Cowboys emerging players named for under 18s side

RUGBY LEAGUE: Cowboys under 18s players will don the Toowoomba Rugby League jersey for the first time on Saturday, when they take to the field against the South West Emus in the All Stars clash.

It’s the first time the club has been strongly represented in the under 18s squad, with Tyrelle Ross, Matt Henry, Nicholas Newley and Riley Byrne all named to play in the clash.

Warwick Cowboys under 18s head coach Ross Thorn wasn’t surprised with the number of players selected in the team, given the calibre of athletes coming through the club.

“It’s pretty good considering we usually wouldn’t get many at all, so four is a great number,” he said.

“It’s usually a very competitive game at that level, and I imagine that it’ll be a fast-paced game.

“As a club, we’ve got a really good squad; very fit, strong capable boys.”

Versatile outside back Nick Newley was shocked to learn of his selection, having played the game since he was six.

“I was pretty happy, it wasn’t really something I expected, although I’m definitely looking forward to the game,” Newley said.

“I’m playing on the wing for the game on Saturday but usually I’m just a wing/centre or in the second row, somewhere around there.”

Comforted by the prospect of taking to the field with fellow Cowboys teammates, the competitive and skilled group of players is one Newley is glad to be around.

“It’s good to have a few players that I know around me,” he said.

“I don’t know too many of the other players, there’s a couple of names I’ve heard before but not that many overall.”

With another long season ahead, Thorn knows the four players will represent the club proudly.

“It’s definitely a good thing for the club, and hopefully our team as well,” Thorn said.

“I don’t know how many home games we’ve got this year, but we’re definitely looking at another big season with these under 18s in 2020.”