The local girls meet Groups 19 and 4 in the selection trials at Scone Park on Saturday, after a couple of training runs.

Group 21, with captain-coach Sofie Casson at the helm, has chosen a strong blend of talent and experience for the important showdowns.

The hosts, Scone Thoroughbreds, boast four delegates in Casson, Flynn Haggarty, Rebecca Hill and Georgia Watts, while the Singleton Greyhounds have Madelyn Sonter, Emma Johnstone and Emmerson Harris in the team.

Then add Greta Branxton duo Grace Gallen and Jade Holz, Merriwa pair Jessyca Morgan and Maddilyn Blackadder, and Muswellbrook’s Shae Pemberton and Georgia McGuinness into the mix.

Rachel Cullen Schmiedel and Jessica Presland are the lone reps for Aberdeen and Murrurundi respectively.

“I think we’ll go alright,” Casson said.

“Everyone’s really stepped their game up in recent times, so we’ve picked the best players from all the clubs.

“We’ve also reduced the squad from 20 to 16 this year – the girls who’ve been selected have definitely earned their places.

“In fact, they’ve done an awesome job over the past fortnight to make the side.

“Group 21 are still babies in terms of women’s league tag, compared to Group 4.

“But, the girls have plenty of skills, thanks to the local tackle and touch competitions they play in, too.”

They’ll also attend another [training] session at Scone’s Bill Rose Sporting Complex on Friday evening.

Group 21 tackles Group 4 first up at 9am, with a showdown with Group 19 to follow at 1.30pm.

Group 21 women’s league tag squad (coach Sofie Casson): Rachel Cullen (Aberdeen), Grace Gallen (Greta Branxton), Jade Holz (Greta Branxton), Jessyca Morgan (Merriwa), Maddilyn Blackadder (Merriwa), Jessica Presland (Murrurundi), Shae Pemberton (Muswellbrook), Georgia McGuinness (Muswellbrook), Sofie Casson (Scone), Flynn Haggarty (Scone), Rebecca Hill (Scone), Georgia Watts (Scone), Madelyn Sonter (Singleton),  Emma Johnstone (Singleton), Emmerson Harris (Singleton); manager: David Casson, sports trainer L2: Heath Moore, sports trainer L1: Kim Beverstock, League Safe: Heath Collins