Workies Wolves junior Sam Lane named in Penrith Panthers' SG Ball Cup train-on squad

Lane was selected after recruitment officers came to watch him play in some Lithgow Workies Wolves club games, as well as his representative games for the Western Rams.

After seeing the talented fullback in action, he was approached to participate in the squad.

The selection means that he will be participating in a larger squad of over 30 players, training hard and competing to earn selection in the final SG Ball Squad.

"I'm hoping to challenge myself and prove to myself that I am capable of playing at this level. But I am most excited for the experience and opportunity this program will provide," Lane said.

With COVID-19 restrictions stopping all regional sport, Lane has been training by himself doing sessions down at the local footy grounds to get as fit as possible leading into the pre season.

The SG Ball Cup is traditionally for under 18s players but because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the NSWRL decided to up the age to under 19s.

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"I like to not get too far ahead of myself but at this stage it is to work as hard as possible in an attempt to make this squad and enjoy the experience but from there who knows," he said.

"If I get myself in the best physical shape possible I will be giving myself every opportunity to make the team.

"I will being going for the fullback position but I am able to play elsewhere as well."

While Lane has had a good run with the Western Rams, he believes the SG competition will be taking things to the next level.

"Everything is still uncertain at the moment but selection will most likely be a few weeks out from the start of the representative season next year after trial games have been played," he said.

"I was pretty excited for the opportunity to go down to Penrith and learn the systems and gain as much footy related knowledge as possible."

Panthers finished the 2021 season in 10th, well behind a finals position, having last won the competition back in the 2018 following a 25-14 win over the Canterbury Bulldogs.

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