Byrne made the most of his chance to play at home on Robertson Oval on Saturday when playing for Greater Western Sydney’s (GWS) reserve grade team as a top up player.

Byrne collected 22 disposals in the Giants’ 53-point win over Canberra Demons and loved playing his third game for the AFL club.

“All the Giants boys are pretty good at making you feel comfortable,” Byrne said.

“But you do have to pinch yourself a couple of times, especially on the weekend with quality players like Rhys Palmer and those players. It’s a pretty good experience to play with those boys.”

Byrne, who turned 18 last week, moved back home this year after attending boarding school in Ballarat, where he played 17 games for the Rebels in the TAC Cup.

He was unlucky to miss out on Allies selection in the under 18 division one national championships this year but plans to use the Giants’ appearances to help push him claims in the second half of the year.

“Obviously I was very disappointed not to make the Allies. But you’ve got to adjust and focus on the back end of the year, having a good last few months in the NEAFL to give myself the best chance for the future,” he said.

The Rising Star is awarded to the most promising young talent in the NEAFL competition.

Nominees must be under the age of 21 and played less than 20 senior games (excluding games as AFL top-up players) at the start of the 2016 season.