A host of talented players from the region have been touted as representative stars of the future after a series of identification camps around regional Australia.
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Tamworth's Trent Taylor and Tayla Styman, Armidale's Georgina Livermore, Jamiah Jarrett, Derek Simon, Edward Pitt, Peter Lovelock and Jordan Moran, Inverell's Lenikki Craigie and Jakob Haines, and Moree's Shai-Lee and Kiara Smith, and former Moree local Jarom Haines, have been selected in the 133-strong First Nations rugby sevens squad for a national talent camp later this month.
Beginning in Bathurst in March, thousands of First Nations people aged 14-25 travelled far and wide to put their best foot forward and prove they've got what it takes to play on the world stage.
In less than three weeks, 46 females and 87 males will take part in a special three-day camp in Sydney where their skills will be put to the test in front of a panel of coaches and experts.
Following the camp two First Nations Sevens squads of 30 will be chosen to compete around the country with a chance of being plucked for the 2020 Olympics.
Pitt is known in New England circles for his skills and footwork but is yet to take the field in the sevens format.
"It is pretty fun, I have never played sevens before but I am looking forward to giving it a crack this year," he said.
"It is another great opportunity, not just for myself but for other boys in the squad.
"Great opportunity for everyone to show their talent and get looked at."
Former Australian men's sevens assistant coach Jarred Hodges has led the project and said contacting the chosen talent was incredibly rewarding.
''The best part for me was phoning 133 individuals to let them know they made the cut. They were so overwhelmed with happiness...some cried, others were speechless, and a few put the phone on loudspeaker so their family could hear the news," he said.
''It's a lot to take in when you find out you've been given the opportunity to trial for Rugby Australia's First Nations Sevens sides.
"The selection panel included current and former First Nations stars including Glen Ella and Andrew Walker and together we looked at not just their physical skills such as speed, aerobic fitness and passing skills but also their ability to make quick decisions under pressure and working together as a team."
