The talented pair has been selected to tour Singapore and Hong Kong as a part of NSW Country Schools Rugby Union development squad.

Leaving Australia on April 7,they will face some tough opposition when they take on teams like the Hong Kong under-20 Barbarians.

They currently play for the Singleton Bull under-18s and are completing their HSC at St Catherine’s College, so it will be a step up in class both physically and mentally for the boys.

What makes their selection even more memorable is the fact they were selected at the final NSW Country Schools Championships, held over the long weekend in June 2014, at The Armidale School (TAS).

The competition was set up in 1977 to address the lack of opportunity for regionally-based players to gain access to NSW schools’ representative teams.

But, over the years, these prospects have improved, with the Independent Schools Association (ISA), Combined High Schools (CHS), Combined Catholic Colleges (CCC) and more recently the Association of Independent Co-Educational Schools (AICES) all offering pathways for boys in regional schools.

So the 2015 tour signals the end of an era and both boys are “excited” at the prospect of playing international rugby and improving their games in the hope of pursuing further representative honours.

Interestingly, Malloy, a fullback, and Harris, an outside centre, both played soccer before switching codes.

And both attribute their sharp kicking skills to their early experience on the football pitch.

Although, Malloy is the one who utilises these talents the most in his role as fullback; whereas, outside centre Harris admits he does not get as many opportunities to do so.

The strapping young lads are looking forward to being billeted with host families and doing some sight-seeing but are under no illusion as to what the purpose of the trip is for.

They have attended several intense training camps at TAS and are required to complete a fitness test before each session.

Malloy says they were given a strength and conditioning program as well.

“This is an incredible opportunity,” he says.

Harris agrees and says he knows playing older, more experienced opposition sides is going to be a challenge.

“Tactically it is going to be harder but we will learn a lot,” he said.

Testament to the talent in the area, Jason Hovi, from Aberdeen, made the squad too.

He also plays with the boys in the Singleton under-18 side.

Along with Scone player Luke Porter, who played for the Bulls last season, but due to an injury can’t go on tour.

Hayden Shepherd, a former Bull who now attends TAS, was also an inclusion in the squad.