Henty half forward Andrew Yates, Wagga Tigers ruck rovers Jake Gaynor and Brendan Myers, East Wagga-Kooringal back flanker Luke Cuthbert and Leeton midfield player Tyh Evans jet-setted to the Gold Coast on Friday.

At the age of 16 all five boys have fine-tuned themselves to mirror the best in the business; they’re lean, fit and strong, and most importantly they exude confidence, they have that glint in their eyes that says, I can and will succeed.

You would be hard-pressed to meet a friendlier bunch of young men, however, on ground it’s a different story. To make the state team, each player demonstrated finesse, focus, fierce loyal to their teammates and willingness to put their body on the line for a turnover, tackle or contested mark.

Yates owes much of his success to the mentors on his team in Henty.

“I’ve been given the opportunity with seniors and we get around the older fellas; learn their ways,” he said.

Cuthbert sees the opportunity as a litmus test.

“It’s a big step into the future, to see where I’m at against the other states,” he said.

“I’d love to do it professionally, that’s my dream and it always has been.”

A common ambition.

“I’d love to play [professionally] for any club it wouldn’t bother me, as long as I’m playing,” Myers said.

Gaynor is particularly eager to prove himself this week.

“I’m not as tall as these other boys but I’ll see if I can have a good crack at it,” he said.

Coming from Leeton, Evans has gone the extra mile to train with the NSW side.

“I’ve travelled at least an hour each week for training runs, but it’s worth it,” Evans said.

The boys play on Sunday, Wednesday and Saturday July 11.