MOREE Junior Rugby League Giants Marley Swan and Brodie Schutt have been selected to play in the Greater Northern Tigers under-16s Andrew Johns Cup side.

Marley and Brodie were offered jerseys for the 18-player squad after trialling with more than 60 juniors at Kootingal Sports Ground last year.

The squad has been training since November, with round one of the Andrew Johns Cup starting the competition at Pirtek Park, Singleton next Saturday, January 31.

Brodie Schutt’s proud mum, Donna Johnson, said the boys make an incredible team – on and off the footy field.

“Brodie and Marley are best mates – the best – and when they’re together on the field they just seem to click,” Donna said.

“Marley knows where Brodie is going to be and Brodie knows where Marley will be. It’s amazing to watch them play.

“I’m so proud. They go to the gym together and stick to their routine, and just work so hard.

“Both boys are really good with the younger kids, and really help them out. Brodie and Marley get on with everyone – they’re level-headed and always part of the team,” she said.

Brodie began playing union about four years ago, and last year was selected for the Central North under-15s NSW Country side.

He began playing rugby league in 2024, and will play both codes again this year.

“Brodie absolutely loves league but he also got selected for central north country and the Waratahs last year,” Donna said.

Marley Swan (left) and Brodie Schutt have been selected to play in the Greater Northern Tigers under-16s Andrew Johns Cup side.

Brodie, who this year starts Year 11 at Moree Secondary College, has a busy footy season ahead.

“He’ll still do both codes this year,” Donna said.

“Brodie trains Monday to Thursday and plays Friday night union and league on Saturdays.

“There is usually a comp somewhere on Sundays, so it’s a seven-day thing for him,” she laughed.

“Brodie certainly wants to further his football career. He definitely wants to go down the league path, so we’ll chase that this year.”

Marley Swan’s mum, Mekayla Phelps, is just as proud.

She says Marley’s dad, retired Moree Boars legend Stanley Swan, is a guiding force with direction, inspiration and motivation.

“They don’t play the same positions – Marley plays in the halves and Stanley is a hooker – but Marley has a very good mentor in his father,” Mekayla smiled.

Marley started playing league in the minis’ comp with Moree Giants about 10 years ago.

This year he starts Year 10 at St Philomena’s School, where he’s been named Sports and Events School Captain.

He also works part-time at KFC and took to the clippers in the Garage Barbershop program at Bank Art Museum Moree last year.

“The commitment Marley has put in has been phenomenal – he does extra work on and off the field,” Mekayla said.

“He goes to the gym seven days a week and does training at Boughton Oval, and his full-on training has been going for months now.”

In between working at KFC and training full-time, Marley cuts hair at home every spare chance he gets.

“Managing life and also being a kid is very important. There are not many kids his age wanting to do something for themselves. We’re just so proud of him,” Mekayla said.

The boys travel to Tamworth every Saturday to train with the Greater Northern Tigers squad.

“We’ve only had two weekends off over the Christmas and New Year period,” Mekayla said.

“We’ve got a lot going on. Our other son, Colt, is heading off to boarding school at The Southport School at the Gold Coast through a Yalari Scholarship.

“We’re overwhelmed and very proud of both our boys,” she smiled.

Mekayla said Marley and Brodie are an incredible team.

“The boys show a lot of dedication and commitment, and their goal is to be in the NRL,” she said.

“They’re really great role models, and what they’re doing shows other young kids, if they put their mind to something, they can do it.”

Moree Giants club president, Steve Cory, said making the final cut with the Greater Northern Tigers is a huge achievement.

“This is a great thing for Marley and Brodie, who had to trial against a stack of players to make the squad,” Cory said.

“Most of all, it’s great to see Marley and Brodie’s hard work pay off for them.”

Cory has watched Marley and Brodie progress through the junior rugby league ranks for the past few years.

“Back in September, I coached the Group 19 development team which Marley and Brodie were a part of, and that’s where they were noticed by Greater Northern team selectors,” Cory said.

“Being selected is incredible news. Importantly, it’s not only incredible news for the boys and the Giants as a club, but great news for Moree and the local rugby league community.

“Selection for this team will open many doors for Marley and Brodie, especially now the Newcastle Knights have jumped on board as a partner in our region.

“This also helps our club be part of the Knights’ development and hopefully opens the door for the Knights to come to Moree and surrounding communities to see the rugby league talent we have out this way,” Cory said.

“Also, having two quality players like Marley and Brodie getting this sort of experience at that level will help our under-16s team this year.

“I truly believe our under-16s is going to be one of the teams to beat In the Group 19 competition,” he said.

The Greater Northern Tigers under-16s Andrew Johns Cup side, comprising Lewis Brown, Dylan Collison, Nate Dewson, Jackson Foot, Harlem Lewis, Jake Obrien, Caleb Renfrey, Tyler Renfrey, Cruz Ryan, Brodie Schutt, Dustin Skinner, Marley Swan, Myles Taylor, Kye Tumbers, Caiden Waugh, Emmitt Williams, Kayden Young, Fletcher Young, played a trial game against Western Rams at Coonabarabran last weekend.

The team will play in round one of the Andrew Johns Cup against Riverina at Pirtek Park, Singleton next Saturday.