Five Penrith Panthers players have been named in Brad Fittler’s NSW Emerging Blues squad.
Waqa Blake, Shawn Blore, Jack Hetherington, Dylan Edwards and Moses Leota have all been named in the squad.
Coach Fittler named a 23-man squad which includes rising stars on the cusp of NSW selection for State of Origin and others who have been identified as potential players for the future.
Last year’s squad saw Nathan Cleary, Angus Crichton and Latrell Mitchell graduate to play for the Blues in 2018.
“The majority of players named are young, have stood out in their age groups and representative teams and had a big influence, and any time they make these types of squads is important,” Fittler said.
“We’re giving time to meet these players, we’ll have time to have a training session and it’s very important to get to know them for the future plans of NSW.”
Troy Dodds
Troy Dodds is the Weekender's Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.