Walker's under 18 team boasts players from six schools across the region which spans across an area from Coonabarabran, Walgett, Tenterfield and down to Tamworth.

"We go away to the state championships the first week after Anzac day and we just wanted to get a trial match in because it is impossible for us to train together because of the distance," Walker said.

"TAS have been kind enough to have a trial match at TAS this Friday.

"We generally take them to state championships without a game or without a training session and you can imagine it always takes a game or two to get going.

"By that time, you might be out of the main draw because you have lost your first game."

Walker's side aim to conquer that first-up gelling period with the encounter against the TAS team on Friday night at Doody Park.

At the end of the day, neither of us {TAS or North West] are bothered with what the score is," he said.

"We have got apples and oranges happening here really.

"They are going to be a very well-drilled team.

"They play together a lot.

"I have got boys from seven different high schools with some very good footballers among them.

"It is really good TAS are doing this but it also gives TAS a chance to run out against a quality opposition as well."

Moree Secondary College has two players, McIntyre High School has one, Inverell has four, Warialda two Narrabri two while Farrer makes up the rest of the squad of 20.

Although the variety of schools represented means a tougher preparation heading into the championships, Walker was still pleased to see players from all over putting their hands up to play.

"I am not knocking Farrer but four years ago it was pretty much a Farrer team," he said.

"But since I got the job, myself and the other teachers have been trying to take it to other areas.

"This year we had the trials away from Farrer [in Inverell] from the first time in living memory and we had 53 trial in the under 18s.

"Warialda have never had boys in the North West Rugby team."

The hit out will be at Doody Park this Friday from 6.30pm.

The championships are set down for Coffs Harbour on April 27 and 28 with North West drawing Riverina and Central Coast in their pool.

SEE ALSO:

Team:

1. Jeff Annis-Brown - Moree Secondary College

2. Henry Johns - Farrer MAHS

3. Lachlan Dietrich - Farrer MAHS

4. Western Mitchell - Warialda High School

5. Logan Mcilwain - McIntyre High School

6. Barnaby Mount - Farrer MAHS

7. Dusty Hagan -Farrer MAHS

8. Benjamin Tamati-Wineti - Inverell High School

9. Byron Lees - Farrer MAHS

10. Charlie Henderson - Farrer MAHS

11. Edward Montgomery - Moree Secondary College

12. Beudeen Reid - Inverell High School

13. Charlie Kennedy - Farrer MAHS

14. Austin Schneider - Inverell High School

15. Sidney Harvey - Narrabri High School

16. Cody Picker - Moree Secondary College

17. Harry Mamone - Farrer MAHS

18. Mitchell Wilson - Farrer MAHS

19. Bernard O'Connor - Narrabri High School

20. Will Apthorpe - Inverell High School

Coach: Jason Walker

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