THREE of Group Seven Rugby League's brightest young talents have been rewarded with selection in the NSW Country under 19s women's side.
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Stingrays pair Teagan Berry and Jordyn Preston, as well as Milton-Ulladulla's Keele Browne, who all helped the Illawarra Steelers make the Tarsha Gale semi-final this season, are all part of the Alicia-Kate Hawke-coached side that will head to Redcliffe's Moreton Daily Stadium for the May 19-23 national championships.
Joining this trio is the NSW Country side at fellow Steelers Keele Kopara, Ula-Mari Time-Cribb, Anji Tau, Chantel Tugaga and Tiana Kore - with this fixture acting as a selection trial for the NSW under 19s State of Origin side - which will act as a curtain-raiser for the women's clash on Friday, June 25 at the Sunshine Coast.
Rounding out the 20-person squad are Charlie Lloyd-Phillips, Alyssa Shoulders, Matilda Jones, Kyhamoana Tevi-Faimano, Tameka Todhunter, Bree Chester, Sophie Clancy, Lily Baker, Tabua Tuinakauvadra, Tayla Montgomery, Taylah Wallance and Ruby Smith.
NSWRL female pathways manager Kylie Hilder, who is also the NSW women's State of Origin coach, understands the importance of these camps and competitions for the development of the women's game.
"The nationals are a showcase to see our next generation for our talent coming through," Hilder said.
"NRL clubs will be up their scouting, looking at players for NRLW.
"Nationals has always been an open competition.
"It has been changed for the first time this year to under 19s.
"It is purely a pathway type competition so we can see our next crop of talent coming through
"It is a great opportunity for me to be up there having a look at the talent we do have.
"There is definitely some great young talent coming through and the future for NSW rugby league is looking really bright."