The 20-year old second-year apprentice electrician was lighting up the field for Barraba/Gwydir in the Central North rugby competition and Dungowan in the Group 4 league competition.

One of the most exciting young players in both comps, it was the 20-year old's second season doubling up.

Two years ago he suited up for the Kootingal under-18s and was part of the Ram-Rats side that won the Central North under-19s premiership. The joint venture's maiden title, the fullback/winger played a starring role, scoring a double in the grand final including the match sealer.

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Mack's roots with the River Rats (Gwydir) run deep.

Ahead of their 10 year celebrations back in July the club posted a photo of the original 2011 side. There in the middle was a young ball boy - Mack.

"My dad (Hayden) was playing in it, and my nan and pop sponsored the team," he explained.

His godfather David Brown was also part of the side and the club's vice-president. Mack had the chance to play a second grade game with him in 2019. He's also played a game with his dad - for the Croppa Creek Crows against the Warialda Paper Wasps.

"It was good. A bit of fun," Mack said.

Despite his early exposure though, it wasn't until his later years at Farrer that he got into rugby. Up until Year 10, he'd only ever really played league.

"Some of my mates started playing so I joined them," he said.

That is for Mack what it is really all about - playing with his mates. It was the main reason he linked up with the Cowboys this season.

"I signed up for Dungowan this year just to play with a few old Farrer boys like Trent Taylor, Zac Parker and Cody Byrne," he said.

Only a year out of the under-18s, he admittedly though wasn't expecting to find himself playing first grade.

"Trent messaged me and I thought I'll come and have a few games of second grade," he said.

"Every week when I rocked up Trent's like you're playing firsts."

He was thrown straight in the deep end. His first game was against reigning premiers North Tamworth, which was "a bit of an eye-opener".

But he did enjoy the step up. It was a "different calibre of footy" to what he was used to, noting that the way they played was "a lot more strategic".

And while it wasn't the most successful season, he had "a lot of fun".

He could only really play their Sunday games though with the Ram-Rats his priority this year.

They similarly endured their struggles but in Mack and a few others have some good young talent coming through.

He is also seen a big part of the future of the zone side and was blooded into the Kookaburras for the Country Championships.

"It was a good experience, learning from the best players in the zone and how they think," Mack said.

Already looking towards next season, he said he will likely play both codes again.

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