Josh Cale is looking for the region’s best players to embrace the challenge of taking on South Sydney in the new year.
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A trial between the Rabbitohs and a Riverina outfit has been set up at Albury Sportsground on February 16.
While coach Wayne Bennett has already admitted his new club will be far from full strength, coach Cale believes it is a great chance for Riverina’s talent to put themselves in the spotlight.
“It’s pretty exciting for a lot of players around the group,” Cale said.
“We’ve got some good players in the Riverina that will hopefully put their hand up and have a bit of fun out there.
“It will be a great experience for them and I’m sure the South Sydney boys too to come out to Albury and have a game.”
It is also a rare chance for senior representative rugby league.
The Country Championships were changed to an under 23s format, in which Cale coached both the Riverina and Country side, two seasons ago and with the Group Nine All Stars concept falling by the wayside as well, this trial is set to be the only chance for open age talent to play in a representative team.
It will also be a unique experience.
“It is something out of left field but I think it is great,” Cale said.
“It is something the guys who will play in it will never forget and they will be able to talk about it.
“Just about every person who plays the game would love to play in Sydney so this is a good chance to come up against a quality team.”
Cale hasn’t had much response since the fixture was announced last week but has spent all of that time away on holidays.
He expects plenty will be interested in having a crack at a NRL team.
“I’m sure there will be a good response from players around the group,” Cale said.
The trial with the Rabbitohs will be a first of a busy pre-season in the Riverina.
The West Wyalong Knockout will be held the following weekend.
Group Nine have also introduced a nines pre-season event to be played in Cootamundra on March 16.
Riverina’s under 23s start their Country Championship campaign on March 9 and this year have been guaranteed a second game, also on March 16, before potentially a semi-final on March 30.
The final will be played on April 6, which is the same weekend the Group Nine season starts.
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