There might not have been a win for the NSW Country under 16s and under 18s but the past week has been about much more than one game of footy for some of the state's most exciting youngsters.
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The Western Rams were well-represented at Parramatta's Bankwest Stadium on Saturday as Dubbo's Braye Porter was joined by Parkes' Finnley Neilsen and Darcy Leadbitter of Forbes in the under 18s Country side while Parkes Spacemen junior Malakai Folau and Orange's Connor Vardanega ran out with the under 16s.
City proved far too strong in both matches, winning the 16s 34-12 before overcoming a strong start from Country to run out dominant 46-6 winners in the 18s.
City also won the women's representative match, 40-16.
Porter lined up at five-eighth for an under 18s Country side that lacked a little polish on Saturday.
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After City had scored the first try of the day Country rallied and a strong period of possession was capped when Porter handed the ball off to fullback Ben Rumble, whose perfect grubber was planted to by centre Matthew Wheatley for a four-pointer.
Things were level at 6-all but that's as good as it got for Country, as a physical and hard-running City dominated the rest of the contest.
The City side was coached by former NSW star Brett Kimmorley and he was just one of a number of big names who had been around the players during the past week.
The four City and Country juniors sides all got the chance to train under current NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler as well as fellow Blues greats Paul McGregor, Craig Wing, Nathan Hindmarsh, Steve Menzies and Andrew Johns in the lead-up to the match.
"You've got the high end of the players for this age group from both City and Country teams, they're part of the Emerging Blues," Kimmorley said of the week to NSW Rugby League.
"There are 36 kids from City and Country getting such a good opportunity. They're not far away from quickly developing into top players."
As well as on-field skills there was also plenty of talk around wellbeing and attitude.
"It's very educational and must be taken on with high aims in mind and respect is top of that list," Kimmorley added.
Following the weekend, a NSW side will now be chosen for the under 19s State of Origin.
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Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
