One of Wath Brow Hornets bright young talents will test himself against Australian opposition at the end of the month.

Morgan Ackerley has been included in the 20-strong Community Lions’ Under-16s West squad to take on New South Wales Country on November 30.

Ackerley, from Cleator Moor, is comfortable in a variety of positions and actually celebrated his 16th birthday last month playing for Wath Brow A.

He made his Open Age debut in the Top Four final victory over Distington.

A former pupil of St Benedict’s School in Whitehaven, Ackerley has come through the age group ranks at Wath Brow since he was six and Jonty Moore has coached him for the last four years.

Moore said: “He has always been a pleasure to coach because, whatever the circumstances, he’s there to train.

“Morgan is so versatile as he can play in a number of positions and can adapt so well.

“Throughout his junior career he has always picked up a trophy at the end of the season, be it for player of the year or players’ player of the year.”

Ackerley will be training with the rest of the West squad on Thursday before the clash with the Australian tourists at Pilkington Recs on November 30.