Carter thanks Keating for guidance

Paul Carter has been one of the finds of the VB NSW Cup season for the Bulldogs and he credits City Origin five-eighth Kris Keating for helping him turn a corner and gain selection in the VB NSW Cup Representative team.

Since Keating returned to the VB NSW Cup after suffering an injury in the NRL, Carter says he has been more structured in his play and is flourishing because of it.

“Kris Keating coming into the side helped my game a lot,” Carter said

“He has given me some space to move and some direction.”

Carter also attributes his continued development to the high standard of the VB NSW Cup and how he is learning about the transition to open age football.

“I think the biggest thing I found was playing hard footy every week and more physical footy every week.

“It is a lot more physical than the twenties and you have to think a lot more on your feet.”

As for his call up to the VB NSW Cup Representative side, it was something he wasn’t expecting but now he can’t wait for Wednesday night.

“It feels pretty special,” Carter added.

“When I got the call on Sunday I was stoked… it is good to be in camp with all the boys and meeting some new players.”

With the Bulldogs currently sitting in last place on the VB NSW Cup ladder, Carter is adamant there have been some positives to come out of the season thus far which include the emergence of some good young talent.

“Lachlan Burr has been one of our best players all year… he has been playing right edge for us and Moses Mbye and John Sila who can still play twenties,” Carter said.

“It has been difficult turning up every week in a side which is struggling but I know we are doing our best off the field and hopefully we can string a few wins together at the back end of the season.”

As for his aspirations for the future, they are simple and direct.

“Hopefully I keep playing well in the VB NSW Cup for the rest of the year and wait for an opportunity in first grade and get a breakthrough.”

Carter is the youngest member of the VB NSW Cup Representative squad and is almost 10 years younger than experienced utility Matt Hilder.

The VB NSW Cup Representative side will take on the QLD Residents as a curtain raiser to the Holden State of Origin Series decider. You can keep up to date with LIVE scores via out Match Centre by clicking here.

You can also view two photo galleries of the camp so far by clicking here or by looking under the related items tab

Carter thanks Keating for guidance