GROUP Seven product Jesse Dee has played a starring role in helping the Queensland Rangers defeat the NSWRL Pioneers 46-16 at Burleigh's Pizzey Park on Saturday.
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This representative honour caps off what has been a dream start to the career for the Warilla-Lake South junior in Queensland’s Intrust Super Cup – where he is playing for the Mackay Cutters.
“The change of scenery has done wonders for me on the field,” Dee said.
“It has given me an opportunity to learn more things from a range of coaches who approach the game different way.”
It’s this new lease on life that led the back-rower to being selected in the Rangers squad.
“We had the division carnival a couple of weeks ago, where I captained the Northern Queensland side against other teams from all over the state,” Dee said.
“The following day, coach Glen Dreger rang me and told me I’d been selected in the Rangers side.
“I was over the moon and couldn’t wait to get into camp and rip in.”
Dreger’s squad went into camp at Gold Coast’s Royal Pines on the Wednesday, June 13 to prepare for the match four days later.
“Training was really good and once we got into camp, everyone got along straight away,” Dee said.
“It helped that I already knew a couple of the boys from the Northern team.
“Unfortunately, I was limited during the camp, as I was carrying a hamstring strain.
“But to the staff’s credit, they managed my injury well and got me ready for the game.”
The 23-year-old then played a starring role in helping the Rangers secure a 30-point win.
“I thought I played strongly – we had a great team, so just did what the team needed,” he said.
“The coach wanted me to be aggressive and lead from front, which is what I made sure I did.
“Overall, it was a great win, which made the whole week feel a lot better.”
In the win, Trai Fuller scored three tries for the victors, with Bailey Butler, Logan Spaander, Lata Fakalelu, Tristan Hope and Lenny Magey all scoring one – as Spaander landed seven kicks.
For the Pioneers, Shane Kel (two) ad Jordan Martin scored four-pointers with Brad Murray landing two kicks.
Looking back on it, the proud New South Welshman never thought he’d ever pull on the maroon jersey.
“It was definitely different pulling on the maroon jersey – I can’t say I ever thought I would be wearing it,” he said.
“In saying that, I was proud to get picked for Queensland, as it’s such a big state and they are so passionate about their rugby league.
“I loved every second of it and hope to have the honour of doing it again in the future.”
Unfortunately, scans have revealed that Dee broke his thumb during this representative match, which will rule him out for at least six weeks of the Intrust Super Cup competition.
He is expected to have surgery in the coming days.