RIVERINA FOOTBALL LEAGUE
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TWO future stars have been given the opportunity to make their senior debut for Wagga Tigers on the big stage at Robertson Oval today.
Talented teenagers Jackson Kelly and Brady Morton have been named in a new-look Wagga Tigers team that will open its season with the special Anzac Day fixture against Collingullie-Ashmont-Kapooka.
The season start has been a long time coming for Tigers, who enjoyed a club bye in round one, followed by the Easter weekend general bye.
Kelly, 17, and Morton 17, have put in huge pre-seasons at Tigers and have been rewarded with the chance to debut in front of a big crowd today.
Wagga Tigers coach Matt Rava said both selections were exciting, yet well deserved.
"Both have been really impressive," Rava said.
"Young Morto is only 17 this year and missed out on training with the Rams and that so we've had him and he's been at the front of all our running and blitzed it in the trial games.
"Jacko Kelly played the trial against Corowa and was near best for us.
"They've been really impressive through all the training and they've been rewarded with a game.
"Everyone was buzzing after training about the young kids playing their first game and it gives a bit of extra incentive to the older guys to get around them and look after them."
Both young men come from strong Tigers families.
Jackson is the son of Paul and Lyndelle Kelly, while Brady is the son of Jason and Cathie Morton.
Kelly, a year 12 student at Kildare Catholic College, cannot wait for the big moment.
"I'm really keen," Kelly said.
"I had a pretty big pre-season and was hoping to play firsts so I was glad when I got picked.
"I'm excited and nervous.
"It's a pretty big game with a big crowd."
Morton, a year 11 student at Mater Dei Catholic College, is looking forward to the experience.
"I'm feeling pretty good now but I expect the nerves to come (today) with a fair bit of hype around the game," Morton said.
"I'm expecting it to be fast.
"The first five minutes will be quick then hopefully it settles into a good skilled game."
Ben Davis, James Hodges, James Parmenter, Jamie Wolf, Mitch Hawker, Jack Collins and Dave Rava are all among the new and returning faces that will be a part of Tigers' team today.