It was after his under-16s Western Rams' 16-12 loss to the Greater Northern Tigers at Tamworth's Scully Park, and Burton and his family were on their way out of the stadium.

"We were just about to walk out the gates," he said.

"We were just walking out of the footy and they just announced it over the loudspeakers."

The selection has capped off a spectacular Country Championships campaign for the St John's five-eight, who captained his Rams side all the way to the final of the tournament.

Unfortunately the Rams went down in the final, which served as a curtain-raiser to Sunday's City-Country Origin fixture, but Burton said the team excelled throughout the campaign.

"The boys played pretty well. I played with a great bunch of boys," he said. "It was unlucky we didn't get the win but pretty good we made it that far."

The16 year old said he was shocked at hearing his name called out in front of thousands of people, who were gathering ahead of the City-Country Origin match later that day.

"No, not really," he said, when asked if he had seen the country call-up coming.

"I was just focusing on the game, but that cheered my day up after getting beaten.

"It was a bit of a fright. I didn't know what to expect.

"I was pretty happy but it was exciting to hear that I got picked in it."

But while the 15-year-old may not have seen it coming, the announcement came as no surprise to St John's Junior Rugby League Club under-16s coach Bernard Wilson, who said the selection is well-deserved.

"Yeah definitely. He's a good kid who has got plenty of ability but he works hard on and off he field so he is just getting rewards for working hard," Wilson said.

"He's got plenty of ability and he's utilising that and it's just a small step in a big road ahead if he wants to take it."

For NRL star, and former St John's junior, Isaah Yeo, Burton's call-up was also no surprise.

Isaah Yeo, who played his junior rugby league with St John's, commended Burton on his country call-up.

"I've sort of been keeping up to date with their team and the wraps on him have been huge," Yeo said.

"I remember watching him a few years ago, even in 12s and 13s he was always a class above the rest and he has obviously continued that."

In addition to Burton, Wellington's Brock Naden also got the nod from selectors, and both boys will now have the privilege of playing under coach Andrew Ryan (another former St John's Dubbo junior.

Dubbo Macquarie's Luke Gale was named in the under-18s squad.

Yeo said it was terrific to see so many Dubbo players on the Rams sides.

"I went and spoke to the two western division teams the night before and I know a few of them in there are St John's boys," Yeo said, adding he makes an effort to watch the juniors play whenever he is in Dubbo. "It was good to see young Paddy Haycock and young Matt Burton in the 16s and Bayden Searle for the 18s. Obviously there were a few others from Dubbo Macquarie in it and it was great to see [Dubbo represented]."

NSW Country under-16s:

1. Charlie Staines (Forbes) 2. Matthew Parson (Narooma) 3. Brock Naden (Wellington) 4. Griffin Pinney (Temora) 5. Hayden Bourke (Singleton) 6. Matt Burton (St John's, Dubbo) 7. Bailey Ellis (Singleton) 8. Matt Nicholson (Red Bend, Forbes) 9.Tyke Kemp (Sawtell) 10. Ryan Pemberton (Sawtell) 11. Hudson Spicer (Orange CYMS) 12. Matt Fellows (Wagga Kangaroos) 13. Max Altus (Farrer, Tamworth) 14. Joey Hobby (Blayney) 15. Jordan Martin (Narooma) 16. Jacob Conlan (Sawtell) 17. Alek Hall (Farrer, Tamworth) 18. Tom Green (Thornton/Beresfield) Coach: Andrew Ryan

NSW Country under-18s:

1. Lachlan Farr (Blayney Bears) 2. Sam Bramich (Wagga Brothers) 3. Mitch Andrews (Forbes Magpies) 4. Cody Hodge (Southcity Bulls) 5. Jesse Wighton (Lake Cargelligo) 6. Isaac Worboys (Central Newcastle) 7. Max Burey (Wagga Kangaroos) 8. Brad Gaut (Parkes Spacemen) 9. Rick Nobes (Cowra Magpies) 10. Tyson Hodge (Souths City) 11. Luke Gale (Dubbo Macquarie) 12. Jesse Smith-Shields (Gunghalin) 13. Clayton Couley (Nyngan) 14. Hayden Louchrey (North Tamworth) 15. Zac Saddler (Yanco Wamoon) 16. Teig Wilton (Narooma) 17. Luke Hill (Moruya) 18. Joseph Dwyer (Parkes Spacemen) Coach: Aaron Watts