The 17-year-old was planning to play for Penrith in the SG Ball this season before coronavirus shutdown the competition.

Now he's looking to make the most of a dream debut for his hometown club.

"I've been training with first grade since the start of the year and it is good to get in there now as I'm going up to Penrith next year and can't come back to Gundagai," Hay said.

"I was very surprised and didn't think I would get the call up this year because of COVID and it being such a short season."

Hay has been named on the bench for Gundagai's big clash against Young at Alfred Oval on Sunday.

The schoolboy has to get through the Weissel Cup game first but admitted there's already a few nerves.

"I'm a bit nervous but very overwhelmed and happy Skip (coach Adam Perry) has given me the chance to play with all the older boys," Hay said.

"I've always looked up to the older boys and since I was young I've wanted to play first grade for the Tigers."

Gundagai have a plethora of talent in their back line this season and Hay is expected to be used for his utility value off the bench.

The son of Tigers secretary Martin Hay, the young playmaker is hoping to be given a chance to play alongside his older brother Derek in the halves.

After stints in Canberra and Newcastle, which finished with a badly broken ankle last year, the older Hay was at halfback during the 16-all draw with Tumut to start the season last week.

His presence in the side just adds to the occasion.

"He's one of my role models and I've also looked up to Dez," Hay said.

"Hopefully I'm six and he's seven when I get out there as it would be good to play alongside him."

Hay is expecting a big challenge from Young.

The Cherrypickers were one of the biggest movers this off-season and started their campaign with a come-from-behind win over Junee last week.

With the likes of Thomas Jenkins and Nic Hall in the centres he won't be the only young gun looking to shine.

Their clash with the experienced Dane O'Hehir and Damian Willis is one of the more intriguing match ups.

Young coach Nick Hall is confident both are up for the challenge.

"I just want simple stuff from them, like the rest of the side," Hall said.

"They've definitely got a big job to do but I was happy with them last week defensively and I'm more concerned with defence.

"If they can do their assignment defensively the offensive stuff will happen as they are good attackers and can play instinctively."

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