being spotted by Sydney Roosters talent scout Rob McAlpine.

Moore, captain of the Lake Cathie-Bonny Hills Raiders Under 13s, recently stepped out in the famous red, white and blue after being selected in the Roosters JRL Under 13 Development Squad.

Although still young in years, Moore has impressed coaches, family and friends with his power and strength both on and off the field.

He first ran onto the footy field for the Camden Haven Eagles Junior Rugby League Club in Under 9s and hasn’t looked back.

Moore continued to play for the Eagles for the next three seasons, only switching to the Raiders this year due to team numbers.

Earlier this year, Moore trialled and was selected in the Group 3 Junior Rugby League (JRL) Academy.

Moore’s talents were identified by the NRL when playing for Group 3 against the South Sydney academy.

From here Moore was asked to attend a training session in Sydney with the Roosters Under 13 Development Squad.

This led to Moore taking the field on Tuesday 25 June in the tri-colours.

His quick play-the-balls, support play and gutsy defensive efforts were a critical element of the Roosters’ 28-8 win over the Balmain Tigers U13 Development side.

Moore has a supportive network of teammates, coaches and family, including proud parents Amy and Michael Moore.

Michael told News Of The Area (NOTA) he always believed there was something “very special” about his son’s natural rugby league talents.

“The whole situation still feels very surreal,” Amy told NOTA.

“Darby has been blown away by the whole experience, especially after meeting Trent Robinson.”

Trent Robinson is the Sydney Roosters’ head coach, who reserved special praise for Moore after his first game with the Development Squad.

Moore told NOTA that training and playing with the Roosters Development squad is at a completely “different level” and that everyone has made him feel welcome.

From here Moore will continue his League Fit Academy online training alongside regular club training.

He has also just started refereeing.

Moore will attend training sessions in Sydney during the school holidays in preparation for the Roosters’ next Development Squad game, scheduled for mid-July.

With aspirations to follow in the footsteps of his idol Nathan Cleary and don the NSW Blues jersey one day, Moore’s future in rugby league looks very promising.

The Sydney Roosters Academy was established in 2021 and delivers targeted coaching and development programs for players invited to participate in the Club’s Junior Representative (ages 16-19 years) and Junior Development (ages 13-15 years) programs.
Graduates of this program include three-time Premiership winners Jake Friend and Boyd Cordner, as well as Premiership winners Joseph Manu and Victor Radley.

By Kim AMBROSE