The Smiths, hooker Jarrod and front-rower Lincoln, who are not related, are among seven Coalfields players named in the 22-man squad.

They are joined by Cessnock Goannas Sam Apthorpe, Callen Edwards, Reed Hugo, Robert Tuliatu and Kurri Kurri’s Jayden Young.

Maitland’s Emma Martin is the sole Coalfields player named in the Rebels Ladies League Tag squad, which was dominated by South Newcastle with seven players and Lakes United and Western Suburbs with five each.

The two Rebels teams first hit out in the CRL Championships is on Saturday, May 13, in Wauchope.

Pickers coach Trevor Ott said the Smiths selection was a fitting reward for the tremendous work they had done on improving their games and fitness over the pre-season.

“I think Jacob is one of our young forwards who has benefited and learned so much from having Dane Tilse at the club,” Ott said.

“He has really worked his butt off and taken his fitness and commitment to a new level.

“He was playing first and second grade last year, but I think he decided to give it a real go this year and has learned so much from having Tilsey around just pointing out little things on the track and in the game.

“Jarrod has also worked extremely hard in the pre-season and again I think we will see him take his game to a new level with the on-field direction from Dane and Luke Dorn.”

Ott said it was great to see more Maitland juniors advancing in the game and both players would benefit from playing at the higher level.

He said George O’Brien, Liam Faughlin  and Pat Robards all must have gone very close to selection in the final 22 after making the inititial 34-player squad.

Kurri Kurri’s Cameron Moran, Hayden Grainger and Tyrone Walsh, and Cessnock Brendan Williams and Joe Woodbury were also part of the original squad.

Lakes United had the biggest Rebels contingent with six players, South Newcastle  has four, Western Suburbs three and Macquarie and Central Newcastle have one player each.