Jake Gordon knows just how beneficial the National Rugby Championship (NRC) can be.
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Not a whole lot of people were familiar with the rangy scrumhalf when he burst on to the scene in the 2015 edition of the competition but he's become a well-known name since.
The highly-rated Gordon begins his sixth NRC campaign on Saturday when he and the NSW Country Eagles take on Sydney at Apex Oval.
Gordon will co-captain the Eagles side, alongside another Wallaby in Ned Hanigan.
"It gave me a really good opportunity," Gordon said of the NRC.
"I played for Sydney Uni for many years and as I've said before this fills the gap between club rugby and Super Rugby.
"It's really exciting for the young guys who have never played with many Super Rugby players and it's a good chance for them to test themselves.
"I've been in the position a lot of these younger guys have so if I can pass on any tips and tricks to them it's always good."
Orange City junior Jack Grant is one of the younger players looking to take a chance at the higher level, while the Eagles squad also features Junior Wallabies Angus Bell, Will Harris, Joey Walton, Pat Tafa and Mark Nawaqaintawse.
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Powerful No. 8 Harris and prop Bell are two Gordon is particularly looking forward to seeing as this higher level.
The potential of future Wallabies is one thing to get excited about, but the presence of players like Gordon and Hanigan is another thing sure to attract fans to Apex Oval on Saturday.
Gordon is primed to take over the starting scrumhalf position at the NSW Waratahs next season, playing alongside Hanigan, and that would provide an opportunity to add to his sole Wallabies cap at the moment.
Gordon and Hanigan were both hugely vocal at the side's captain's run at Apex Oval on Friday afternoon, and will be crucial to the Eagles' chances on Saturday.
Their presence off the field is also big, as made clear by the scenes at Apex and Victoria Park when the Eagles mixed with local juniors on Friday.
"There's a few boys in this team who are very passionate about country rugby and as you can see from the kids here it means a lot," Gordon said.
"It' always good to be here and the support we get is outstanding."
"Everyone is quick to put down rugby union but you come here and see the kids who are so happy to have a game out here and you can tell how important it is.
"The more we can do for Australian rugby the better. It's always great to come out here and we always love the hospitality they offer us."
The NSW Country Eagles take on Sydney from 12pm at Apex Oval on Saturday.