The Gary Gardner-coached under-23 side hammered Group 4 30-18 and backed it up with another comprehensive victory, beating Group 19 48-18.

Before the tournament began at Scone Park on Saturday, the Group 21 mentor predicted that about six of his chargers were in the running to secure representative berths.

But, even he would have been elated to discover the number was significantly higher.

Twelve members of his team – Bailey Taylor (Muswellbrook), Will Nieuwenhuise (Singleton), Hamish Wolfgang (Aberdeen), Timothy Bridge (Scone), James Bradley (Singleton), Dylan Thorne (Muswellbrook), Jarrod Wicks (Scone), Jordan Mulherin (Muswellbrook), Brady Benkovic (Muswellbrook), Bailey Wooden (Muswellbrook), Samuel Fitzsimmons (Aberdeen) and Cameron French (Aberdeen) – gained the nod from selectors.

And, while Group 21’s women’s league tag outfit suffered losses to Group 4 (36-6) and Group 21 (24-8), Shae Pemberton (Muswellbrook) and Sofie Casson (Scone) earned well-deserved higher rep honours.

Greater Northern Region area manager Scott Bone said it was a tough job for the selection panel.

“There were a lot of good players out there today,” he admitted.

“Even though Group 21 (under-23) and Group 19 (league tag) were the stand-outs, a number of individuals also put their hands up.

“That’s what you want to see during trials like this.

“Greater Northern is certainly in an enviable position.

“I’d like to thank all the players, coaches, managers and support staff for taking part in the championships.”