THE value of the VB South Coast Group 7 Rugby League competition has again been highlighted as selectors chose their teams for next weekend's representative tourneys.
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Eight players from the local competition will make elite sides. Former Kiama Knights pair Brett and Josh Morris will line up for Australia in Friday night's Anzac Test against New Zealand; Brett on the wing and Josh beside him in the centres.
With Australian coach Tim Sheens sticking mainly with the squad that defeated New Zealand in the final of the World Cup late last year, Josh Morris earned his recall after an injury to Parramatta's Jarryd Hayne, who played in the centres in that final.
Four more players will make an appearance for Country Origin in Sunday's City v Country Origin match at Dubbo, with former Shellharbour City Sharks Trent Merrin and Adam Docker joined by Gerringong Lion's Tariq Sims and Kiama Knight's Mitch Rein, who will all be playing for spots in this month's first State of Origin match.
With Tariq Sims selected for Country, his two brothers, Ashton and Korbin, will turn out for Fiji in the Pacific Nations Cup clash against Samoa at Penrith on Saturday, which doubles as a qualifier for the end-of-season Four Nations championship. Ashton will captain the side.
South Coast Rugby League general manager Jim McAuliffe was delighted with the recognition.
"It's great to see so many players who have come through the local ranks progress to this high level - it is a great credit to our clubs too," he said