The Quirindi Lions will get a unique opportunity to experience a professional rugby set-up first hand.
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Twenty of the Lions' senior players will wing their way down to Melbourne on Wednesday for what promises to be a once in a lifetime trip. Not only will they have the chance to watch the Melbourne Rebels train and take on the Waratahs, but meet, and learn from, some of the country's best rugby talent.
"It's going to be a good trip," trip coordinator Jake Murray said.
"We're all pretty excited."
The trip has been facilitated by local Quirindi business North West Farm Machinery, and Massey Ferguson, in conjunction with parent company AGCO.
Wanting to promote the company in the area, ACGO approached Roger Moylan, who is the dealer principal of North West Farm Machinery, about nominating a club to offer the opportunity to.
He put forward the Lions.
"I thought it would be a great opportunity because of the amount of young fellas who participate in rugby union in Quirindi.
"It's a once in a lifetime opportunity for them to go down there," Moylan said.
Moylan also sponsors the Lions and has organised special shirts for the touring party for the trip.
The players will be special guests at the Rebels captain run on Thursday. Following the training session they will be addressed by coach Dave Wessels and have the opportunity to tour the stadium and facilities and mingle with the players.
On Friday they will be shown around Massey Ferguson's main import shed before watching the Rebels and the Waratahs do battle in what is a crucial clash for both sides. They currently sit second and third in the Australian conference, with the Rebels one point off the table-topping Brumbies.
Murray said the players have been counting down the days since they learnt about the trip in February.
"It's quite special that we've selected as a club to go and visit them," he said.
He said it will be great to get an insight into how the players prepare for the game, and just watch a Super Rugby game live.
"Because we always seem to be playing footy on Saturday, it's hard to get to Sydney or Brisbane for a game," Murray said.
And while a five-eighth by trade, he said one player he was looking forward to catching up with is Rebels young gun Jack Maddocks.
"I actually played a bit of footy with his brother (in Sydney)," he said.
Due to play Narrabri on Saturday, it will be an early start for the touring party to get back in time for their round 8 clash.
They are catching the 6am flight out of Melbourne before making their way out to Narrabri. The game will be played under lights with the first grade fixture kicking off at 7pm.
