Rugby: The little teenager with the big talent

James O'Connor (centre) has had his pick of code and country but he's chosen to play rugby for Australia. Photo / Getty Images

SYDNEY - When James O'Connor began his sporting days in the family backyard he could barely catch a ball.

But he could step off either foot, an ability which has taken him to the pinnacle of Wallaby rugby as his physique has caught up with his natural skills.

Many who watched him felt it was a case of not if but when he would make it to the international arena. The real questions were in which code and for what country.

His Kiwi father Warren and South African mother Tina offered him dual nationality choices and a third became available when he moved to Australia as a teenager.

He had grown up in Te Atatu, idolising heroes such as Christian Cullen and Carlos Spencer while his league surroundings and efforts for the Roosters in Auckland's inner west helped his admiration of Stacey Jones.

Murmurs of his talents had reached the Warriors and they were thinking of offering him a contract when the family shifted to the Gold Coast.

But O'Connor played rugby for Nudgee College in Brisbane after league scouts told him he would be too small at 80kg to play in the NRL.

So league and New Zealand rugby lost out ... though some in his native land still tried to lure him back.

"We tried to sign him about three years ago," All Black assistant coach Wayne Smith said.

"We were keen - it did not happen. It was only a matter of time for him [to become a test player]. He is very much a part of the Australian system, he is tough little customer and that's what impressed us."

The 19-year-old runs out tomorrow wearing the No 15 jersey for the Wallabies as he starts his first Bledisloe Cup test against the All Blacks.

His has been a circuitous route and one which has convinced his passionate Kiwi dad to at last back the Wallabies.

"I was a New Zealand supporter," Warren said. "But I have switched because I am 100 per cent supporting his career."

Those talents which O'Connor displayed in the backyard first impressed John Mitchell at the Force and then Robbie Deans when he chose the teenager for last year's Wallaby end of year tour.

It is a terrific rise for anyone and already has many wondering whether the teenager might turn out to be as special as others such as Tim Horan in the Wallaby colours.

It has been a tough trip as he fought hard to convince many his frame would stand up to the sporting rigours.

"He had to work a lot in the gym and he had the skills to make it," his father said. "But you have also got to have other advantages. There has to be a psychological dimension to your game.

"James won the inner battle before he won the outer game. Many guys make it some way because of their size but they do not have the psychological attributes.

"It was interesting recently to read how James had a dust-up at training with Phil Waugh and I would just say he has got the inner-mongrel you need to go all the way."

O'Connor told his father he was guilty of trying too hard when he came on at Eden Park against the All Blacks and made some rash mistakes.

"We just want him to play in the moment because then there is no pressure," his father said.

The rugby-mad dad has met Deans and Mitchell on a number of occasions to talk through his son's future and feels both are sympathetic to his son's age and sporting welfare.

"From a players' perspective Robbie is a guy they all want to do well for because he has a connection with them while John could see his talent and has a structured plan for his development."