SPECTATORS at the inaugural Hunter Cup on Saturday might have caught a glimpse of the next NRL or NSW State of Origin star.
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The region’s best under-13, under-14 and under-15 players – from Groups 4, 19, 21, Newcastle and Maitland – converged on the Denman Recreation Area for the four-game round robin tournament.
And, boy, did they put on a show, with some dazzling skills on display.
Hosted by Hunter Valley Group 21 Junior Rugby League, in conjunction with NRL Development and the CRL, the event also gave youngsters from Aberdeen, Denman, Muswellbrook, Scone and Singleton a chance to test themselves in elite company.
“This new concept was added to the [rep] calendar due to the CRL Country Championships being pushed back to September and the cancellation of the Newcastle Knights Cup,” rep secretary Hayley Pennell said.
“We thought the boys needed a hit-out or two beforehand.
“So, 30 matches have been scheduled.”