LOGAN'S Levi Bannan has been picked among the region's best and brightest rugby league players to take part in the Gold Coast Titans academy.
The academy provides talented young players with a pathway to first grade football.
Levi managed to impress coach and former Titans player Kane Elgey playing for Marsden High's under 13s team in their grand final win against Keebra Park.
"For a 13 year old he's got all the ability in the world," Elgey said.
Levi said he was thrilled to be selected in the academy.
"So far, we've been doing some testing and working on the basics," he said.
"My main goal is to make it to the NRL, so I've just got to keep training hard."
Starting his rugby league career in the under 9s, Levi's passion for the sport has only grown.
"My dad took me to State of Origin for my birthday and that's when I first wanted to get involved," he said.
He took part in a Broncos development program this year.
Elgey said Levi had a great attitude and was willing to put in the hard work to succeed.
"He's not just a good player, he's a good kid," he said.
"As a small halfie ... he's not afraid to take the line on.
"The best thing is he's got two years in this under 14 squad so I'm looking forward to seeing him develop."
The academy was about paving a pathway for young players and fostering their love for the sport, Elgey said.
"They don't really learn the kind of stuff we coach at club level," he said.
"It's more just their core, basic skills and we just want to develop them. It gives them the best chance to make first grade.
"There's always going to be standards but at the end of the day, they are kids and we still want them to have fun.
"(To be successful in the sport) you need to enjoy your footy - you can't be pressured to play and you just need to have fun."
Levi said he was excited to spend time with other like-minded sportspeople.
"I love bonding with the team," he said.
