Three Greater Northern Tigers are set to perform on the biggest stage of their rugby league careers.
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Mark Simon, Luke Smith and Mitch Henderson will line up for NSW Country against NSW City in an under-18 clash at Bankwest Stadium in Sydney on Saturday afternoon.
Simon and Smith will start at prop and second-row, respectively, while Henderson will wear the 14.
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Tamworthian Simon - in the final year of a three-year Bulldogs deal - said he was "a bit nervous, but really pumped and excited to play".
"We've just all gotta do our jobs and play for each other," he said, adding that City had "a very strong side".
"It's gonna be tough," he said.
Darryl Rando this year coached the trio in the Tigers' under-18 side, who were game in losing to the Central Coast in the Laurie Daley Cup grand final in March.
Rando said Simon and Smith were his best players throughout the competition.
Simon, he continued, "was a really good person" and "one of those players that you need in your side because he plays very well every week".
Rando said Denman-based Smith ran good lines and was "tough" and a good defender.
"You could play him second-row or centre and he'll get the job done," the mentor said, adding that the trio's selection was reward for consistency.
Dungowan-based Henderson - a Knights signing and in year 12 at Farrer - was "just a footballer", Rando said.
"It wouldn't matter what position Mitch played, he's always gonna excel in it - and they're pretty hard to come by, those blokes," he said.
"Them three boys deserve it," he also said of their selections, adding: "And, hopefully, they go to the next level."
Country: 1. Ben Rumble, 2. Kane Rushton, 3. Michael Whitton, 4. Matthew Wheatley, 5. Darcy Leadbitter, 6. Braye Porter, 7. Jessi O'Neill-Petherbridge, 8. Mark Simon, 9. Tyler Moriarty, 10. Daniel Peters, 11. Luke Smith, 12. Brody Briggs, 13. Finnley Neilsen, 14. Mitchell Henderson, 15. Ryan Couchman, 16. Lachlan Mears-Crabbe, 17. Jye Boyle, 18. Peter Conroy. Coach: Jason Kelly.
City: 1. Siteni Taukamo, 2. Turoa Williams, 3. Brandon Morkos, 4 Jabriel Kalache, 5 Michael Asomua, 6. Ethan Sanders, 7. Jack Cole, 8. Davvy Moale, 9. Ryley Smith, 10. Larry Muagututia, 11. Lajuan Vito, 12. Jock Brazel, 13. Brandon Tumeth, 14. Kobie Wilson, 15. Justin Matamua, 16. Bayley Cox, 17. Samuela Fainu , 18. Myles Martin. Coach: Brett Kimmorley.
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