Parkes and Forbes both have a grand history of producing top quality rugby league players, and that tradition is a strong as ever in 2021.
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Both the Spacemen and Magpies made Group 11 under 18s finals this season, and three players have been rewarded with selection in 2022 Penrith Panthers junior representative squads.
Spacemen fullback Malakai Folau was selected in the Harold Matthews (under 16s) squad, while Magpies Bayden Moran and Billy Phillips were picked in the SG Ball (under 18s) squad.
Folau was brilliant from the back this season, putting his strong frame to good effect with excellent kick returns and ball playing.
Former Parkes junior Moran moved to the Magpies in 2021, and clearly has a bright future ahead of him.
He played for the Panthers Harold Matthews side this season before COVID put a stop to the season, and the talented back line utility is fantastic to watch when in full flight.
Moran's dad Dennis Moran is currently playing hooker for the Wellington Cowboys, but had a long career in the NRL and English Super League - and it appears he passed down the fleet-flooted attack he is known for down to his son.
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Phillips is a proven try scorer, and exciting to watch, much like his Magpie teammate.
Introduction night and preseason training schedules and dates are still to be confirmed.
It is expected it will be possible to induct the squad and train in early November, however it will depend on COVID-19 restrictions.
Due to those restrictions, the Panthers were unable to advise of 2022 development programs.
They indicated they have every intention in coordinating programs for our Under 13s, 14s and 15s development squads within the summer period.
The winter programs will be determined by what they are able to achieve throughout the summer period.
2022 Harold Matthews squad
Malakai Folau
2022 SG Ball squad
Bayden Moran
Billy Phillips
Well done boys!
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