FIVE of Coonamble's most promising young netballers spent their January school holidays showcasing their skills at the Budgies Indigenous Junior Netball Tournament held at the Tallebudgera Recreational Centre on the Gold Coast.

Jannali Walker, Neveah Leonard, Harlow Fernando, Zahlee Fernando and Kale Walker played for various NSW Echidna's sides from Wednesday 11 to Sunday 15 January.

One of the five netballers was chosen in the Australian Budgies side.

Thelma Leonard, mother of Jannali and Kale Walker said the Budgies Indigenous Junior Netball Tournament is something that her whole family looks forward to each year.

"The tournament is always a great way for our rural kids to engage with other kids in similar situations from all across Australia. They meet and connect with friends they would never usually have the opportunity to at these types of tournaments," Ms Leonard said.

"Selectors aimed at placing the players in teams with those who knew each other and lived in, as much as possible, close proximity to others in their team. The Majority of the girls in the NSW Echidna's were country kids," she said.

Every State in Australia was represented with all teams vying for the win and a place in the coveted Australian side.

"Jannali, Neveah and Harlow all played for the Under 12's NSW Echidnas side. The girls played great netball and remained undefeated for the whole tournament. They ended up winning the grand final, in a close game against Western Australia by 7-6," Ms Leonard said.

"Jannali and Harlow put the pace on, playing mid court throughout the tournament, with Neveah working hard to put points on the board in goal shooter and goal attack positions," she said.

ABOVE: Neveah with Queensland Firebirds Goal Shooter Donnell Wallam. PHOTO: Supplied.

Zahlee Fernando played in the Under 14's NSW Echidnas side.

"Zahlee's team struggled for numbers throughout the tournament with a couple of last minute changes. Zahlee stuck to her guns in mid court and played great netball across the five days," Ms Leonard said.

The trip was not just for the girls, as Kale Walker took the court in the first all boys 13-18's NSW Echidna's side.

"It was great to see the boys getting involved this year at the tournament. Kale played very well, especially against boys a lot older than him. They lost all their games as they struggled for numbers, but came close a number of times," said Ms Leonard.

A selection process took place across two days of the tournament to choose children to play in the Australian Budgies side. A team of dedicated coaches from other states trialled the girls, selecting a group of players from across all states of the country.

"Neveah Leonard was selected in the Under 12's Indigenous Budgies team, which is huge achievement at such a young age. She played amazing netball over the week and showed the coaches her great netball and shooting skills," Ms Leonard said.

"Neveah will go on to play with the Budgies Australian team in one of two carnivals held in April and July at the Gold Coast, which will also host international netball sides including New Zealand," she said.