RUGBY LEAGUE: He is known to his mates on the footy field as KK because of his hard-hitting tackles in defence.

But to most others he is Kaylem Douthwaite.

Kaylem has recently returned from representing North Queensland at the Vic Jensen Carnival in Bundaberg.

Coach of the Under-11 junior Whitsunday Brahmans, Scott Milne, identified the young centre-forward as a potential contender for North Queensland jersey.

He tried out and became the only kid from the Whitsundays to make the squad.

Following his selection Kaylem travelled to training in Townsville before staying the night, training the flowing day and then travelled another three hours to get home.

He also kept his training commitments with his U11 Brahman side.

Kaylem's mother Rebecca Douthwaite said her son "had a passion for the game and lived and breathed football".

"He loved it, (but) it was difficult as he was the only one from the Whitsundays, she said.

"But it didn't take him too long to build friendships with the team and he soon fitted in well.

Kaylem's North Queensland team mixed it with the best junior rugby league teams in Queensland and came away placed third in the state.

"It's the best result North Queensland has ever had and a real inspiration as the club is very small compared with the the South East Queensland clubs," Douthwaite said.

"Paul and I very, very proud. He has a passion for sport and that is what he wants to do when he grows up."

Douthwaite was full of praise for the support offered by coach Milne and Brook Wilson, the Regional School Sport Officer.

Next year if Kaylem makes the North Queensland side as an Under-12 player he can be potentially selected for the Queensland team.