Sangwani Chinula and Ralph Labor are perfect examples of the net being cast state-wide for the best talent at the KDL Property Group Emerging Reds Cup.
While both were part of Brisbane Grey's dominant 52-19 win over South-East Queensland in the Under-16s division on Monday, their rugby stories run much deeper.
The duo found their way to Brisbane Grammar from regional hubs for this chance at the Queensland Rugby Union's flagship junior tournament at Ballymore Stadium.
Centre Chinula (Mackay) and halfback Labor (Yeppoon) were both productive figures on opening day at the ERC.
Chinula, 16, showed his speed and intent to the final minute by chasing a kick more than 50m for his second try on full-time.
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The lanky Labor, still just 15 and in Year 10, was busy throughout with his service and his left-foot kick.
New Zealand, Samoa, Fiji and Malawi are all in Chinula's heritage. This ERC chance has been on his radar for two years.
"I was injured after my selection in the Country team in U14s so I didn't get to play," Chinula said.
"The chance to play against the best U16s across the state makes this a really good competition."
Labor was a teammate in Central Queensland and Country junior teams and developed his game at Rockhampton Grammar.
He likes the tournament feel.
"It's another level and you get to play against different players you might not normally play against," Labor said.
"You can see where you can go and it's very goal-setting.
"Everyone was having fun and running the ball a lot in our opening game."
Labor came to Australia in 2014 from England where outings with his dad to watch English club Saracens triggered his early love of the game.
In Monday's other U16s match, Brisbane White produced a stirring comeback to pip Queensland Country 28-25.
In the U14s, South-East Queensland White beat Country 22-5 and the Brisbane Junior Rugby Union beat South-East Queensland Gold 45-24.
Day Two - Tuesday
10am: Queensland Country U16s vs South-East Queensland U16s
11:30am: Brisbane Grey U16s vs Brisbane White U16s
1:30pm: South-East Queensland White U14s vs BJRU U14s
3pm: Queensland Country U14s vs South-East Queensland Gold U14s
