DARREN Williams will miss his entire front row for two games, but the short-term disadvantage will be a long-term advantage for Port Pirates.
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The under-18 coach will be without the services of Tom Currey, Jack Tougher-Wells, Jesse Williams, Tom Walker and Mikha Everingham when they head to Canada with the NSW Cockatoos next month.
Four of the five - Tougher Wells, Williams, Currey and Everingham - will only turn 16 this year while Walker is only 12 months older.
"They're extremely talented kids," Williams said.
Their commitment to training has seen them spend most of their spare time in the gym - they started preparing for the upcoming season back in December.
"They're really committed boys, they work hard and they listen which is rare for teenagers ... they're a pleasure to coach," Williams said.
The quintet hope the two-week development tour will be another step towards potential selection for NSW Country down the track.
"I know eventually they want to make that Country side," Williams said.
"What they'll bring back to Pirates will be great for us because two weeks ago they had a training camp down at Narrabeen and some of the things they learned were impressive."
Joining the Pirates over in Canada will be Hastings Valley Vikings trio Declan Elford, Lachlan Knox and Kelly Williams.
They fly out on April 14.
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