And, Academy co-ordinator Ross Lo Monaco is confident the relationship will maintain its strength well into the future.

“In 2006-07, I approached Group 3 JRL to start a rugby league development academy for under 15s and 16s in the Hastings and Manning-Great Lakes districts,” he said.

“This was to enhance the skills of players in the Group 3 JRL competition for representative selection.

“Mark Reynolds and I then sent our development program and schedule to the Newcastle Knights.

“In response, their football manager Warren Smiles and community development manager Matt Lantry contacted us and came up to view our sessions and to discuss our goals for the Academies’ future.

“A year later we secured the full support of the Knights.

“As a result, the time, effort and dedication contributed by Matt (Lantry) and junior coaching and development co-ordinator Laurie Clifton have been nothing less than inspiring for the Academy staff and players alike.

“The experience, knowledge and continued support offered to the Academy by the Knights, Matt and Laurie will surely place us in good stead for years to come.”

In 2010, the Hastings Academy boasts four youngsters in Knights’ squads – Jake Lawrence (Harold Matthews), Jeremy Cropper (Harold Matthews), Luke Lo Monaco (Hunter Academy of Sport) and Nathan Lo Monaco (Young Chargers).

“The boys have progressed through the age groups from the original intake,” Lantry told the Port News.

“They are now reaping the benefits.

“The Academy offers genuine opportunities – and those guys have taken it with both hands.

“It certainly shows other teenagers what can be achieved, even in rural areas.”

On Sunday, Knights head coach Rick Stone, Smiles and the club’s NRL squad will attend the Academy’s training session at the Regional Sports Stadium from 9.30am.

“All the players will meet the kids and interact with them,” Lantry explained.

“Then, on March 7, the Hastings and Manning-Great Lakes Academies are participating in the annual pre-season Rep Challenge trial, against the Newcastle and Maitland squads, at Raymond Terrace.

“Hastings will tackle Maitland on the day, while Manning-Great Lakes faces Newcastle.

“It’s a great chance for those blokes to impress – and push for higher honours.”