The local boys take on junior teams from the Bulldogs and Newcastle Knights at Cessnock today and, while it will be a huge challenge, the country kids will be up for it.

“It’s a chance for them to test themselves against players who are already in these long-term programs,” GNA head coach Jamie McCormack said.

“The Knights are training two days a week and I’m sure the Dogs are too.

“There are kids who have just been cut from the SG Ball squads who will now drop back to these development sides, so that will strengthen them up.

“Those kids will be trying to get back into the SG Ball sides.

“The Knights have had three trials already so they’ll be match-fit.

“I don’t underestimate our ability and enthusiasm but fitness is something we might be short of.”

The two GNA teams will play against both NRL teams in a round robin format of short games.

Winning would be nice, especially to show any NRL scouts what the locals can do, but it’s not vital.

“It’s also an opportunity because you never know who’s watching,” McCormack said.

“But we also stress that the Academy program is not about winning and losing .

“It’s about how much they have improved at the end of the program.

“We’re lucky that we have three trials this year and by the end of our program on Februar 27 the players can hit the ground running in 2010 at club and hopefully rep level for their Groups.”

McCormack will coach the young Maroon team while Chris Brennan takes the older Yellow squad.

Ben Williams from Moree is out with a bout of pneumonia while Tamworth’s Kyle Eather has also been battling illness.

Another player will be missing but only due to the kind of opportunity the program is designed to give its players.

“Will Tufui from Narrabri has been selected in the Balmain SG Ball Cup side,” McCormack said.

“So he can’t be part of our program anymore.