From country Queensland to the national capital, the journey of Canberra Raiders young gun Owen Pattie to the NRL has been rapid, but one built on taking a risk and backing himself.
After making his debut he made his NRL debut in Round 1 in Las Vegas, the dummy half hasn’t missed a game and this week against the Roosters, is set to start for the first time in his career after Tom Starling accepted a suspension.
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Owen Pattie talks about his elevation to the top 30
Pattie’s rise from country Queensland to Canberra is one that has come off the back of a determination to realise his dream of playing in the NRL and one day, for the Queensland Maroons.
Hailing from the tiny town of Monto, Pattie – 18 and fresh out of high school at rugby league nursery St Brendan’s College in Yeppoon – backed himself to move to Canberra, about 1400 kilometres from home, to chase his dream.
Spurred on by parents Tracey and Matt to always do his best, Pattie has been working hard and it’s paying off.
Off the back of a stellar 2024, where he earned the 2024 NSWRL Jersey Flegg Cup Player of the Year and starred in the Raiders’ NSW Cup side, his Vegas debut was a destination that was far cry from where he grew up in country Queensland.
The 21-year-old is signed with the Raiders until the end of 2028, and said while this year was a big jump for him, he was loving every minute.
“Definitely a lot different to previous years coming through SG Ball, Jersey Flegg, NSW Cup, being given the reins to play in this Raiders side in the NRL, I’m still adjusting to the role … there’s plenty of lessons and learning each week,” Pattie said.
“Can only get better from here.”
Owen Pattie in actin for the Raiders.
Owen Pattie in actin for the Raiders. ©Gregg Porteous / NRL Images
The Biloela Panthers junior said coach Ricky Stuart’s main directive for him was to “bring energy off the bench”.
“Whether we’re up by 20 or down by 20 – just bring energy off the bench, whether in defence or attack, and just give the boys that bit of lift and energy,” Pattie said.
“I’m loving the Raiders. This is my third year in Canberra. I’m loving it.
“Weather is a bit cold, but I prefer it over the heat.
“(There is a) good group of people down there.
“They are pretty much family to me now and my partner’s got a lot of friends … I’m really enjoying it.”
Pattie, who played under 18s and Colts for Central Queensland Capras, was inspired to chase his NRL dream after seeing fellow Queenslanders and St Brendan’s alumni Ben Hunt and Harry Grant excel.
“A lot of good competition in the central Queensland area and I think it’s a good nursery for rugby league players because it’s just a great competition, whether it’s club football or school football,” Pattie said.
“Everyone is really competitive and there’s a lot of competitive schools, so it just makes younger players better.
“It’s just inspiring to see other players that have gone before us and done it such as Benny Hunt, Harry Grant, who have come from St Brendan’s … they gave me hope that maybe one day I can make it into the NRL as well.
“Making it is one thing, making a career out of it is different, so I’ve just got to keep working hard and get better each week.”
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Roosters v Raiders: Round 13
Speaking before he was named in the no. 9 jersey for Round 13, Pattie said his goal was to cement a full-time role in the Raiders’ first grade squad.
“As you can see with the last few rounds, we’ve got a great side, and I just want to maintain my spot here and maybe get to a starting spot, wherever that is for me to play,” Pattie said.
“I just want to play consistent football and get through a good couple of years of first grade.
“I’d love to one day put on a Maroons jersey, but I know that’s a long time away … I just need to knuckle down and do my best role for this team, and definitely a premiership would be number one for this club.
“All of the boys have been good with me. A couple in particular, especially in the spine position, has been Tommy Starling.
“I’ve only really done one full pre-season, the one just gone, having just started full-time… Tommy was huge for me in that hooker role. He’s been great to reflect on after each game, whether it’s good or bad things.
“Also, Jamal Fogarty, our vice-captain. He’s got a good footy brain and just the experience he brings helps me at training on the field and he’s a cool head that I need every time I step on the field.”