The emergence of young talent has been a highlight of a New England women's 7s competition which has gone from strength-to-strength this season.
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Girls who are still in their final years of high school have stepped up to the open competition and shone.
This year, to honour that talent, the Zone introduced a new award named after one of the region's top female rugby players in Glen's Alana Thomas.
The inaugural Alana Thomas Player of Most Promise award was presented to Barbets' youngster Tori Brazier and the Blues' Anastasia Martin at the conclusions of the grand finals on Saturday.
Thomas grew up in the northern town playing all sports before she followed her passion for rugby which saw her represent Australia on-the-field before she took up coaching where she is the current head coach of the Melbourne Rebels Super W team.
Her affection for her hometown and country NSW saw her pay close attention to the New England women's 7s tournament this year.
Brazier set the field alight in the opening round of the competition where she was the Barbets' only try-scorer, with three, against eventual premiers the Pirates.
After the match she began working with Thomas via video technology and she blossomed.
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The 17-year-old finished as the second-highest pointscorer in the 7s competition, only behind former Super W player Claudia Neilsen, and her highlights reel only grew as the season went on.
"Some of the highlights for this year was making it to the finals, and having the opportunity to get to talk with Alana Thomas," Brazier said.
"Alana Thomas got into contact with me after our first game against the Tamworth Pirates. Since then she has helped develop my game immensely.
"She has been coaching me through every game giving me many tips and breaking down the game.
"This has allowed me to perform at my best each week and always allowing me to improve."
The Guyra local admitted she was pretty chuffed to receive the award named after her mentor.
"I was honestly so surprised when I heard that I was awarded the Alana Thomas Player with the Most Potential award," Brazier said.
"It really means a lot to me - there were a lot of great players within the competition - so I'm honoured to be able to share this award with Anastasia."
Joint winner, Armidale Blues speedster, Anastasia Martin was just as thrilled.
The 16-year-old received an exemption to play this year, due to her age, and was scintillating with her blistering pace and try-scoring abilities.
"The highlight of my year was probably the potential player award and being recognised by people like Alana Thomas," she said.
"I was not expecting to win this award at all and it was pretty exciting to know I'd been recognised by someone like Alana. Tori and I are two of the youngest in the comp and I think that's crazy that we're being noticed."
Although initially nervous about the step up to playing in the open's competition, Martin was glad to have made the transition.
She said it's helped her game immensely, particularly the skill and structure side of it.
"I've only ever played with my age group and the open competition was a lot more competitive and intense," she said.
"I think I'm a lot more confident playing especially against girls double my age. Initially I was nervous every time I stepped on the field but now I am so keen before every game to just get in and have a go."
"I loved playing with the team and think I've made some solid friendships through the game."
As for what the future holds, the pair won't be stopping anytime soon.
"Alana's story of coming from a small town like Glen Innes and making it to represent Australia kind of inspired me a lot, coming from a small town," Martin said.
"Competing at a state or national level is the dream. I just want to see how far I can go with rugby and not waste any potential."
Brazier is hopeful they'll pull on the green and gold together.
"Football has been a huge part of my life for a very long time," she said.
"My goal is to eventually play rugby 7s for the Australian team. Right now I'm just looking at some different pathways and opportunities now that I have finished school."