Jacob Robinson, Malu French and Corey Ricketts were selected from more than 50 talented players at the NIAS rugby league trials, held in Tamworth at the end of November.

They join the 2017 squad, consisting of 22 of the top players from the around the region, including fellow Moree boy Bradley Fernance who goes to Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School.

The three MSC boys, from years 8 and 9, were excited to make the team and said it’ll be a great opportunity for their football career.

“It’s a footy program to gain up your skills and gets you ready if you want to make it to the NRL,” Malu said.

The boys said they will gain skills, fitness and the right attitude from being on the team and are looking forward to going on tour and playing with different people.

“I’m looking forward to going away as a team and playing away from Moree and the area we’re used to playing in,” Jacob said.

Jacob, Malu and Corey – a lock, dummy half and prop / second rower respectively – have each been playing rugby league for a number of years and between them have represented Moree in the Group 19 rugby league competition, and played representive football at a school level.

The trio are members of Moree Boars Rugby League Club and were some of the six players chosen from their team to attend the NIAS trials.

MSC sports coordinator Ryan Kemp said it’ll be great development for the trio.

“Hopefully they can develop their skills through this program which will help them through the school competition as well,” he said.

The squad will have an induction in Armidale on February 4 before monthly training starts on February 18.