Although the Northern Area based Oxley Pioneers won the Country final 32-20 at Wollongong on Friday night, the Rams had five players named in the Country side.

The other Rams in the Country squad are Dubbo pair Brodie Chapman and Max Ray as well as lock Michael Nixon from Orange CYMS.

Brien was chosen as a starting centre for the NSW Country side while Hodge was named on the bench.

Played at WIN Stadium as a curtain raiser the Country-City Origin clash, Oxley scored seven tries to Western’s four to claim the Tom Nelson Shield.

Rams coach Greg Edwards from Dubbo, said the defeat probably cost hooker Jamie Graham (Parkes) and half-back Scott Rosser (Orange) Country selection.

“If we win, we get more players in the Country side,” Edwards said.

“While I'm delighted that we got five in, it could have been different but wasn't to be. Both Jamie and Scott have played some great football throughout the series but were unlucky.

“Overall thought, I'm proud of the way everyone played in the four games, the discipline and on and off the field was exceptional and they were a credit to their families and their clubs.

“It was all good for them, but just disappointed we didn't get the job done.”

Scores were locked at nil-all until Rams fullback Chris Wilson (Cowra) was sin binned for a professional foul and Oxley Pioneers took full advantage, with centre Ray Marshall (10th minute) claiming the first try.

Rams were quick to respond with Parkes-based skipper Jamie Graham (15th minute) planting the ball down, before Chapman (18th minute) and Dubbo winger Allan Arnold (21st minute) crossed to give the green and whites a handy 16-4 advantage.

Western looked in control until a superb Jason McGrady cut-out pass put winger Jesse McEwan over.

McEwan’s try triggered an Oxley onslaught as the northerners ran in 24 unanswered points with McGrady (40th minute), Kenny Allison (44th minute) finding the line before Marshall (48th minute) McEwan (57th minute) snared their doubles.