A QUARTET of Warringtonians depart for Australia today, Thursday, with the BARLA under 18s squad.

Rylands Sharks centre Steve Fisher and Latchford Albion second rower Mark Smith are among the playing squad for the trip, while Warrington Wizards administrator Dave Whalley is the tour manager and Latchford’s Andy Wood is the assistant coach.

BARLA will be looked after by NRL club Penrith Panthers in western Sydney during their stay in Australia and will be guests at two NRL matches as well as taking on a Panthers development squad in their first game on Wednesday.

That is followed by a match against Henry Lawson Cambridge Park on July 22 and a clash with Lower Mountains on July 24.

Fisher, aged 19, and Smith, aged 17, are expected to be among several members of the squad in contention for deals with professional clubs when they return to England.

Whalley said: “The tour is the dream of a lifetime and we’re all looking forward to it.

“We just want to go out there and do the country proud.

“For Steve and Mark it will be their first tour. Andy and myself went to Serbia last year but I think that pales into insignificance in comparison.

“It will be difficult out there because the level is a little bit higher but all the players will gain experience that will hopefully allow them to move on and sign professional deals.

“Steve and Mark are quality players and I’m sure there will be scouts hovering around when they get back.”