While the two combatants provided an entertaining finale to the six-week tackle tournament earlier in the month, won 24-14 by the Magpies, local selectors named 10 players from that match to take part in a selection hit-out on Saturday, January 12.

From that showdown, the 20-strong Group 21 representative team will be named to contest the regional trials at Scully Park, Tamworth, on Saturday, February 9.  

Merriwa, who claimed its maiden title at Muswellbrook’s Olympic Park, has Gaynor Blackadder, Shai Blackadder, Taylah Blackadder, Kelly Maslen and Jessyca Morgan in contention while Greta Branxton boasts Caitlin Albury, Brooke Davis, Robyn Draper, Harmony Liddell and Taylor Quinton-Widl.

The big surprise packet, however, are the Scone Thoroughbreds, who finished third overall in their maiden appearance in the annual format.

After knocking over the Murrurundi Mavettes 14-10 in the play-offs, seven girls – Dominique Carter, Samantha Elphick, Grace Gallen, Rebecca Hill, Sophie Hinde, Katherine Nicholson and Georgia Watts – caught the eye of the officials.

Murrurundi didn’t miss out either.

The Mavettes will be thrilled Kimberley Brown, Jodie Holman, Lucy Prudden, Grace Roach, Tracey Saunders and Hannah Turkington have the opportunity to press for higher honours, too.

Also earning a berth in the squad are Aberdeen Tigers duo Jorjia Edwards and Brooke Walklate, as well as Muswellbrook Ramettes Julie Konie, Shae Pemberton and Kylie Saunders.