FIVE Group Seven stars have been rewarded for their impeccable CRL country championships form, by being named in the 18-player under 23 men's squad to tour New Zealand.
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After claiming the country championship on Saturday, Kiama duo Cam Vazzoler and Luke Chalker, Shellharbour pair Donte Efaraimo and Juvilee Samiu and Milton-Ulladulla's Tyler Clark were all selected in Josh Cale's NSW Country side - with the latter calling it the "highlight of his career to date."
"Winning Saturday's final was a very special moment for me, as I had never been in a grand final," Clark said.
"From a personal point of view, I thought I made some strong plays for my side throughout the championships but there's always room from improvement - playing in this side has helped me take my game to the next level.
"To be rewarded with a NSW Country jersey, after the grand final, was a massive thrill - it's a day I'll never forget.
"I can't wait to go over to New Zealand in October, it's going to be the best experience of my footy career."
Joining this quintet in the side are fellow Illawarra South Coast Dragons Tony Pellow, Michael Appletree (both Western Suburbs), Cooper Purcell (Thirroul) and Paul Roberts (Collegians).
Rounding out the 18-man squad are Monaro Colts' Harry Van Dartel, Isiah Latu, Tre Williams, Josh Stuckey and Nicolas Halalilo, Central Coast Roosters' Jacob McCudden and Connor O'Beirne, Northern Rivers Tigers' Kyle Kennedy and Riverina's Zac Masters.
Country honours for Group Seven products weren't just restricted to the under 23s men's side, with a number of juniors being selected for their respective teams.
St Georges Basin's Jonah Longbottom and Albion Park-Oak Flats' Kane Ball were named in the Country under 16s and under 18s teams respectively, which will both tour the United Kingdom later in the year.