Rebels coach Dan Abraham says looking at the top of the Newcastle Rugby League ladder helps work out where the form lines are, meaning unbeaten leaders Maitland have a strong showing in this year's representative squad.
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Last season's minor premiers have won all five games so far in 2022, putting them four points clear of nearest rivals and upcoming opponents Cessnock.
Matt Soper-Lawler is one of six Pickers to be given the nod from former NRL player Abraham, ahead of Newcastle's clash with Canberra in the nation's capital on May 14.
"I think everyone in the Maitland squad is playing pretty good footy at the moment and they've got a fair representation in the Rebels squad because of that," Abraham told the Newcastle Herald.
"Matt Soper-Lawler out in the centres has been fantastic for them and he's been given a Rebels opportunity."
Bayden Searle, Luke Higgins and Matt Moon from Abraham's old club Macquarie have also caught the rookie coach's attention during the early parts of the campaign.
Higgins will be racing the clock to return from a recent groin injury, which sidelined him on the weekend, having only just comeback from a long-term ankle issue.
"Luke Higgins is obviously one of those regulars in the Rebels squad and I think he just epitomises that Newcastle style of footy - tough, hard and relentless," Abraham said.
"Touch wood he'll be right to go. I think they are targeting this weekend for him to come back and hopefully that works out. It would be ideal to get a couple of games under his belt, not only to maintain his fitness but just give him that confidence."
Abraham said the selectors were faced with a "few tough decisions" as they opted for a "bit of youth" and a "changing of the guard".
A second representative fixture between Newcastle and Illawarra has yet to be confirmed, but is aimed towards Maitland Sportsground on the June long weekend.
The Rebels have the first of three training sessions at Harker Oval on Wednesday.
REBELS: Cameron Anderson, Nick Ritter (Central), Anthony Meleisea-Murray, Harry O'Brien, Jayden Young (Cessnock), Jake O'Meley, Matt Cooper (Lakes), Bayden Searle, Joe Woodbury, Luke Higgins, Matt Moon (Macquarie), Cal Burgess, Chad O'Donnell, Gary Anderson, James Taylor, Jayden Butterfield, Matt Soper-Lawler (Maitland), Jack Welsh, Lewis Hamilton, Ryan Glanville (Souths).
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Josh Callinan
My name is Josh Callinan and I'm a sports journalist at the Newcastle Herald. I started with the newspaper in 2016 after a decade at the Maitland Mercury.
My name is Josh Callinan and I'm a sports journalist at the Newcastle Herald. I started with the newspaper in 2016 after a decade at the Maitland Mercury.
