WESTERN can cement its position as the premier region in NSW country this weekend, but it will take a little bit more work to make it happen.

The Rams under-16 and under-18 squads have been in training since November of last year following selection trials in October, with the program setting a platform that has seen both sides progress to their respective finals unbeaten.

Both were impressive in their semi-finals in Dubbo last Saturday, the 18s winning 48-4 over Greater Northern Tigers while the 16s enjoyed a 28-8 victory over East Coast Dolphins.

“The teams have really reaped the rewards of the work they’ve put in,” Country Rugby League Western regional manager Peter Clarke said.

“There’s a lot of effort that goes with putting together one team of players that come from places like Coonabarabran, Cowra, Bathurst and Nyngan, let alone two.

“We changed our preparation this year, and I think the fact that we’ve had the results we have so far might make other regions follow suit.

“I hope that is the case because even though I’m biased and want Western to do well, the idea with these junior rep teams is to try and bolster rugby league at this level all over NSW because that ultimately filters through to the senior grades later on.”

Both finals will be played as curtain raisers to the City-Country Origin at Tamworth’s Scully Park on Sunday.

As well as playing in front of a large crowd and some of their NRL idols, players from the two Western squads, the under-16 Greater Northern Tigers and under-18 Bidgee Bulls will all get a chance to press for higher honours.

“The longer you keep winning in these tournaments the more chances you get to put your name forward to Country selectors, and the boys from both our squads have done that,” Clarke said.

“Winning a final puts you right in the frame for selection but both Jamie Szczerbanik and Cameron Greenhalgh have made this week like any other week.

“These kids have worked so hard, so it’s really exciting to see both squads in a position where we could get good numbers in both Country squads.

“For the under-18s in particular it’s exciting because for some of them it’s their last year in junior footy so it’s their last chance at this level to wear the maroon and gold jersey.”

The Rams under-16 side kicks off against Greater Northern 12.15pm, before the under-18 game against Bidgee at 1.40pm.