Several of both sides are part of the Tamworth Thunderbolts’ men’s and women’s set-up.

Oxley’s Jayden Pryer and Farrer’s Ben Eather have been in training with the Thunderbolt men, with several of the girls also training with Chris Tudman’s Thunderbolt women’s side.

Manilla’s Taylor Skelton would have been playing too but was in Dandenong playing for NSW in the National U20s Championships.

They just missed out on a medal, going down to South Australia 72-69 in the bronze play-off.

Skelton will be a key figure for the John Ireland-coached North West side when they head to Penrith in May.

The boys  go the week before, to Minto.

Louise Taylor is coaching them.

She had around 30 trialling, which she was pleased with.

It was pretty well on par with last year, she said.

The difference was where the talent hailed from.

“Last year it was more Armidale. This year it’s more Farrer,” she said.

Four of the 10 attend the agricultural high school.

Taylor said it’s probably the oldest squad she’s taken away.

Only two are under 17.

Tenterfield’s Jayden Ash is one of those two.

The other is Armidale High’s Manganchot Malauch.

Part of the North West and NSW primary side last year, he is, at 13, the baby of the side.

“It’ll be good for him to play with players who have game knowledge,” Taylor said.

It was probably one of her toughest calls, his versatility getting him the nod over some of the  older players.

“He’s a little bit more versatile,” she said.

She said being generally a bit of an older side they should have a bit more experience.

Most are playing in the junior Northern League so their structures might be a bit more solid, she said.