This year Wagga hosted the huge annual event which saw the state’s best touch players and thousands of spectators converging on Jubilee Oval.

The regional carnival includes six of the best representative touch teams in the state with players selected from touch teams within each of the state’s touch football regions.

Anderson was selected to be a part of the Southern Suns - comprising of players from South Coast, Wagga, the Riverina and the South West Slopes – after a series of trials with the squad.

“Southern Suns held a number of trials throughout the summer and it was fantastic that one of our local boys was selected to be a part of the team,” Young Bluetongues touch football coach, Ben Cooper said.  

Young last saw the teenager in action when he represented the Young Bluetongues at the Junior State Cup in February.

Anderson jumped at the opportunity to play in an elite regional representative team - being a very keen touch player - and was ecstatic to make the squad.

“I really tried out for the experience and to learn new things,” Anderson said, “to make the team was unreal,” he said.

Cooper was all praise for Nathan’s high achievement. 

“Those in the touch world know that this is the highest level of representative touch possible before playing for your state,” Cooper said. 

“To play touch at this level is a phenomenal achievement,” he said, “to have someone selected in the Suns team after only one year of Young having a representative team at state cup is brilliant.”

Nathan made the start on team for the Southern Suns where he played in the wing and link positions. 

Cooper, who watched the carnival, said that there was consistent, explosive attack out of the ruck and that he was amazed with the skill and athleticism of all players.

Nathan said he absolutely loved the experience of playing with the Southern Suns, saying it was fantastic to meet new people, that he developed better skills and learnt new moves. 

“It was the best touch carnival I’ve been to, it was one of the best experiences of my life.” Anderson said.

Throughout the carnival, Nathan scored four tries and his defence was rock solid. 

Nathan has already stated that he cannot wait to try-out for the team again next year and hopes to further develop his skills in the game of touch.

Cooper said that Nathan has paved the way for more touch football players from Young to try out for higher representative touch teams. 

“Nathan is a role model for many of the younger players who could follow in his footsteps,” Cooper said.

“He is a shining example of how dedication, focus and determination will lead to success,” he said.