Galloping around Spud Park together in the under-7s, Steven Baines and Aaron De Jager had little idea their careers would run such a remarkable parallel.

Two of the Highlands most promising homegrown league players, the classy duo were both spotted by travelling talent scouts last season and offered a shot with a National Rugby League side.

17 year old Baines is currently trialling with the Canterbury Bulldogs S G Ball squad while 18 year old De Jager is slogging it out for a spot in the Penrith Panthers Jersey Flegg side.

"I guess you never consider this sort of thing when you start out, you just love playing," De Jager said.

"I never thought back then we'd both be trialling for major clubs.

"It's still a long way off though and at the moment I just want to hold my spot and try and progress through."

The exciting utility back took an important step to securing his position with a solid performance in his side's 32-24 defeat of Canberra at Goulburn.

And De Jager is determined not to squander what might be his best chance at a career in the game.

"It's a great opportunity and good to be recognised," he said.

"To be chosen for a team like Penrith that has such a big pool of juniors to choose from is a big honour and I intend to make the most of it."

De Jager will be out to further consolidate his spot in the side when Penrith meets Newcastle at Cessnock on the weekend.

For the multi-talented Baines, the chance to trial for the Bulldogs is the culmination of a lifelong dream to pull on the jersey in the world's best rugby league competition.

"I want to go all the way and play for a first grade NRL side," he admitted.

"This is a pretty big step and it'll let me know where I'm at because I'll be playing against some of the best young players in Sydney. "It's a big test for me and I must admit it's pretty intimidating."

A member of the South West Academy of Sport in 2000/2001, the nuggety halfback/hooker also starred for the Mittagong Lions last season, notching up an impressive 168 points.

An equally gifted cricketer and soccer player, Baines has decided to focus solely on league.

"I want to concentrate on making it into the S G Ball side," he said.

"It's such a big honour to even make the squad and it really is a dream come true."

Baines is currently playing for Bulldog feeder club Milperra and will strap on the boots for the side's first trial game this weekend.