Bailey Hartwig may have grown up following the tri-colours of the Roosters but there can be no debate that he bleeds lime green. The lime green of the Canberra Raiders.
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The impressive 17-year-old five-eighth is gearing up for another season of league in the nation’s capital, only this year he will be making the step from SG Ball under 18s to the under 20s Holden Cup.
There he will be coached by former Storm, Raider and NSW Origin rep Brett White, now a head coach after retiring recently.
“Everyone from the coach to my teammates are great, awesome really,” said Bailey.
“I can’t ask for any more. Everyone has been good to me and it has been showing in my football.”
Hartwig has been touted by everyone including Ricky Stuart as one of the Raiders’ next exciting prospects.
Stuart, the Raiders’ NRL head coach, gave him arguably one of his most glowing accolades to date telling him that if he continued to develop he could turn into “one of the best Raiders halves.”
“It shocked me a bit to be honest coming from him,” said Bailey.
“Considering all he has done. It is a huge endorsement and all I can do now is knuckle down and work hard on my game.”
Hartwig was a member of last year’s SG Ball side that went through the whole season undefeated before falling in the major semi-final to eventual premiers Cronulla.
It was a big lesson for Hartwig, who also played first grade and under 18s for the Forbes Magpies, and many of his teammates who have also graduated to Holden Cup this year.
“There are no easy games at this level and you have to be on the job all the time,” he said.
“That’s why a good pre-season and training are so important. They can set you up for a great season.”
With the lure of an NRL career on the horizon, Hartwig’s feet remain firmly planted on the ground.
“Firstly I need to perform at Holden Cup over the next few years to give myself a chance of another contract,” he said.
“At the same time I want to start my apprenticeship so I have something to fall back on outside of football.
“Then if everything goes to plan hopefully I will get to play in the NRL.”
Bailey puts down a lot of his success to some great people around him - from his parents through to some sage advice from former Raiders Josh Miller and Joel Thompson.
“Josh and Joel both told me how awesome the club was and they were spot on,” he said.
“They have been great to me and it has allowed me to fit in and be comfortable.
“With other country kids from Dubbo and Orange it has made the transition easier from the country to the capital,” said Bailey.
“Now with full fitness and a good pre-season under my belt I know I will be ready for round one next year.”
And when asked if he has any superstitions he partakes in before a game Bailey laughed.
“I wear the same pair of undies,” he said.
“They haven’t let me down yet.
“I just hope I don’t grow out of them too quick!”
Neither do the Raiders ...
