Former NSW Country coach Mat Thomas knows there is a stack of players in Newcastle-Hunter Rugby Union (NHRU) who would be in contention for a place in the Cockatoos squad.
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What's more, Thomas is happy to help them get there.
The NHRU last week decided against sending a senior men's side to NSW Country Rugby Union (NSWCRU) Championships in Tamworth on the June long weekend, which all but rules the players out of Cockatoos contention.
On that matter, NSWCRU president Barry Ruddy said "there can be exceptions, there has in the past, but by and large if you're not there you can't be picked for the Cockatoos".
However, Thomas said if Newcastle-Hunter players are interested in playing in Tamworth, whether that be in the Caldwell Cup or second tier Richardson Shield, he would contact other zones to help find them a team.
"I think it's a shame Newcastle aren't going," said Thomas, who now coaches the Maitland Blacks.
"I have had a few players come to me and say they are keen to play and I'm going to push them towards zones that need a hand. There are a stack of players in this competition who have the quality to play for Country."
Entering a Newcastle Barbarians had been floated but appears unlikely.
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In the past, players overlooked for the NHRU side have been drafted into other zones to help fill gaps.
Maitland centre Chris Logan played for Mid North Coast last year and was the only NHRU player selected for Country.
Blacks teammates Harry Chapman, Phil Bradford, Marcus Christensen and Travis Brooke are among those to have expressed an interest to Thomas.
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