Last week in Tamworth, about 100 indigenous players from across the north of the state converged to show their skills and start on a career path that could one day see them following in the footsteps of the Ellas and Beale.

The Regional U16s Championships were instigated three years ago, and as well as providing interaction opportunities, also serve as a selection trial for the northern NSW side to compete at the National Indigenous U16s Tournament, from which a side will be selected to play under the Lloyd McDermott Rugby Development team banner.

The program has been operating for more than a decade, with the aim of providing a pathway for indigenous

players.

“Before, a lot of boys came from a rugby league background,” Lloyd McDermott executive officer Tom Evans said.

“Union had not been a game a lot of Aboriginal guys had played.”

He said the idea of the regional tournament was also to get the state unions involved with the indigenous community, with the program rolled out in some capacity in most states.

“There’s definitely been an impact. Two boys who have come through our program are in the Australian U21s – Corey Brown and Clinton Sills,” Mr Evans said.

Another success story is injured Australian breakaway Matt Hodgson.

“He’s the first guy who’s had involvement with us who’s gone on to play for Australia,” Mr Evans said.

It’s not just about the rugby side though, with one of the prerequisites of the program being academic effort.

“We try and encourage these kids to stay at school,” Mr Evans said. “A lot of the kids who go through, we (also) help them ... go to uni.”

That help can include scholarships, such as one they are establishing with Sydney

University.

“We’re trying to make the link between school and uni,” Mr Evans said.

North West coach Neil Flanders has experienced the program from both sides.

“I pretty much started my rugby with Lloyd McDermott,” Mr Flanders said.

He played 16s and 18s and has seen the benefits among those he has played with

and coached.

“It’s really great. It gets the boys out and meeting people,” Mr Flanders said.

“It gives them the chance to know different kids and come out and show their talent.

“It does lead on to a lot of places.”

North West had, from last week’s championships, nine players catch selectors’ eyes.