The Leeton under 18 Boys Touch team that competed at the 2013 Junior State Cup are a credit to themselves and their community according to coach Jackson Goman.

"Whilst we were unable to get a victory on the board, the boys played gallantly and improved with each game throughout the competition"

"It was always going to be a huge ask to compete in this division and against the larger metropolitan teams"

"We have 5 out of the 11 players who would qualify for under 16s and and the remaining 6 players are bottom age for 18s."

The event took place at Port Macquarie with around 285 teams competing in divisions of under 10s, 12s, 14s, 16s and 18s boys and girls. The Leeton team was capatined strongly by its leadership group of Scott Troldahl, Tereapii Nikoro and Matt Wilson. Matt also took out the coveted peer award of players players.

The Leeton team played against Berkley Vale, Port Macquarie, Wests, Easts and Newscastle City.

Coach Goman believes that all of the players stepped up and would have taken a lot away from the experience.

"Luke Wilson, the youngest member of the team, played a tough game in the middle with the rest of the leadership group. Links Josef Wilson, James Fisher, Josh Nikoro and Kurt Bandy demonstrated great skill and vision and the wingers Shane Williams, Josh Fisher and Bailey Wallace saved a number of touch downs through their brilliant defence."

"It is great to see these boys take the opportunity to play at such a high level and really promote a positive image of our town and community"

"These boys all bring something back to the local competition; whether it be knowledge of the game and rules, greater skill level in the senior division or assisting in coaching roles in the junior division, the experience really adds to the local touch scene"