The Miners and Ballarat will play at North Bendigo’s Shadforth Park from 3pm.

Whittle, 18, marked his rugby union debut with some fine play in last week’s clash with the reigning premier, Border Army, on the Bandiana pitch near Wodonga.

Despite the loss, the Miners fought back well from being down eight-nil.

Whittle decided to join older brother, Travis Henderson, at playing for the Miners this season.

“I had to wait until I was 18 to qualify to play for the Miners,’’ Whittle said.

The past five years he had played Aussie Rules with Huntly juniors, and then North Bendigo’s under-17 team.

“Playing rugby union was something I had thought about,’’ Whittle said.

“I was really nervous before my first match, but figured in a few attacks, passes, and tackles.

“We didn’t start that well, but fought back, which we can gain confidence from.’’

The talented teenager said he had gained a lot of support from teammates and club officials.

“It’s a great club to be part of.’’

The biggest influence is Henderson, who has played as hooker in the Miners’ successful run in the VRU’s country division.

No matter what the sport, Bendigo and Ballarat clashes are always keenly-anticipated.

Whittle said the Miners were keen to rebound from defeat, and also work toward not being beaten on home turf this season.

“Ballarat has a strong front-line,’’ Whittle said.

“The scrums and the line-outs will be a big challenge for our team.’’

Away from the rugby field, Whittle is a first-year apprentice at Baker’s Delight, Bendigo Marketplace.

The heat will be on home from 3pm tomorrow when the Fighting Miners tackle Ballarat in the union showdown.