The recently announced initiative, which aims to train junior players with intensive and targeted training, came as a complete surprise to 14-year-old Kerr who had only started with the Devils this year.

The Development Squad – which runs both boys’ and girls’ sides – has been set up for players aged between 13 and 17. 

Travelling from Goulburn for training, the hooker decided to switch teams for a fresh start this year. 

He had heard about the squad but thought nothing more of it.

Kerr said he was surprised when he learnt of his selection from his father, who teared up on the day.  

“I was shocked, I couldn’t believe it,” he said. 

“I was a little bit surprised no one else made it because there’s some really good players in the team and I thought they were playing better football than me.” 

But U15 Devils’ coach Steve Lee said he wasn’t surprised, speaking highly of his performance on and off the field.

Wednesday will be his first day of training along with 18 other players.

“I’m excited, anxious and nervous,” he said, thanking Craig Howard, who coached him since he began playing at aged four. 

According to his mother Natalie, Kerr’s first word was tackle and as soon as he could walk he was holding a football.

“This is our chance to really hone our attention in on what is happening locally. It’s an opportunity to develop them and give them an idea of what the next level looks like,” Junior High Performance Manager Dean Souter said. 

“Part of the role that we play in that is creating development programs, which generates interest and pathways. 

“That creates our next generation of good players and we’ll start to see a flow on effect of more women coming to our game.”

Development Squad training will run from June to mid-September one day a week.

At the conclusion of the junior season, the Development sides will compete against other groups in the Country Championships.

Players in the squad were selected by the Canberra Raiders staff.