Today’s trial match between Group 11 and Group 9 at Pioneer Oval, Parkes is more than a chance to blow out some cobwebs for Macquarie hooker Darren Jackson.
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The 29-year-old electrician from Bourke has racked up thousands of kilometres over the years and has been rewarded with inclusion in the NSW Country team for the past few seasons.
But in 2008 he will face a challenge for the No. 9 jumper from former Bulldogs NRL star Adam Perry.
Jackson captained NSW Country to victory in last year’s Quad Series but during his representative career, he has not faced a challenge from someone the calibre of Perry.
A veteran of more than 100 first grade games, Perry is this season plying his trade with the Junee Diesels in the Group 9 competition and today the classy duo get their first crack at each other.
It may not be a battle of Williams v Mason proportions but for Jackson it is a challenge that has him excited.
“Primarily this trial is about the team and giving some guys a chance to show they can make it at rep level,” Jackson said.
“But there is a bit at stake personally for me. I want to hang on to the Country jumper but obviously Perry will be in the selectors’ minds because he is a former NRL player.
“I really enjoy the rep footy and captaining Country last year was a highlight of my career so I’m not going to give the jumper up easily
“I’m looking forward to getting a chance early in the season to play against him and hopefully it will give me an indication of where I stand.”
Personal battles aside, Jackson believes today’s match gives a number of Group 11’s best young players a chance to show their skills at a higher level.
He believes the likes of Macquarie team-mates Zac Rennick and Daniel Braithwaite will benefit greatly from the experience, especially learning under coach Terry Fahey.
“The young guys always take a bit of benefit from their first rep game and I think it’s good the selectors are giving so many kids a go,” Jackson said.
“Terry Fahey is a coach that tells it how it is and they will know where they stand after the trial.
“Group 9 should have a pretty good squad so I imagine it will be a tough game and everyone will be out to show what they are made of.”
The match kicks off at 6.30pm at Pioneer Oval at Parkes while the Group 11 under-18s will be in action in two matches at Bathurst.
