Sonny, 19, returned from Samoa last week after trialling for the Samoa Under 20's World Cup team. Sonny was selected from a large group of players across Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, New Zealand and Samoa. Sonny spent an average 20 hours a week in training in the lead up to the trials, bracing the wrath of ex-Cyclone Debbie to prepare for the trial. To trial in Samoa, Pettybourne deferred his university degree and left their jobs.
However, players were left to fend for themselves, with limited shelter availability and a lack of food provided. A team of 35 players were selected for the Oceania Tournament, hosted on the Gold Coast. Players were told to listen on a local Samoan television station for their names, in order to solidify their place in the team. Sonny did not hear his name, and booked his flight home. However, the next day, coaches informed Sonny that he had made team, but announcers failed to read out the correct names.
He spent the next few months continuing his intense training in 40+ degree weather to secure his place.
