By Kieran Cobley (words) and Sam Bannister (video)
“I’ve had the call before, but it was a bit different, I was a bit younger, it’s always an honour though… it’s always a good feeling to pull on the shirt and represent your country.”
England U19s player, Cameron Scott
As Cameron Scott walks over, you can see he is visibly shattered after a hard practice session, but he still has a cheeky grin on his face and gives a firm handshake.
Cameron, 19, has just finished his first season with Hull FC, who finished sixth in the regular Super League before a first round exit in the Super 8’s, after loan spells at Doncaster and Dewsbury.
Making his debut for the side against their rivals Hull KR, playing well enough to earn himself a call up to the England Under 19 squad.
“We want to win the World Cup” states the young centre, as he talks about his own personal goals and the goals of the team collectively.
The determination emanating from Cameron is highly detectable. The Bradford born player has already had his fair share of tests at club level, playing for the Bulls before their liquidation.
Cameron talks fondly of his time at Bradford: “I had a good three seasons there… I enjoyed playing for my home town club.”
“We obviously had the liquidation and that’s when I took it upon myself that I’m going to test myself and take myself out of my comfort zone.”
Since then, Cameron has come back fighting, scoring 50 tries for his local side Wyke ARLFC, a club record, attracting interest from a number of clubs, before heading to Hull FC.
Speaking about playing with players from rival clubs in the side, he shows his professional attitude: “You mould into one team, rivalries are put aside after the season.
“We are one team now.”
This isn’t the first time the youngster has been called up for national duty either, having been called up aged 17 as well.
“You always enjoy camps, it’s good to be recognised for the work you do.”
England U19’s training camp in Horsforth
Cameron’s work this season includes six Super League appearances for Hull FC, as well as five appearances for Doncaster and two appearances at Dewsbury.
“It’s been a bit of a whirlwind this year… I’ve been a bit all over the shop, but it’s from where I started the year to where I am now, I’ve improved a lot as a player and as a person.”
“It’s something that will set me in good stead for next year…I’m just overwhelmed at how quickly it’s happened and at such a young age and having to adapt to that.”
While he didn’t score any goals or tries this season, it is clear Cameron has made an impression. To make six Super League appearances at 19 is no small feat, and made it clear he has ambitions of playing at the highest level possible.
He added: “I want to be playing against the world’s best”
When discussing the jump up to playing Super League, Cameron is all smiles.
“You get a bit of a reality check from being selected for your country and then you’re playing against the world’s best, some of the country’s best, that play Super League.
“You just have to adapt to it…I enjoyed every minute of it, there were some harsh learning curves, they are something I will use going forward.”
The future definitely seems bright for Cameron, with more potential call ups for England down the line, and the possibility of gaining more Super League experience when the new season kicks off in early 2019.