BATHURST Panthers are already enjoying a promising under 13s season but it just got even better with the selection of three players in the age group’s Group 10 representative team.
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Ronan Hunt-Cameron, Blake Pawyer and Shannon Hastings’ efforts this year for Panthers didn’t go unnoticed as they all booked a place in the squad.
The three players each bring a diverse skill set to the team and can play in a variety of positions.
Hunt-Cameron has been a standout five-eighth across Group 10 for his age group, Hastings has been a workhorse at lock while Pawyer’s speed lends himself well to a role at fullback.
All three play key leadership roles for their own club side and are expected to bring plenty of flair to the next level.
The Group 10 squad are off to Griffith this weekend for the Country Championships.
Panthers under 13s coach Shane Hastings said it wasn’t too surprising to see the talented trio, all aged 13, make the representative level given they’ve had a taste of it before.
“It’s awesome. We had six boys that went to tryouts. They all made the group of 30 boys which was cut down to 20,” he said.
“They went to Erskinville to play five games there and from that the three boys made it into the team again. They were a part of the Group 10 under 12s team last year.”
The Central West boys will have just four matches at Griffith – two on Saturday and two on Sunday – to see where they stack up against the rest of the state’s country talent.
Hastings said the three boys’ efforts both on and off the field have played a big role in their selection.
“We made the grand final last year, they’re a great group of boys who stick together and play hard,” he said.
“They really put the effort in at training. We start our training early before the club starts and the boys just continue off the back of that.”
Group 10 representative team coach Peter Morris spoke highly of the Bathurst boys.
“Ronan may start in the centres because it gives him that extra room to move. He’s very clever with the ball,” he said.
“Shannon’s really improved with his footy. He’s one of a couple of big boys we’ve got in the team. It’s great having big players like that but he’s also really mobile.
“Blake will be on the wing for the side. He’s got a lot of enthusiasm and will always be talking and encouraging his team mates during the game. He’s one of those kids who really lifts the squad.”
Morris and his team start their campaign against rivals Group 11.
The team also has matches against Group 20 plus Group 9 North and South.