THE OPPORTUNITY to see how Intrust Super Cup and NRL teams prepare for top-flight competition is just one of the major benefits Lachlan Jackson faces this weekend.

The 16-year-old Hervey Bay Seagull is one of 27 Fraser Coast and South Burnett rugby league players to be part of the first Fraser Coast Falcons Development Squad.

The squad is powered by Sunshine Coast Falcons, and thanks to their affiliation with Melbourne Storm, gives local players a direct link to the NRL.

Jackson spoke highly of the opportunity.

"I'm looking forward to learning about what it takes to be at that next level," he said.

"I haven't done too much representative footy as there hasn't been much going on around here. Just club and enjoying that level."

Jackson and his under-16 Seagulls teammates finished their last season as juniors with the premiership, and he will be joined in the squad by several members from that team.

"I think there's around five of us in the same time who have been together for five or so years," he said.

"It really gives a confidence boost going back to club footy, going from seeing what it takes to do it at that next level, we'll know what we need to do to better ourselves, and it feels great to be able to do that with mates."

Lachlan's dad Brendon, who is also the Seagulls vice president, said it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the players.

"I think it's great," he said.

"As a father I'm super proud how far he's come and what he's done. For him to get an opportunity like this is an opportunity many kids don't get.

"It's something really to cherish and try to remember for the rest of your life that you've had a chance to do this whether you go further or not.

"It's a one-off opportunity right now for these kids, and hopefully it opens their eyes and gives them more realisation of what their direction is going to be: if they want to do this for the rest of their life.

"Hopefully they enjoy it and embrace it for what it is: it's an experience."

THE SQUAD

Hervey Bay Seagulls

Lachlan Jackson, Roger Rainbow, Jayden McCloskey, Sam McKey, Laikyn Jung, Derby Green, Sam Ballini, Ben Hudson, William Walthall, Kobi Page.

Wallaroos

Joe Alberts, Jesse James, Kodi McConnell, Will Tanwan, Ryan Fernnie, Jesse Robertson

Brothers Maryborough

Locky Gordon, Tahnee McDowell, Ryan Gauld, Zac Charteris

Kingaroy

Kirby Rhubasahn, Mitchell Case, Adam Geiger, Logan Bayliss-Brow

Cherbourg

Erroll Simpson, Peter Langton, Barry Tapau