South African recruit Lex Botha arrived in the country on Sunday but his reputation clearly preceded him as one of eight players from the Border club picked for the Brumbies Tournament in Wagga on the June long weekend.

The 185cm, 97kg centre or winger is a product of the Natal Sharks’ youth system.

Botha is expected to play his first game this weekend against Wagga Ag College.

But yesterday he was named alongside Ash Lefevre, Arran Macdougall, Richard Manion, Sam Allen, Liam Krautz, Blake Le Cornu and James Olds in the 25-player squad for the three-cornered contest in a fortnight.

Steamers president Justin Clancy said it was a reflection of where the club is at and past performances.

“I think the numbers shows where we are at this year and our performances in recent years that have seen us play in three successive grand finals,” he said.

“This is a very accomplished group of players and people are making comparison with the team of 2013.

“But that side was able to bank that dominant home and away season with a comprehensive victory in the grand final.

“This year’s side have their destiny in their own hands.”

Clancy said the club had changed its stance on representative duty in recent years.

“We went through a period a few years back where the culture didn’t respond to rep duties, but we recognise we are part of SIRU and need to embrace that and have players represent the region,” he said.

“The pot of gold at the end of the long weekend tournament is to be picked in a side to play NSW Country ahead of the Brumbies’ final Super 15 game of the season in Canberra.”

Clancy said half of the representative group were Steamer juniors.

“To have watched players like Lefevre, Allen, Krautz and Le Cornu go through the grades is great for the club,” he said.