Too young to play against teenagers, but old enough to take on men twice his age ... Jordan Fulivai, the son of former Canberra Raiders cult hero 'Prince' Albert, is on a mission to launch his rugby union career in Canberra.
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A rule-book technicality means the 17-year-old schoolboy star is 38 days too young to play in Canberra's under-20s competition.
But instead of returning to the under-18s, Fulivai will earn his John I Dent Cup starting debut when he runs out at fullback for the Gungahlin Eagles against Wests on Saturday.
Wallabies and ACT Brumbies great Owen Finegan has backed the talented teenager to make his Super Rugby debut in the coming years.
The under-20s competition is for players aged 18-20. Gungahlin asked for an exemption for Fulivai to be promoted.
But when it was turned down as a blanket policy rule, Gungahlin coach Finegan decided Fulivai was good enough to test himself against men.
"He's in year 12, played two games [in reserve grade] and has justifiably worked his way into first grade," Finegan said.
"We tried to get an exemption for him to play [under-20s] ... it's a rule they haven't broken for anyone. He's got good genes, he's definitely someone who it wouldn't surprise me if he'd be playing for the Brumbies in a couple of years."
Fulivai grew up at rugby league and rugby union matches.
Dad Albert was dubbed 'Prince' by Raiders fans and scored 22 tries in his 44 games.
Albert was part of the Raiders' 1994 premiership-winning squad before successive knee injuries ended his career in 1998.
Jordan Fulivai broke a fibula and tibia two years ago and spent three months on crutches and six months without running.
His mum, Jennifer, didn't want Fulivai to play rugby again, but hearing stories of his dad's injury woes inspired Fulivai to make a comeback bigger and stronger.
The St Francis year 12 student is targeting Australian Schoolboys duties this year, before focusing on a university degree and his rugby career.
"I don't mind where rugby ends up, I love it. Dad being a Raiders player is just the extra on top and it would be good to follow in his footsteps, but I don't see it as any pressure," Fulivai said.
"My sister says I play exactly the same as my dad, even the same hairstyle. But I can't see it.
"I've heard a couple of stories about dad playing, but I haven't seen much of it. Dad always comes to my games, he tells me what I did wrong and what I have to do better."
Fulivai is unfazed by the prospect of playing against opponents twice his size and age.
"I was shocked when they asked me to be a back-up in first grade in the trial match, no way did I think I'd play an actual match," Fulivai said.
"The game's quicker and more physical, it's helping me develop quicker. The bigger they are, the harder they fall. It doesn't faze me.
"If one of the opponents is big and has a beard ... I'm not even growing facial hair, I am a bit intimidated. But when we're in play, I don't even think about it."
JOHN I DENT CUP ROUND 3
Thursday: Tuggeranong Vikings 20 def Queanbeyan Whites 17 at Viking Park.
Saturday: Gungahlin Eagles v Wests at Gungahlin Enclosed, 3.15pm; Uni-Norths Owls v Royals at ANU, 3.05pm.
