The match, to be played at Newcastle's No.1 Sportsground, will be the curtain-raiser to Black Diamond's clash against a Sydney Development Squad in the seniors.
Hopefully, the weather is better for the clash, with severe floods washing out the corresponding clash that was meant to be played during the long weekend last year.
The North Coast was sought as an opponent after the ACT pulled out of their representative commitment to play the Under 18s match.
League president, Jim Woodlock believes the local North Coast squad will acquit themselves very well against their more fancied opponents which formed the bulk of the Northern Heat Under 18 Squad in January's State Trials.
"We have a very strong Under 18 competition featuring players that have experience at a senior and representative level," he said. "The side will perform very well and are a good chance of winning the match."
It promises to be an exciting match and there is a lot on the line for the youngsters. The side, coached by Peter Chadwick, will be watched by senior selectors for selection in the Senior squad to take part in the Regional Championships in Wagga over the June long weekend. The North Coast are notorious for picking younger players and this strategy has been successful in recent years with young players like Jesse Schmidt and Tristan McCormack among those to improve in previous representative features.
Last Modified on 18/02/2008 23:02