Bathurst Panthers under 18s to enter a new era

The leading clubs have merged to form the new Peter McDonald Premiership and while there's been plenty of focus on the first grade teams, the under 18s will also contest the competition.

While there's always challenges when starting a new competition, returning Bathurst Panthers under 18s coach Mick Carter said the new concept is both interesting and exciting.

"Some of the challenges will be travel and whether our young 18s players want to get in the car to travel to Dubbo and those other places," he said.

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"In saying that, the current draw that's out, we only have two trips to Dubbo, so it should be good. I think it's a great test for all the younger players to play the best players in Group 11.

"It should certainly be interesting and exciting for them."

The likes of Thomas Lemmich, Tallis Tobin, Jackson Carter and Jesse Limon are all rising stars at the clubs and have been playing together for years.

Carter believes keeping the same players together has been key to Panthers' success and believes the Bathurst club can enjoy more success heading into the new era.

"There's a fair few in that squad that have been in a lot of grand finals in their junior careers, winning under 16s undefeated," he said.

"I'd set the target pretty high to win it. I think they've got the ability and talent.

"They're like our first grade side, having played together for a long time and are all mates and get on well.

Before the Group 10 season was cancelled, Panthers were in second place, six points behind run away leaders Orange CYMS.

Panthers start their season against Dubbo Macquarie at Apex Oval on the weekend of April 2-3.

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