Of the 10 games played this summer the GNA teams won eight of them, with the Yellow (Under 18s) side not only undefeated this season but also undefeated as Under 17s last year.

The day started with easy wins over North Coast and then concluded with more hard-fought success over Northern Rivers.

“We dominated the North Coast sides, with the 17s winning 34-nil and the 18s winning 26-4,” GNA head coach Jamie McCormack said.

“Then we faced fresh Northern Rivers sides and they really gave us a challenge.

“In the 17s it was nil-all at halftime so they really tested our 17s but in the end we ran out winners 18-6.

“That was a great result for the younger guys and they’ve really peaked at the right time.

“The Northern Rivers also really stuck it to our boys and led the game at times but we ground out a tough win 18-16.

“So our graduating Under 18s have gone through two years of the academy program undefeated.”

Gunnedah’s Matt Baker was devastating with ball in hand in the first game with two tries while Jack Broughton and Heath McIlveen also led the way up front.

“Matt Baker is raw but probably one of the most talented players we’ve ever had come into the program,” McCormack said.

“We hope that he and the other Under 17 players all come back for a second year in the program because we don’t know what they’re capable of.

“They’re very good.

“Another player I’d mention is Edin Blewitt.

“He was outstanding.

“Heath McIlveen and Jack Broughton really rolled their sleeves up against Northern Rivers and Ben Williams, our fullback from Moree, also played very well.”

In the older age group, Daley Boney was hard to handle and Cameron Rodgers directed play from the dummy half position.

“We’re very happy with them,” McCormack said.

“Cameron Rodgers for one and Jock McHatten and one guy who has improved probably more than anyone over the two years is Joh

Mathers.

“This crop of players has been outstanding.

The program started back in October with trials and the players, staff and parents have put in a lot of hours since then.

But it’s all been worth it.

“We think our program has been a great success,” McCormack said.

“The kids are drawn to it.

“Our next group of inductees will trial in October and we’ll have another group of kids with a lot of ability that we can improve.

“It’s getting better and better every year.”