Cronulla prop, Kade Snowden, has been selected in the Country Origin side to take on City next Friday night, May 7.

The annual AAMI Country v City clash kick starts the representative season and will take place in the scenic venue of Port Macquarie in Northern NSW.

The in-form Sharks prop has been rewarded for his outstanding individual efforts so far this season with a spot in the starting line up.

"To be selected in the Country side is awesome," Snowden said.

"Moons (Darren Mooney, Football Manager) gave me a call and said pack your bags, you've been selected."

"I didn't really know what to think to be honest, I'm just really excited. My goal at the start of the year was to make a representative side so this is just great."

Although many wouldn't argue with Snowden's selection, he paid the ultimate compliment to the Sharks coaching staff, thanking them for the work they have put into him over the years.

"I probably wouldn't be here at all, or even mentioned, if it wasn't for Ricky and the staff.

"I don't know where I would be, but they have helped my game tremendously."

"I just concentrate on playing my best and winning games to be honest. I've been trying to take the workload off Dougie (Luke Douglas) and Gal (Paul Gallen) as much as I can to help them out and I guess it has paid off."

Like Gallen, Snowden was a little worried that his club's poor form may hurt his selection chances, but he'll take his first rep jersey with open arms.

The 23-year-old will join his Country team mates in camp this week under the guidance of coach Laurie Daley and is licking his slips at the thought of finally playing representative football.

"I'm really looking forward to the camp and meeting some of the other boys."

"Laurie was one of the best players to have ever played the game so to be coached by him this week as well as play alongside some other big names will be a great experience and hopefully one I can learn from."

Country Origin side named:

1. Josh Dugan
2. Michael Robertson
3. Jamal Idris
4. Timana Tahu
5. Luke Burt
6. Greg Bird
7. Brett Kimmorley
8. Kade Snowden
9. Michael Ennis
10. Brett White
11. Ben Creagh
12. Glenn Stewart
13. Anthony Laffranchi

14. Todd Carney
15. Tom Learoyd-Lahrs
16. Willie Mason
17. Dean Young

City Origin side named:

1. Lachlan Coote
2. Anthony Minichiello
3. Beau Champion
4. Chris Lawrence
5. Michael Jennings
6. Braith Anasta
7. Trent Hodkinson
8. Bryce Gibbs
9. Robbie Farah (capt)
10. Keith Galloway
11. Trent Waterhouse
12. Mark Minichiello
13. Luke O'Donnell

14. Kris Keating
15. Tim Mannah
16. Tim Grant
17. Ryan Hoffman

The AAMI Country-City match will be played at Port Macquarie’s Regional Sports Stadium on
Friday, May 7, with tickets on sale now at Panthers in Port Macquarie on 02 6580 2300.

Tickets are now also available from Ticketek by calling 132 849 or visiting www.ticketek.com.au.
Only general admission tickets are available for sale.

With the NSW Aussie Blues desperate to end the Maroons’ recent dominance, this match is
proving to be one of the most hotly contested in recent years and will be a true selection for Game
1 of the Origin series at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium on May 26.

Country Rugby League CEO Terry Quinn said it’s important to get a big crowd along to the contest
and show that Rugby League is well and truly alive and kicking in the bush.

“This match has always been a chance for the people of Country NSW to get behind their team
and show their passion for Rugby League,” Quinn said.

“The game is moved around country centres each year and this year Port Macquarie gets a chance to show their true colours.”