The veteran coach was in Wollongong for the latest leg of the governing body's Dream Big Time program.

"We had a really good turn out," Hodges said.

"One boy in particular did really well. He's got a good body shape, is six foot two and only 17. With this program we're targeting the 2024 Olympics, so an athlete like that with his potential, he's definitely of interest."

Once Hodges completes his tour around the country identifying promising talent, a squad of 130 will be picked for a training camp in Sydney. From there, a men and women's team will be picked with the aim of helping develop future Australian representatives.

The opportunities for success won't be consigned to that small group, however, with Rugby Australia hoping to establish a sevens program for Indigenous athletes in the Illawarra.

Read more: Courageous University watch crucial Illawarra Rugby victory slip away

Nowra-born Andrew Walker, Hodges said, will play a key role in fostering the rugby community, with the aim to have an Illawarra team entered in next year's Ella Sevens.

"This is only one session of many. We will come back and we want to stress on the community we need a team representing Wollongong at the Ella Sevens.

"We have a model of self determination, we want to work with community leaders to up-skill and support them bringing a team together that will represent their community."

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