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Page last updated at 07:57 GMT, Friday, 29 May 2009 08:57 UK

Quins youth impress O'Callaghan

Jamie O'Callaghan
O'Callaghan made his debut against Wigan

Harlequins RL winger Jamie O'Callaghan believes that London can become a hotbed of talent for the 13-man code.

The 19-year-old, from Hammersmith, is already the youngest player to represent the club in Super League.

O'Callaghan told BBC London 94.9: "There is a massive amount of talent that could come through in London.

"We just need to show them what the game is about. It is really about trying to get young people hooked on the game like I was."

O'Callaghan himself is hoping to emulate the success of another London-born talent and club team-mate Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, who was recently called up for England's initial elite training squad.

He said: "I'd love to be called up for that. It's just great to be able to train with him and you just want to be able to do the big stuff he gets to do. The fact that a London lad can do it is good to know."

A homegrown outlook is also driving O'Callaghan's desire to achieve success with Harlequins rather than harbouring ambitions to eventually try his luck with one of the traditional northern sides.

He said: "I want Quins to make such a big name. I want it to be London. I'd stay with London forever if I could because that's who I want to represent. You want to represent your hometown so you can be proud of them."

He added: "I think what stands out is how proud we are about where we're from so we want to perform every week for our team."



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see also
Purdham wants to finish at Quins
22 May 09 |  Harlequins
Randall signs new Harlequins deal
20 May 09 |  Harlequins
Pryce not included in elite squad
14 May 09 |  Rugby League
Super League Show
17 Feb 08 |  Rugby League


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