Matty's Comeback, by Anita Heiss

Matty's ComebackThere’s only two minutes left but the ball is back in play and then the entire Burrow breaks into a slow song that gathers pace. Matty is leading the way and he is proud, until he hears his mother singing completely off-key, and then he’s just a little bit embarrassed, but he keeps going…
Botany Road, take me home
To the place, I belong
Back to Redfern, South of Sydney
Take me home, Botany Road.

Matty loves footy, and he loves his team, the South Sydney Rabbitohs. He’s pretty sure he’s their number 1 fan – and his friends and family agree. He’s even chosen the team he plays for because they have the same colours as South Sydney. When he’s not cheering for the Rabbitohs, Matty is scoring tries for his team, and soon they’ll be playing in the grand final. But when he is injured, it looks like Matty won’t be able to help his team out at all.

Matty’s Comeback is a sports-filled junior novel. Matty is a determined, likeable kid – though he isn’t perfect, especially when it comes to the way he teases his little sister. He is surrounded by a loving Koori family, works hard for what he wants and is loyal to his friends – and his team.

Perfect for any kid who loves rugby, Matty’s Comeback is also a great story about family, friends and overcoming obstacles.

Matty’s Comeback, by Anita Heiss
Scholastic, 2016
ISBN 9781760152031

Leaper Lane – Rugby League Rookie, by Stephen Measday & Paul Sirronen

The lights of Telstra Stadium were bright and blinding. Thousands of fans were cheering for me!
I went back slowly to take my kick.
There were fifty-two seconds left in the game. Our regular goal kicker had just gone off with an injury. Now it was all up to me and I couldn’t let the team down.
This was my moment.

When Jack’s mum moves him from Melbourne to Sydney he has to say goodbye to his favourite sport – Aussie rules – and he’s not impressed. But when he is introduced to rugby league, Jack wonders if it’s all so bad. He tries out for his local club, the Wanderers, and works hard to make a place for himself on the team.

It isn’t all plain sailing. Jack is pretty small compared to some of the other players, and he doesn’t even know the rules of the game. When he gest injured making a tackle, Jack worries that he might be left out of the team.

Leaper Lane: Rugby League Rookie is the first title in a new series which follow Jack’s adventures as he learns to play (and love) his new game. With plenty of sporting action, there are also other subjects explored, including family break-ups and friendship.

This series is likely to appeal to 8-12 year old readers, specially those with an interest in rugby league.

Leaper lane: Rugby league Rookie, by Stephen Measday and Paul Sironen