Group 3 rugby league covers an area from Kempsey in the north to Forster in the south.

Chloe has been selected in the Under 17s Girls academy, while Zeke earnt his spot in the Under 14s Boys.

“At the beginning of the junior rugby league season all club players in the Group 3 area are asked to complete an EOI to register their interest in being part of the academy,” said Jon Jess, Group 3 JRL Academy coordinator.

“The academy then runs training sessions for four weeks at Harrington, where interested players have the opportunity to develop and strengthen their rugby league skills.

“After this period a squad of 20 players will be selected, with a minimum of one representative player from each of the eleven registered clubs in the Group 3 area.”

While the above is the standard pathway for academy selection, Chloe’s journey was slightly different.

Jon Jess identified her talent at a club match between Chloe’s team and the Taree Red Rovers, the team Jess coaches.

Chloe told NOTA she is “extremely happy” about her selection in the academy and is “looking forward” to playing in the representative competition games.

Zeke gave a special mention to his family, thanking them for always getting him to his training and games at Harrington each Sunday.

Jarryd ‘Kiwi’ Gaskin, President of the Camden Haven Eagles Junior Rugby League Club, said the pair’s selection at representative level was a “massive achievement for the club.”

“It is a great opportunity for them both.

“Apart from the training and representative games coming up, you can see their confidence growing.”

“At a club level the younger players and their teammates look up to them, making them great role models,” Kiwi told NOTA.

“Their selection also showcases the opportunities available to all players, especially the pathways being open to female rugby league players and hopefully this will attract even more girls to the club next year,” Kiwi told NOTA.

Zeke’s representative team took on the South Sydney Academy on Sunday in Tuncurry.

Chloe will showcase her talent and flair when she takes the field against the Western League Academy this weekend.

By Kim AMBROSE