Cloncurry’s Kierran Moseley and former Mount Isa star Coen Hess were named as part of the 26-man squad which will train at the Queensland Academy of Sport from January 15 to 18.

For 18-year-old Hess, it has been a big couple of weeks after recently starting training with the North Queensland Cowboys’ first grade squad.

“I rocked up to training this week and one of the coaches pulled me aside and told me the good news,” Hess said.

“Finding out before it got released in the afternoon gave me time to absorb how big the achievement was.

“It came as a shock but it’s a reward for all the hard work I continue to put in at training.

“It’s a prestigious honour that I won’t be taking lightly, especially as there isn’t too many people my age in the squad.

“I attended an under-18s junior Queensland camp earlier in the year but this will be a step up from that.”

Hess, who left Mount Isa in 2011 for Townsville, says this accomplishment ranks right up there for him.

“Making this squad and being asked to train with the first grade squad three weeks ago are both huge honours,” he said.

“The experience I will get from training with the first grade squad will be invaluable.

“The Cowboys have been pleased with my progress and invited me to train Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday with the first grade side.

“The rest of the week, I train with the under 20s, to ensure I know the plays and build cohesion with my teammates, as this will probably be the team I play most of my football next year.”

Hess knows these two accomplishments are steps to one day achieving his dream of playing in the NRL.

“Making it in first grade is a huge step but I would love to play it as soon as possible,” he said.

“In saying that, I know it is going to be very hard to crack, so I’m just going to continue training hard.

“The coaches such as Paul Green (Cowboys head coach) are happy with the progression I’m making individually and think I can mould my game on some of the more senior players.

“As a second-row forward, I look up to hardworking forwards such as Gavin Cooper.”

The Mount Isa Black Stars junior played 16 matches in the National Youth competition for the Cowboys, with the rest spent playing for the Townsville Stingers in the Mal Meninga Cup.

■ Emerging Maroons Squad 2015: Jai Arrow (Brisbane Broncos), Luke Bateman (Canberra Raiders), Jordan Drew (Brisbane Broncos), Jayden Nikorima (Brisbane Broncos), Joe Ofahengaue (Brisbane Broncos), Marion Seve (Wests Tigers), Coen Hess (North Queensland Cowboys), Brenko Lee (Canberra Raiders), Ashley Taylor (Brisbane Broncos),  Lindsay Collins (Brisbane Broncos), Patrick Kaufusi North Queensland Cowboys/Northern Pride), Nene MacDonald (Sydney Roosters), Lloyd Perrett (Canterbury Bulldogs), Kierran Moseley (Gold Coast Titans), Cameron Munster (Melbourne Storm/Easts Tigers), Corey Oates (Brisbane Broncos), Brendan Elliot (Sydney Roosters), Patrick Mago (Canberra Raiders), Kane Elgey (Gold Coast Titans), Kyle Feldt (North Queensland Cowboys/Northern Pride), Ethan Lowe North (Queensland Cowboys/Northern Pride), Shaun Nona (Melbourne Storm), Javid Bowen (North Queensland Cowboys/Northern Pride), Hymel Hunt (Melbourne Storm/Easts Tigers), Sam Hoare (North Queensland Cowboys/Mackay Cutters), Blake Leary (Manly Sea Eagles)