SOME of the Gunnedah region's brightest junior rugby league stars have shone at the annual PCYC Nations of Origin tournament.
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Featuring players from Gunnedah, Quirindi and Caroona, the under-16 boys team went on to win the coveted plate competition.
Based with the Gunnedah PCYC, the team known as the Kamilaroi South Goannas entered an under-16 boys and girls rugby league team in the annual competition.
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While the girls may not have come home with the silverware, teams co-ordinator Senior Constable Trevor Roberts said both teams could "hold their heads high".
"All the kids were just sensational," Roberts said.
"There was a cup final and plate final and our under-16 boys team were good enough to win the plate final.
"I think there was a really good feeling among all of the kids and I think the older kids were really good leaders and mentors for the younger kids,
"Luckily, about five kids from this year's squad will be eligible to go again next year and pass on their knowledge to the next batch of kids."
Senior Constable Roberts said extending the team's selection beyond Gunnedah was key to the success of both teams.
"I think the kids in those smaller places such as Werris Creek, Quirindi and Caroona sometimes miss out on stuff like this," he said.
"Having those guys along really added to the fun dynamic we had in both teams and hopefully will encourage more kids in those areas to get involved in the future.
"Who knows, those smaller places may want to enter their own teams in the future, or at the very least make the selection process harder for us."
The annual tournament is run as a part of the PCYC's annual NAIDOC Week celebrations, and offers a variety of sports including, soccer, boxing and netball.
"There's certainly scope for us to grow in terms of more teams and more sports," Roberts said.
"Hopefully, next year will be even bigger for us again."
Senior Constable Roberts said the tip would not have been possible without the support of many local organisations.
"Organisations such as; GoCo, Centrecare, Gunnedah Coles, Oxley Transport, Fiona's Minibuses make these sorts of things possible," he said.
"The other big influcence for us was Senior Constable Sarah Hobson, who was massive in helping us put together the teams and making us so successful.
"Everyone was very helpful and it is very much appreciated."
The Gunnedah PCYC will now look to continue running their regular Fit for Life and Fit for Change programs.
"They are happening every week, so if anyone is interested feel free to come and see us at the PCYC," Roberts said.