Soper-Lawler was in brilliant form for the Knights and was joined by fellow Pickers Joey Morris and Jayden Butterfield in the 34-18 victory on the Gold Coast in the Holden Cup opening round.

Barker was joined by Max King in the Titans line-up.

Maitland Pickers president Frank Lawler said it was an amazing achievement for so many players from the one club to take part in the game.

“As far as I know it would be a record,” he said.

Lawler said there was never any thought of holding the youngsters back from the Knights program.

“Hopefully they will gain a lot from the experience and go on to senior levels,” he said.

“When they come back to the club they are certainly better footballers.”

Lawler said the success of the Pickers youngsters was also a tribute to their junior clubs.

“They come to us as 17 year olds and we put a bit of polish on them, but the junior clubs in this case East Maitland, West Maitland and Greta Branxton Colts have done a great job.”

Pickers juniors Joel Edwards and Baily Jenkins are also on the Knights Holden Cup list.

Australian Schoolboy representatiive and last year’s Maitland junior Sportsperson of the Year Brock Lamb is on the Knights’ senior and Holden cup lists.

The young five-eighth who played for the Knights in the Auckland Nines and in a trial game is likely to return from injury with the Knights NSW Cup team.

Cessnock’s Brodie Jones completes a strong local contingent for the Knights.

Meanwhile, Maitland has its first hit out of the season with practice matches in all grades against The Entrance on Saturday and Maitland Sportsground.

Lawler said excitement was building at the club ahead of the trial game after a long pre-season.

The action starts at 2.20pm with under 19s. The main game kicks off at 6pm.

The Pickers open their Newcastle Rugby League season at home against Lakes United on Saturday, April 16.