Jarom Haines will get the opportunity to don a blue jersey when he represents the NSW Pioneers rugby league team in just under three weeks time.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Moree local who has been living in Newcastle since 2016 has been selected in the squad made up of Newcastle Rugby League and Ron Massey Cup players to take on a Queensland Rangers side in Brisbane on June 30.
"It's exciting news for sure," Haines said.
Haines was a part of the Newcastle Rebels side that defeated the Ron Massey Cup representative team 30-20 on May 11 in a match that played a big role in the selection of the Pioneers squad.
He came off the bench and played some important minutes in the second half.
"I got picked as a utility role in the Newcastle Rebels team," Haine said.
"Fill in where the coach needed me to play or if we needed points or just a spark off the bench.
"I played pretty good. I think the game was locked up when I went on and we broke it open a bit."
READ ALSO:
The 22-year-old is in his second full season with the Kurri Kurri Bulldogs in the Newcastle Rugby League competition after starting off with the Western Suburbs Rosellas when he made the move from Moree.
Throughout his playing days, he's spent some time at halfback and fullback, but his preferred position is in the number six jersey.
"I prefer to play a five-eighth role because it's a combination of both positions," Haines said.
He will now prepare for a few training sessions with the squad in the week leading up to the game against the Rangers.
"Last year they did just one beforehand, and they got touched up a bit. They're taking a different approach," Haines said.
There will be a training session held on the Central Coast before the Newcastle players will travel down to Sydney for another training and bonding session.
The squad flies up to Brisbane on Friday, June 28, will train together on Saturday before the game on Sunday.
"I'm excited, really. I'm going to grab it with both hands, make the most of it," Haines said.
"Just enjoy it really, enjoy the moment."