Four rising junior rugby league players have been showing off their talent for the North Coast representative side in the NSW Country competition.
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Kaine Parkinson competes in the Under 18s Andrew Johns Cup while Selwyn Smith, Dane Hill and Ethan Thompson are in the Under 16s Laurie Daley Cup.
The representatives were selected after attending an invitational trial late last year.
Dane and Selwyn have been solid in the middle of the field as starting forwards for the U16s.
Meanwhile, Ethan trains with the U16s squad but hasn’t been selected to lace the boots up on game day.
The halfback remains hopeful an opportunity will soon present itself and he will be able to showcase his skills.
Dane and Selwyn recognise the importance of sticking to their role to ensure the team has success.
"We both put in hard work in the middle and across the paddock, we train hard so we play hard,” Dane told the Argus.
“We try to take a couple of hit ups each set and hit and stick with those tackles.”
Kaine, who is still only 16-years-old, is the youngest in the U18s squad and has made the switch from five-eighth to centre.
The speedster has adjusted to the positional change and has helped lead his side to two wins from three games.
“I am good at getting on the outside of my man and creating space for my winger,” Kaine said.
Kaine also holds the goal kicking duties and boasts a high percentage.
The two North Coast representative sides suffered their first defeats of the season in tight battles with the Greater Northern Tigers.
The teams will need to pick up a victory against strong opponents the Newcastle Knights Development Squad this Saturday to book a place in the finals.
The four players are pushing for selection into the NSW Country side.
Scouts attend each game and a side will be picked after the grand final on April 14.
Kaine will represent the Macleay Valley Mustangs Under 18.5s in the Group Three Rugby League competition while the three Under 16s North Coast representatives will play for the Macleay Dragons.
