The 11-player team donned NSW jerseys and played against the under 9s Clermont Bears from central Queensland in front of a huge crowd before the State of Origin last week. 

At least 200 people from the Dungog district made the trip to Sydney to watch the team play. 

Coach Roy Watkins said it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the team and the entire town. 

“The kids were so passionate, the atmosphere was amazing,” he said. “It was such a proud moment for me personally, and such a big moment for the town after everything that’s happened. It was emotional watching them out there, seeing how much fun they were having and the opportunity they got, it was amazing.”

Charlotte Baker, the Warriors’ eight-year-old captain, joined Bears captain Roman Revell-Blair in the coin toss with NSW captain Paul Gallen and QLD captain Cameron Smith. 

The two junior teams then formed a guard of honour as the players ran out onto the field and watched the big game from the front row. 

Charlotte looks up to Paul Gallen and started playing football this year. She dreams of becoming a professional football player and hopes to one day play for NSW in the State of Origin. 

She was proud to represent her town and wear a special jersey with her name and number on it. 

“I think it would be a great opportunity if I could play State of Origin again and represent my state. I like Paul Gallen because he always works hard and plays nice.”

Charlotte’s video about her love of football caught the selectors’ eye and led to the team being chosen to represent NSW.

Montana McDougall, also 8, is the only other girl on the team. She shares the same passion for the game. “My dad used to play and my brothers play, so I said I wanted to do it too. I love playing it, I love tackling the best,” she said. 

The teams went to Taronga Zoo, enjoyed a trip to the movies and had a training session with former origin players Mick Crocker and Matt Cooper.