Five members of the Young Cherrypickers Rugby League Club have taken their passion for football to the next level after being selected into the NSW junior representative competition.
Will Canellis for the Under 18 SG Ball, and Will Hills, Jacob Lucas, Nic Hall and Henry Berry for the Under 16s Harold Matthews Cup were scouted throughout the 2016 season by Raiders recruitment manager, Peter Mullholland.
They were judged on the talent they displayed during the Group Nine season, as well as from a trial day held on September 24 where 10 selectors assessed their abilities.
“We also checked out their backgrounds, reputation and character and everyone met the very high standard,” Peter said.
“The five kids from Young are exceptional young men – school wise, behaviour and contribution to town is pretty good.”
They now go into a process in their respective squads where a final cut will be made prior to Christmas to determine the final train-on squad.
The boys must now show improvement across the park in order to make the cut.
Peter said all five boys display individual qualities that make them desirable members.
“Individually Hills has a great work rate and he knows the game,” he said.
“Hall is one of the best young athletes all round that I’ve seen, he’s an outstanding athlete.
“Berry is a great kid – very good, very versatile, very strong and will grow into a pretty big man too so we’re pretty happy about that.
“Jacob’s on the cusp of it, he controls the game quite well.
“Canellis has been through some issues with his legs as a youngster and has come back well, he has a big heart, is tough and knows his game.
“They all have great characteristics.”
Peter gave credit to Gary Lucas who has trained the boys throughout the process.
“When a kid is comparable to guys who’ve been in our junior rep program for a matter of time, it’s wonderful, it shows a lot of good coaching that’s happened in Young,” he said. “That to me is a really positive, that without being in programs they’ve still been selected.”
