Two teenagers were among the best

When Woy Woy first grade challenged for successive premierships last season two teenagers, playing their first season of Rugby Union, were among the club's best performers.

Centre Wade Hannell was 19 years old and his good mate Rhys Sherrif, loose head prop, was 18.

Both came from Rugby League backgrounds and began the season in Colts but were soon regular first graders -- an outstanding effort.

Rhys was chosen in NSW under-18s for a short tour of South Africa which took place later that year.

The tourists won three of their four matches in Praetoria and Capetown.

The atmosphere at these games was unlike anything Rhys had experienced in his very brief Rugby Union career.

He was hooked.

Their talent did not go unnoticed in the local 2015 Grand Final and both were invited to attend special training camps and a chance to represent NSW Country Colts.

Their final camp took place on February 6 and 7, featured games against Waratah Gen Juniors and Waratah Colts at the NSW Academy.

The boys returned from the weekend waiting for the Country Colts team to be announced for the Southern States Championship in Adelaide from February 18 to 22.

A Barbarians' team, made of players from Southern States and Country, will then be chosen to contest the NSW Under 20 championships.

Both have caught the eyes of Sydney club scouts and are being wooed to play Colts in Sydney after the state championships.

They naturally have serious ambitions in the game but Woy Woy and Country officials are hoping they choose a path to the top via Country Rugby representation rather than going to Sydney.

Having coached several Sydney clubs, Woy Woy Rugby Union Club patron Peter Fenton said he was aware of the lure of the "Big Smoke".

"It is exciting to young blokes but also it can be difficult for lads who leave their environment too early," Mr Fenton said.

"Time is on their side.

"After all, they are only 18 and 19.

"I will advise them to stay if only even for another season or two.

"It will be a tremendous boost to the district and to Country Rugby.

"It will also give them time to make an unhurried decision after assessing their chances in an environment where they know they will be key players in a very close-knit team -- something every young player needs.

"They also have unfinished business here.

"They deserve a premiership," he said.

Submission, 1 Feb 2016

Peter Fenton, Woy Woy Rugby Union