Magpies pair earn Origin selection

IN the players tunnel of Sydney's ANZ Stadium, just a few hours before the kick-off to the 2010 State of Origin series, two local rugby league up-and-comers will receive the biggest adrenalin rush of their lives.

For Souths Logan Magpies' Cyril Connell stars, Anthony Milford and Scott Doyle, their first experience of a pulsating State of Origin atmosphere won't be sitting in the grandstand, but running out onto enemy territory in front of a boisterous Blues crowd.

The duo have only ever watched Queensland battle New South Wales in the annual three-game series via television.

But following their selection in the Queensland under-16 team, they will now have the rare opportunity to play against the Blues in the curtain raiser to the main game.

The magnitude of such an occasion hasn't seemed to have yet dawned on the two quiet teenagers.

But Doyle, a strapping 16-year-old second rower, admitted butterflies were starting to creep in.

“It's pretty good, but I'm a bit nervous,” the Daisy Hill teenager said.

“It'll be exciting to play against the best players from New South Wales.”

Both contracted to NRL club, Canberra Raiders, Doyle and Milford were named in the Australian under-15 merit side last year following the national championships in Adelaide.

The promising youngsters earned their spot in the Queensland under-16 side following outstanding Cyril Connell Cup campaigns with minor premiers Souths Logan Magpies.

Doyle, a former Rochedale junior, was selected in the back row, while Milford will slot in at fullback, which he hasn't played since his rugby union days back in under-11s.

Although he prefers his customary position at halfback, the 15-year-old wasn't complaining.

“It's going to be hard playing a different position to what I'm used too,” he said.

“But just to get in that Queensland team, I'm happy I'm there.

“I'll play anywhere.”