The New South Wales Indigenous U16's finalised their preparations today before Saturdays game against Queensland at Hunter Stadium.
The Blues sweated it out this morning with a sharp field session at Charlestown and Coach Ronald Griffiths believes his side is ready to defend their title.
"The boys are shaping up really well," said Griffiths.
"It was a little bit of a struggle early on in the week but we put the finishing touches on today and everything went really well."
With the team only entering camp a week before the game, Griffiths was pleased with the maturity shown by his players towards their preparation.
"We weren't quite where we needed to be earlier in the week but the boys held their own team meeting and outlined their responsibilities and what was needed to be done to achieve the results they wanted, so I think that showed great leadership and was an example of a real quality that this group has."
The Indigenous side includes two players from last years victory in Bryden Ramien and Adam Campbell, and Griffiths admitted he would look to utilise those players experience to provide direction for his team.
"I'm definitely looking to those guys to lead the way. Bryden isn't usually a front-rower but we've selected him there because he's been there before and knows what's required to get the job done.
"Adam is the skipper this year and we were very pleased with the way he handled himself last year at such a young age. He'll be starting at hooker and may also transition into the halves if required."
Interchange forward Darcy Rose believed his team had gelled quickly despite the short preparation.
"It's been an awesome week for all the boys and we've gotten to know each other quite quickly," said Rose.
"I was a really proud moment for all of us to receive our jerseys from Timana Tahu and Lionel Morgan yesterday and I'm just pumped to get out there and represent my state and my culture."
The New South Wales Indigenous U16's will take on Queensland tomorrow at Hunter Stadium in the curtain-raiser to the First Nations Goannas versus Newcastle Knights clash. Kick-off at 4:45pm.
