It’s the no nonsense mantra that’s both lifted Orange Hawks to the top of the Group 10 premier league ladder and helped arguably the two blues’ best player to a NSW Country jumper.

Hawks prop Ethan McKellar was on Saturday confirmed as Western’s only representative in the 2018 NSW Country under 23s side.

The inclusion of McKellar is somewhat of a shock, even for the 20-year-old, after the Rams were thoroughly beaten by Illawarra South Coast in round one of the country championship. 

“I was very surprised,” McKellar said of his inclusion in Josh Cale’s country squad.

“Obviously the Rams only played one game … the other sides went on to play two or three, I thought those players would get more of a look in than me.

“I’m not the biggest but I get in there and do my job.

“Run hard, tackle hard, that’s about it.”

McKellar has been named on the bench in the country team that will, in October, tour Papua New Guinea – a footy mad country the Parkes product has already toured as part of a NSW young achievers outfit in 2013.

“I can’t wait to get over there,” he said.

A prop with Hawks but equally adept at playing wide of the ruck as a back-rower, McKellar says the chance to learn from the squad’s other players, and coach Cale, who was one of bush footy’s best props, is an opportunity he can’t wait for.

“I’ll be able to see where I’m at with my fitness level, size and strength … it’ll be a great learning curve,” McKellar said.

“I think it’s a great concept, the under 23s.

“Bush footy is a lot different to Sydney footy and it’s great to see country boys like myself get a shot to be looked at to make it further down the track.”

Nine players that took part in last week’s under 23s final between Monaro and Northern Rivers, won 26-20 by the latter, made the country squad.