From the school playground to the television screen, Semisi and Logan are about to make their debuts on a new ABC ME Australian series, Hardball.
Filmed in the western suburbs of Sydney, it features new talent from diverse and multicultural backgrounds, and is one to watch for the whole family.
The show follows new pupil and Kiwi-boy Mikey, 10, (played by Semisi), who along with his friends Jerry (played by Logan) and Salwa, is on a mission to be the best handball champion in Western Sydney.
It is about Mikey's journey as his moves from New Zealand with his father, to Australia. At his new school he meets Jerry - the school's best handball player, and together they power on for the love of the game.
The character Mikey is a softly spoken gentle giant who always looks on the bright side. He grew up without his mother, but was always surrounded by extended family. He idolises his father, and dreams of carrying on his sporting legacy.
Semisi, 11, of Sylvania, is new to the film and television industry. Born in Auckland, he is of New Zealand Maori and Polynesian decent.
He grew up in New Zealand, Melbourne, and the Pilbara in outback WA and has attended 14 different schools, so he can relate to his character Mikey being the new kid. He has also played rugby league since he was four years old.
Fellow young actor Logan, 10, of Barden Ridge, loves all things gaming but has a particular passion for acting. He was born with Multi Mini-Core Myopathy, and has been in and out of hospital being treated for the condition that affects muscle movement. He has used a wheelchair since he was three years of age.
His acting break came when he signed up for Act Lab classes at Brent Street and then got the opportunity to audition for this role.
Helen Dallimore also joins the cast as school principal, Ms Crapper (pronounced crah-per).
Created and written by Guy Edmonds (best known for House Husbands) and Matt Zeremes (Home and Away, Underbelly Files: The Man Who Got Away, Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries), this is the first children's series for ABC ME.
From April 1, all 13 episodes will be available to watch on the ABC ME App, before it airs daily at 4.30pm on April 22.
