A local teenager has signed for rugby league giants the Brisbane Broncos.
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Matt Hill has signed a two year scholarship deal with the Brisbane side, who fought off other league teams and AFL club the Gold Coast Suns for the 16-year-old's signature.
According to his dad James, Matt grew up in Katherine and first picked up a football in the town.
"He's a proud Katherine boy," Mr Hill said.
Most recently he played in the triumphant Katherine Cowboys grand final win in the NT rugby titles this year.
Mr Hill said Matt has lived in Katherine since he was a baby and went to MacFarlane Primary School before starting secondary school at Katherine High School.
He said Matt now attends St Brendan's College in central Queensland on a sports scholarship, but still visits Katherine in his time off.
Mr Hill said Matt is a talented athlete who can also play Australian rules football, and was signed to the Gold Coast Suns academy for two years before making the jump to the Broncos.
However he said rugby has always been Matt's preferred sport.
"As he grew up, league was his first sport," he said.
Mr Hill said his son was always a good player and represented the Territory in junior rugby league sides.
He said Matt's scholarship deal will last until he's 18, when negotiations for a potential professional contract will start.
Mr Hill said multiple rugby league clubs were in the market for the youngster's signature.
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