Broc and Jarod Hunt have been named in the under-15 and under-14 squads respectively.

Their selections come off the back of strong performances throughout the year for both the Dungog Warriors and Dungog High School.

Broc also played for the Maitland Miners representative team.

Selection in the Knights development team has been a goal of Broc’s for a while.

The 14-year-old was both excited and shocked with his selection.

He suffered an ankle injury half-way though the last season, so thought his chances of being picked were gone.

For Broc’s younger brother Jarod, the letter in the mail was completely unexpected, as this is the first time the Knights have run an under-14 development side.

Rugby League isn’t as much of a passion for Jarod as it is for Broc, but the 13-year old has strong natural ability.

He is also lucky to have a passionate older brother who offers advice and encouragement.

The selection for both brothers offers added motivation to work hard during the off-season and 2017 pre-season.

Training starts with the development squad in November and continues through to February next year.

Broc has an added incentive to perform, as an under-16 Newcastle Knights side will be chosen at the completion of the development squad.

The boys’ mother Lindy said she was “speechless” when she found out both sons had been selected.

“And I don’t get speechless very often,” she said.

Ms Hunt said her eldest son “lives, breathes and eats football” whereas Jarod has excelled in the past few years.

Ms Hunt said she was massively proud of her sons.

“It’s a bit surreal to have them both [selected] in the same year,” she said.

“They both work hard. It’s a huge achievement for both of them.”