There's a bittersweet feeling for Singleton teenager Cooper Maytom.
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The prominent junior rugby league talent will join some of the region's finest rising stars heading south of the border to Melbourne to battle the Victorian Thunderbolts this weekend (see full story).
Mayton, who has never been to Victoria, will also take part in a tour of the AAMI Park facilities while sticking around town for NRL clash between Melbourne and Newcastle on Saturday.
You couldn't have picked a better weekend for the Queensland-born five eighth considering he has spent four years in the Knights' system.
Sadly, he will be watching from the sidelines.
"I've been playing with a broken hand for a while and the doctor said that I had a bit of fluid stuck," Mayton revealed to the Singleton Argus.
"So I got a second opinion and a surgeon rung me up a couple of weeks ago and said don't play anymore games."
He added with a forced smile, "I wanted to play this weekend but I'll be helping out Tomas Hagan with the coaching instead."
While Mayton would be a shoe-in for this weekend's line-up on the field the 16-year-old admits he's still honoured to join the group.
"My aim is to pursue my football career and hopefully get down the track to where future NRL players are.
"At the start of the year I had a trial in Muswellbrook and I did well.
"Then a few days later I received the news via text that I'd be in the squad for Melbourne and we're now we're off for this weekend.
Jerrys Plains teenager Daltyn McCartney, who now represents the Denman Devils as well as the Singleton Roosters, will also be in the squad which embarks on Friday.
Both Mayton and McCartney may be considered by Singleton Greyhounds' officials for first grade experience in the next two years.
"If I was to get a call-up to the Greyhounds I would be nervous but I'd also take the opportunity at the same time," he added.