Darcy Leadbitter will run on with NSW Country Under 18s in this weekend's much anticipated City Country contest.
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And Dan Barclay, who's been working with the young Forbes talent on the Rams 18s squad since last November, says his selection is well deserved.
Leadbitter, who you'll often see at fullback in his Magpies colours, played on the right wing for the Rams in this year's Laurie Daley Cup campaign.
"He played exceptionally this season," Barclay testified.
"He was a stand-out. In our game against Monaro, he saved the game and scored two tries.
"He's a very powerful runner, a really strong returner of the ball and a good finisher."
Leadbitter's also got a level head on his shoulders and a high work ethic, so the development coach couldn't be happier for him, along with fellow Red Bend student Malakai Folau who's in the 16s, on Country selection.
"It's a great opportunity and good recognition for all the hard work they've put in," Barclay said.
That includes the legendary summer camp at Warren with its 4am starts, as well as regular club and representative commitments.
The young Rams do a lot of early training across three sites, Barclay is an assistant coach from Grenfell who works with the young Rams from our region at Red Bend while others train at Dubbo and Bathurst.
"It's really year-round training for them and a lot of travel for families," he said.
But it's paying dividends as Leadbitter's selection for Country v City shows.
"The program that Kurt Hancock (Rams 18s) and Tony Woolnough (Rams 16s) have put together is really nurturing talent," Barclay said, adding that the partnership with Penrith Panthers is also opening pathways.
Unfortunately first grade player Mitch Andrews has had to bow out of contention for the Country Opens this weekend.
The Magpies' fullback was selected to wear the number one for the Country side after playing for Western Rams earlier this year.
Unfortunately he sustained a hamstring injury in the final five minutes of Sunday's club game against Nyngan Tigers, and said he touched base with Country coordinators first thing Monday to flag his unavailability.
The Magpies have the bye after this weekend's meeting with Dubbo CYMS so Andrews' plan is now to rest - around work commitments - and be back on board for the Magpies on the other side of that.
This weekend: The Under 16s match will kick-off the Country vs City triple-header beginning at 11am followed by the Under 18s and the Open Age Women's matches while the Open Age Men's game will be played on Sunday at Collegians Sporting Complex.