TOMAREE High School continues to prove a thriving nursery for sporting talent.

Renowned for its athletic prowess in various codes, the school can boast a distinguished honour roll of emerging representatives across the board.

Eight promising touch football students are in the Hunter Schools representative squads for the upcoming NSW Combined High Schools Touch Football Under 15s Championships.

Port Stephens will host this prestigious event from 27-28 March at the Tomaree Sports Complex fields.

Emerging touch football exponents Mia Gambril, Maddie Baxter, Maebel Colley, Cruiz Manning and Bowey Manning earned selection in the Hunter Girls squad after top performances at trials.

All are products of the Nelson Bay Neptunes, with wingers Gambril and Cruiz Manning, link Bowey Manning and middles Baxter and Colley tipped to make an impact during the championships.

The Hunter Girls squad will be coached by former Australian Emus legend Nicole Mitchell and Tomaree High’s outstanding junior middle Ali Mitchell.

Leading mentor Nicole told News Of The Area that the depth of touch football talent at Tomaree High was “exceptional.”

“To have eight students represent the region is a remarkable achievement and speaks volumes for the development programs established here at Nelson Bay,” she said.

“It highlights the exceptional skill and dedication of these young athletes.

“Tomaree High is proud to be part of the supportive Port Stephens sporting community, which plays a key role in helping young athletes develop their potential,” Nicole added.

Rising Tomaree middle players Zeke Hay, Hamish Baxter and Finn Jones will line up in the Hunter Boys representative squad after clever displays this season.

The trio have also cut their touch football teeth in the Nelson Bay Association and have caught the keen eye of judges with their vision, pace and ball skills at elite level.

By Chris KARAS