Thomas originally named an 37-man extended training squad following this year’s NSW Country Championship carnival in Warren, but trimmed the group down to 23 following a training camp in Newcastle earlier this month.

The Cockatoos will take part in a shortened program in 2018 following the cancellation of the annual fixture against NSW Subbies.

Former Nowra High student Chimwaza, who now plays for University of Wollongong in Illawarra District Rugby Union, will be joined in the the squad by clubmates Tom Baker, Sam Latu and Amos Leef.

Other IRDU players in the squad include Leighton Cowley (Kiama), Aisake Tuevu (Wollongong Tech Waratahs), Jay Spencer (Camden) and Tuumuliilevao Taiti-Taanoa (Avondale).

These eight will be joined by Sam Callow (Southern Cross University), Andrew Collins (Tamworth Pirates), Ed Cordingley (Walcha), Ben Damen (Wollongbar), Mahe Fangupo (Forbes), Peter Fitzsimmons (Bathurst Bulldogs), Tom Green (Orange Emus), Marc Koteczky (Terrigal), Eddie Laupola (Ourimbah), Chris Logan (Gloucester), Kevin McNamara (Warnervale), Chris Miller (Cowra), Sam Pearce (Ballina), Dan Ryan (Parkes) and Richie Steele (Warren).

The Cockatoos also have a match lined up with Queensland Country later in the month.