Sport
Centre earns world debut
TORIN CHEN
02Jul08
Ashcroft's Jason Gangaram, 24, won selection in the Australian Universities side. Picture: MAT SULLIVAN
WHEN Jim Beam Cup rugby league player Jason Gangaram walked off the field for NSW Universities after a 44-point drubbing, the last thing on his mind was being in line for Australian selection.
After suffering a 48-4 loss to Queensland Universities in an Australian selection game between the arch rivals, Gangaram (pictured) thought he had little to no chance of securing his maiden Australian jersey.
A short time after the game, the Australian College of Physical Education student, who plays for the East Campbelltown Eagles, received the news.
``I was a bit surprised because we actually got flogged, I didn't think they'd pick any NSW players,'' Gangaram told the Leader.
The Australian universities side will contest the World Cup in Brisbane from this Friday until July 18.
Gangaram is in a three-day training camp on the Gold Coast preparing for the international tournament.
The aspiring NRL player, who has played alongside Casula's Jarrad Hickey in the Bulldogs' SG Ball side, will line up in the centres.
A centre for NSW and a centre/fullback for the Eagles, Gangaram knocked back a contract with the Cronulla Sharks' NSW Cup team to play for Western Suburbs, who have allowed him to play for the Eagles.
Gangaram said he could not imagine life without rugby league and hopes to forge a career in the sport.
``My dream is to make it to the NRL and I'd love to have an opportunity at it,'' he said.
