Group president Dean Lynch has been named as the manager for the NSW Country Origin squad, which has been described as a “huge boon” to rugby league in the local area. 

Lynch is not the only one making waves either, Bega Rooster Gary Lonesborough was recently announced as joint Bega Valley Young Citizen of the Year. 

Meanwhile, two other young players have been signed by NRL clubs and are looking to expand their chances at playing in the top grade. 

Tathra Sea Eagles Minor Rugby League player Jackson Collins, 16, has been picked up by the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

Collins will form part of the club’s under 16s development team. 

Meanwhile, Bega Rooster Adam Lucas is signing on with the Canberra Raiders.

Lucas, 17, said he wanted to make an impression with the club and was hoping to fill an empty slot in its under 20s development team.  

Lucas, 17, said there was a vacancy in the hooker role and is aiming to stamp his mark on the club to fill the spot. 

In other Group16 news, the Candelo-Bemboka Panthers would be hosting the local 9s tournament. 

Bega Roosters president Garry Arkin said it was a move to commemorate the return of the club. 

Moruya has been awarded the honour of hosting the Allstar v Indigenous exhibition match which will take place early in the  rugby league season this year. 

“Moruya will host that and it will be in mid to late April,” Arkin said. 

The Tathra Sea Eagles have nominated a ladies league tag squad for the 2014 season. 

Arkin said the move meant eight of nine clubs would be represented in the women’s division. 

Arkin said the only negative news to come to light at a meeting on Wednesday is Merimbula-Pambula’s withdrawal from the first division competition. 

Currently the Bulldogs are short of numbers to field a team, but the club might be able to post a squad yet. 

The draw will be finalised in 21 days and Arkin said he couldn’t see a reason why the Bulldogs wouldn’t be allowed to rejoin if they could muster the numbers in time.