The Douglas region's Reef Raiders Rugby Union Club has become a training ground for top rookie stars in the sport, with Mossman high school student Aidan Chesterfield one junior player already making a name for himself. 

As the Raiders look to make their mark on the 2013 FNQ Juniors season, 16-year-old Chesterfield is one of many local standout players sure to play key roles.

The eight-week FNQ Juniors season kicks off this Friday, October 11, but there's still time for players aged between nine and 16 to join the squad.

A member of the 2013 QAS Reds Academy, Chesterfield garnered attention in June as part of the Queensland Combined Schools Team at the Schoolboys Championships.

His stellar performance with the Bushrangers at September's State Championships led to selection for the Queensland Country team in the recent match against City at Brisbane's historic Ballymore Stadium.

Raider teammate Lachlan Cowe was also part of the 2013 Bushrangers team.

"Being selected for the Bushrangers this year and going to the State Championships was a fantastic experience," Chesterfield said.

"All the players, coaches, and support staff had a great trip."

Ahead of the State Championships games, the Bushrangers spent time at Tullabuggura on the Gold Coast, training and bonding as a team. 

"We kicked off the comp on Monday, September 23, with a game against Papua New Guinea, and came away with a close win, six to five," he said.

The Bushrangers placed third overall, recording three wins and two losses over the course of the three-day competition.

At the Queensland Country and City team selection announcement after the finals, 12 Bushrangers made the Country squad. Chesterfield was one of five FNQ Rugby players selected.

"I felt very proud to be selected as the number eight for Country, especially after all the hard work and training with the Raiders, Gold Academy, and at home over the past year," Chesterfield said.

After selection, the Country team attended a two-day training camp at Marist Bros College in Ashgrove, ahead of their match against City at Ballymore Stadium. 

"It was an amazing venue to play, especially after learning all the history of Ballymore," he said of the former home of the Queensland Reds, now a Union training facility. 

"From the kick off, we started well and scored early, but by half time City had caught up and in the second powered on and beat us, 29 to 15.

"Overall, the trip was great. I got to meet a lot of nice people and some really good, big names in rugby. All the coaches and support staff were really helpful and looked after us very well. Go Raiders!"

FNQ Junior Rugby Union begins fixtures this Friday night, October 11, and continues for eight weeks. 

The Reef Raiders train Tuesdays and Thursdays in Mossman from 5pm, with games played Friday nights in Cairns or at Port Douglas' own Raider Park.

Players aged between 9 and 16 are welcome to sign up. For more information, contact Denise McHugh, Junior Coordinator, on 0427 982 254.