Josh Sykes will be representing the Philippines in the under 16’s age group against Italy in Sydney on Saturday. Josh will be training in Sydney on Friday in the Captain’s Run where he will join in a jumper presentation with the other squad members who are converging on Sydney from all over the country.
Josh is the son of Mark and Alona Sykes of Binalong and currently attends Yass High School where he is heavily involved in Touch Football and Rugby League. Josh also plays in the Harden Touch Football competition and is known for his live wire stepping, running and great passing skills.
2018 saw Josh play for West Belconnen before he made the move to Goulburn in 2019. He is a versatile player who can play in the Halves or at Hooker.
Josh was unable to make the trial match but supplied selectors with video highlights from his season and this gained him automatic selection in the squad. He is making a name for himself in Rugby League and hopes to continue to play the game he loves.
Josh qualifies for the side through his mother Alona and her ancestry. He has represented the ACT Raiders Touch Football side and the South Coast Touch Football sides in recent times.
He said, “I will find out where I will play on Friday, I am definitely looking forward to it and the next match is against Malta. Mum and Dad are definitely proud and can’t wait to see me play this weekend.”
Josh has been engrossed in rugby league for a number of years and has been a ballboy for the Brahmans from a young age before partnering with the senior side for pre season training this year.
