The talented pair will be among eight Northern Inland juniors pulling on the gold of NSW Country on Sunday when the Cockatoos’ 14s, 15s, 16s and 17s do battle with their Sydney counterparts at TG Milner Field.

They’ll both line up for the Cockatoos 14s, alongside Scone’s Conor Edwards and New England’s Charlie Radford, while New England’s Harri Jackson will play for the 16s, Niangala’s Jake Williams the 15s and Pirates’ Angus and Lachlan Windred the 17s.

The 14s have had a great campaign so far. After beating North Sydney 24-17, they rolled ACT Brumbies 21-12 a fortnight ago.

That was a big result. It’s been a while since they’ve beaten the Brumbies.

Maslen and Buster both expressed surprise at making the Cockatoos side and have enjoyed the experience.

“I’ve found it awesome. I’ve learnt so much since I started it,” Maslen said.

The 14-year-old Carinya student is capable of playing in either the front or back row.

He played hooker for the Northern Inland Junior Gold 15s side, before switching to blindside breakaway for the Kookaburras.

“It’s only been since Central North that I started playing breakaway,” he said.

And loved every minute of it. 

Asked which was his preferred position, he was quick to answer breakaway.

One of the attractions is that you’re constantly in the action.

Not that he really minds where he plays.

He just loves his rugby. Any time he can play he does.

Some weekends he plays Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Friday nights with Carinya in the Friday night schools competition, Saturday for the Pirates U16s and Sunday with the Tri-Colours.

This season is his first with Pirates.

“I got pulled in because they were short and I decided to register,” Maslen said.

“I’ve been playing since the start of the season.

“It’s been fun.”

He said Sunday would be “pretty exciting”.

Buster has been playing on the wing and at fullback for the Cockatoos after playing at outside centre for the Kookaburras.

He was awarded their most consistent despite being hampered during the carnival by a torn deltoid.

It made his Cockatoos' selection that much more of a surprise, although he was able to play with it.

“Once the shoulder was warm it was okay,” he said.

Also 14, he plays his club rugby with Tamworth.

He and Maslen also meet on the school field, with Buster at Calrossy.

It is his first time in any sort of state rep side and he’s taken a lot away from the experience.

“It’s been pretty amazing,” he said.

“Just that next level up coaching-wise and playing- wise.

“And you have to work as a team more.”

The 14s will be the first in action on Sunday, with their game kicking off at 9am.