At just 18, Jesse Ramien knows of his responsibilities in life.
Ramien was one of the real shining lights in the Sea Eagles charge to the NYC Grand Final in 2015. He will again be a vital man in the U20s under coach Chad Randall in 2016.
A very talented, tall centre, Ramien scored 13 tries in 25 matches last season and represented NSW U18s against Queensland at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
His strong form throughout the season saw him rewarded by new Coach Trent Barrett with a call up to train with Manly’s NRL pre-season squad over summer.
“Training with the senior players has been a great experience. You learn so much each day in terms of how to prepare, what to eat and when to eat, to having the right attitude,’’ Ramien said.
“It has been a great opportunity for me. Trent has told me to be confident in defence and to work more on my attack in a one-on-one situation.
“Steve Matai has been a great help to me. To be able to learn from one of the game’s best centres is amazing. It didn’t seem that long ago I was watching him play on television.”
Ramien will get his first taste of top level rugby league when he lines up for the Sea Eagles at the NRL Auckland Nines next weekend.
“I’m really looking forward to playing in the Nines. The extra open space and the speed of the game will suit my style,’’ Ramien said.
“We will field a fairly competitive squad and it will be a great experience to be able to play at Eden Park in front of big crowds over the two days.
“I will be looking to make the most of my opportunities in the Manly jumper and to be able to show Trent and the coaching staff what I can do at the top level.”
Cheering loudly for Ramien will be his family back home on the Central Coast. His thoughts will be with them, and his beautiful two-year-old daughter, Lasharn.
“I love being a father. I might only be young myself but it has made me grow up a lot quicker,’’ Ramien said.
“I realise now that I need to make the most of my opportunities with Manly, especially for my little girl. It is not just about me anymore.”
Off the field, Ramien works as a social worker for the Bungre Aboriginal Association, an organisation that provides a wide range of services to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people residing on the Central Coast.
Click here to buy tickets for Pre-season at the Park trial.
Sign up now and join here as a Sea Eagles Member for 2016
