The 15-year-old Western Suburbs junior took a major step in his quest to become a professional footballer on Saturday when he played halfback for the under-16 NSW Koori side against Queensland at Skilled Park in a curtain-raiser to the Indigenous All Stars match.

The two states followed last year’s 20-all draw by finishing level at 16-16.

Singleton’s Travis Edwards played five-eighth for NSW, scored a try and was named man of the match.

Edwards and Walsh will combine for the Knights Harold Matthews side this weekend when they play Penrith in the opening round of the under-16 competition at Centrebet Stadium.

Luke Walsh appeared in 13 first-grade games for the Knights in 2007, but was forced to move to the foot of the Blue Mountains in 2009.

Since joining the Panthers he has played 63 games and has become renowned for his kicking game.

But younger brother Tyrone wants to earn his stripes with the Knights.

‘‘I want to stay at my home team,’’ he said.

‘‘I follow Penrith now, but I still want to play for the Knights as I wouldn’t want to move from Newcastle.’’

His older brother has been a massive influence on his rugby league development.

‘‘He’s helped me out heaps,’’ Tyrone said.

‘‘He taught me how to talk heaps on the field. He couldn’t come and watch as he’s busy training.’’

Maitland Pickers first-grade coach Ron Griffiths mentored the under-16 NSW Koori side and reckons Tyrone’s dreams of playing for the Knights are achievable.

‘‘He’s a player with a lot of potential, who, with the right type of guidance, could play at the highest level,’’ Griffiths said. ‘‘I don’t think he actually realises how much ability he’s got.’’

Griffiths benched Tyrone for 10 minutes in the second half and reintroduced the lively playmaker when the score was 16-4 in favour of Queensland. ‘‘I told him that we’ve got 20 minutes left for him to get us back in the game and over the line. It wasn’t just him, but he played a big part in getting us back to a 16-14 lead,’’ Griffiths said.

‘‘I asked the question and he was able to provide.’’

Queensland were awarded a penalty 40 metres out in the middle of the park on full-time, which was slotted over by David Nogar to draw the match.