Hartnett, 27 and a No 8 or back rower, was one of only a handful of players from the Lower North Coast competition selected in the MNC train-on squad.

He is the Manning River Times-Iguana Sportstar of the Week, earning a $50 open order at Iguana.

At this stage Hartnett has missed a spot in the team to play at Port. However, he’s still a chance to pull on the zone jumper to tackle Country Rugby’s finest next month.

“I’m one of the shadow reserves,’’ he explained.

“If there’s an injury, or someone can't play for whatever reason, then I could still get a game.’’

He admits to being ‘a bit disappointed’ to miss the cut. However, he's confident he’s emerged a better player from a weekend camp the train-on squad attended at Lauriton last weekend, which was part of the selection process.

Hartnett said some of the fitness drills the squad were put through were among the toughest he’s experienced in rugby union, while the skill sessions were enlightening.

He said there was plenty of competition for places in the squad, with clubs in the Upper Mid North Coast competition bolstered by players from New Zealand and even Italy.

“Mid North Coast should go pretty well,’’ he said.

The squad played two trials on the final day of the camp and initially Hartnett thought he may have done enough there to crack a berth for the championships. He was particularly happy with his effort in the second game.

Even though he hasn’t made the team at this stage, Hartnett is said making the train-on squad will be beneficial. He’s aiming now to pass on what he learnt in camp to the Ratz as the club readies for this season’s Lower North Coast premiership starting on April 1. The Ratz will host premiers Forster-Tuncurry in the opening round.

A hard working forward, Hartnett will co-captain the Ratz this season with fellow forward, Dave Rees. He’s sure the combination will prove beneficial at Manning look to break their premiership duck in the LNC competition.

Hartnett admits Manning’s pre-season preparation has been somewhat disjointed.

“Getting everyone to training early in the year is always hard,’’ he said.

“It’s been more difficult this year because of cricket commitments, but they’re starting to get there. We’ll go alright.’’

He could have an extra responsibility this season as he is in line to replace goal kicker Nik Mylonas, who is playing this season in Newcastle with The Wanderers.