Talented Eagles back Charlie Clifton grew up in Bathurst, played his first game for the Burrs when he was six, and has since gone on to play for Easts in the Shute Shield competition.

He has also played sevens rugby with the Australian Thunderbolts and spent time in an Australian Barbarians jumper.

Playing in the National Rugby Championship for the first time this season is another indication of Clifton’s talent.

Clifton admits he has had to adjust to his new role given the standard of rugby is higher than what he faces while playing for Easts. But it is a challenge he has embraced and risen to meet.

“It is definitely a lot higher standard than the Shute Shield, so it’s been pretty tough. It’s pretty fast, so it has been a huge step up really,” he said.

“I feel like I’ve been playing reasonably well.

“Being the home town boy this weekend, I want to make sure I have a good game and try and show everyone what I have been doing and working hard for up in Sydney. That would be really special if I could have a good game and put a good show on for the crowd.

“I am pretty excited for it. I have a few mates coming down from Sydney. It’s also nice for Mum and Dad; they travel up to see me all the time, so it’s nice that they can just walk down the road and come and watch.”

Clifton has played in every game for the Eagles thus far, in the main lining up on the wing, while also spending time at outside centre.

He does not prefer one role over the other.

“I don’t really mind where I play. Our team is pretty good and we have got a talented back line, so the ball gets out wide a bit,” he said.

“Wherever you are you seem to fit in pretty well with this team.”

The back line includes a number of players with Super Rugby experience: Jono Lance has played with the Western Force, while fullback Andrew Kellaway and Dave Horwitz are members of the NSW Waratahs squad.

Their experience will be vital today as the Eagles must win and hope for a bonus point as well in order to qualify for the finals.

Clifton feels they are up to the task.

“Our defence has probably been one of the better ones in the comp. We’ve just got to try and keep the Rays to a minimal amount of tries and I guess get up their end and get a couple more tries to what we’ve normally got,” he said.

“We have definitely got the firepower to do that, we have just got to execute.

“That’s the beauty of it for the crowd. It is going to be an entertaining game. It will be a tough challenge for us, but we are definitely up for it and we are pretty confident that we can get through to the semis.”

The other factor Clifton hopes will weigh in favour of his team is a big crowd of supporters at Ashwood Park.

“I think it is free entry for anyone under 18, so we are hoping to get some of them and their parents down there to watch,” he said.

“I am sure the Doggies [Bathurst Bulldogs] and CSU boys will come along too – hopefully they can help us out with a big crowd.”

Today’s match between the Eagles and the Rays will kick off at 4pm.