"IT is now up to them" to press for future national teams is the word from Ross Shepherd after the selection of six Southern Downs players in national squads.

Ross is part of the selection panel which named junior, intermediate and open squads last week.

There are 19 Queenslanders in the 74-strong squads, including four from Warwick and two from Cunningham.

While no internationals are planned this year, Ross said the squads were players deemed to be able to develop into Australian players.

"The development squads are in place for when international games are organised," Ross said.

Junior squad member Jacob Lawrence and intermediate player Ryle Waugh have been selected after winning best player awards at the Barastoc Polocrosse Nationals in April at Morgan Park.

"Ryle is just out of juniors and if she can continue to improve the way she has in the past 12 months, she will end up in an Australian ladies team one day," Ross said.

"The ball is in her court to be able to do that."

Lawrence, who plays for Warwick, and Cunningham player Carly Cooper are in junior squads.

"They have both really improved their games, it is now up to them," Ross said.

Cameron Shepherd and Colten Preston are in the open men's squad.

Last year, Cameron captained Australia in the World Cup and has been selected along with his seven cup teammates.

"Selection in a national squad is a stepping stone to an Australian team," Ross said.

After being a cup reserve last year, Warwick player Stephanie Thorsby is in the women's open squad.

The next open international competition for Australia could be a possible quadrangular tournament in New Zealand next year.

National squads

• Cameron Shepherd (Warwick)
• Colten Preston (Warwick)
• Stephanie Thorsby (Warwick)
• Ryle Waugh (Cunningham)
• Jacob Lawrence (Warwick)
• Carly Cooper (Cunningham)