The St Xavier’s Gunnedah Year 6 students spent three days of the first week of their school holidays playing for the NSW Primary School Sports Association (PSSA) Invitational side.

It was the culmination of a process that started with the Diocesan trials in Tamworth.

From there they went to Forbes for the Polding trials, and after being successful in making the side, traveled to Coffs Harbour in August for the NSWPSSA Primary Rugby Championship.

For both it was their first time away with Polding, and both were surprised and excited to learn of their selection in the NSW B’s side.

Finn played as a backrower and Fowler half-back.

The Narrabri native hails from good rugby stock with father Chris a Blue Boars’ stalwart.

“He (Jonty) was pretty thrilled,” Chris said.

“He’s obviously always been around rugby. He loves any sport but rugby is probably his favourite.”

The 11-year old was part of the Central North under-11s that played at the State Championships in June, and has been getting some one on one assistance from Blue Boars half-back Matt Schwager.

The former Australian Schoolboy is widely regarded as the premier half-back in the zone.

Fowler said that has really helped Jonty.

Pinn has been playing rugby for the Red Devils since he was six.

His mother Kate said it was a great experience for the 12-year old.

“He had a lot of fun,” she said, adding that one of the main things he took away from it was meeting some like-minded boys.

“And playing that level of footy is always a good experience. There was some unbelievable talent.”

Scone Grammar’s Max Patterson meanwhile played for the NSW As side.

The games were played at Concord Oval with the NSW sides taking on various school sides.

They also had a tour of the Rugby Australia headquarters and had the chance to meet a couple of up and coming Waratahs.