Props Jack Bastick and Deryne McKenzie, from Orange CYMS and Orange Hawks respectively, are set to combine seamlessly with hooker Hayd’n Baragry, also from Hawks, and if Lander’s word is anything to go by, the trio will “dominate up front”.

Group 10 takes on the Castlereagh League’s under 18 representative side in its first encounter at Dubbo’s Caltex Park today, before the winner progresses to the final to take on the victor of Group 11’s clash with the President’s XIII - a side made up of Group 10 and Group 11 players who missed selection in their region’s team.

“Jack Bastick has some serious potential, I just love the way he plays,” Lander said.

“And McKenzie, who is also captain, is very, very strong as well. Hayd’n Baragry is a very smart footy player, he’s played a lot of representative stuff.

“Those guys, along with the rest of the forwards, should dominate and really set a platform our backs, who are pretty slick with guys like Ethan Butler, Bailey Waldron and Jedd Kennedy.”

Lander said he backs his side 100 per cent to take out the under 18 title, and earn plenty of Rams jumpers in the process, before making a bold prediction of the other preliminary game. 

“I think the President’s team might get up there,” he said.

“Group 11 will be good, but they have picked a very, very strong President’s side.”