He's been on the radar of ISP Newcastle Knights coach Rory Kostjasyn for a while, and finally will get his opportunity to impress.
Kurtis Dark has had the no. 11 jersey locked down for the Jersey Flegg side for most of the season.
This weekend the solid forward has been promoted to front the Newtown jets.
"We have been wanting Darkey to get an opportunity because he deserves it and has been playing really well in the 20s," Kostjasyn commented.
"He's the highest point scorer in that competition at the moment so looking forward to giving him his chance."
The crafty goal kicker is sitting comfortably as the highest point scorer at 144 in the Under 20s, well clear of the next contender at 97.
HEAT ON YOUNG CENTRE TO RETAIN FIRST GRADE SPOT
That could mean some competition for current reliable ISP boots man, Brock Lamb.
"I wouldn't mind him to kick because he kicks pretty well, but he'll have to argue with lamby," Kostjasyn laughed.
2018 All Schools Competition Grand Final
Another 20s recruit which has proved his worth this season has been second rower Beau Fermor.
But his form hasn't gone un-noticed, with the youngster getting the call-up to Origin.
"Beau Fermor has been selected in the Under 20s Queensland State of Origin squad so he's unavailable for selection this week," he said.
After an inspiring defensive display last week, in ISP's crushing win against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, Tex Hoy gets another nod in the halves.
Brydens Best Defence: Tex Hoy's try-saver
Christian Hazard makes his way back from a six-week injury, while Tom Cronan will take his place back on the wing.
"Tom has been really unlucky the last couple of weeks, we had guys from our full-time squad declared fit late in the week and unfortunately Tom has been the one to miss out, so it's good to be able to give him a game," Kostjasyn stated.
The ISP Coach admits the fire power in his forward pack was a deciding factor in last week's game.
New recruit JJ Felise in particular offering what the side has been missing in previous matches.
"A couple of nice off-loads which we were able to play some ad lib footy off the back of, so I think JJ and our forward pack were really good," explained Kostjasyn.
As a feeder team for the Cronulla Sharks, who along with the Knights also have a bye this week, Newtown is expected to stack their side with plenty of NRL experience this Saturday.
The sixth-placed Jets will also be looking to keep the momentum swinging their way after a massive victory against the Wentworthville Magpies.
"Newtown are coming off a big win, 50-20 against Wentworthville, so a tough challenge for us, with a few first-grade guys dropping back," he said.
"They play a lot of footy, their forwards are skilful, their halves are very crafty and I'm not sure what is going to happen with their team.
"They are flying at the moment."
The good news, consistent forward Luke Yates has come into the side, after being 18th man for NRL last week.
"Yatesy is available this week, so it was a good opportunity for the guys to play against the best quality opposition," Kostjasyn added.
"We can then get a good idea of how their development is going for the younger guys and for the guys that are pushing for first grade selection, they get to compare themselves and push their case."
TEAM
1.Nick Meaney, 2. Tom Hughes, 3. Matt Allwood, 4. Brent Naden, 5. Thomas Cronan, 6. Tex Hoy, 7. Brock Lamb, 8. JJ Felise, 9. Chris Randall, 10. Luke Yates, 11. Kurtis Dark, 12. Brodie Jones, 13. Zac Hosking. Interchange. 14. Christian Hazard, 15. Tevita Alifa, 16. Pasami Saulo, 17. Tyrone Amey, 18. Pat Mata'utia.
Saturday, July 7 – Round 17 ISP
Newtown Jets v Newcastle Knights
ISP kick-off: 3pm
Venue: Henson Park
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