THE START of a beautiful relationship between the South Burnett and newly-formed Western Mustangs is just around the corner, after a number of South Burnett juniors were named in the under-13 to under-16 academy squads.

Mustangs coach Dean Bosnich said it provided an opportunity for South Burnett players to progress through the Mustangs and into the Gold Coast Titans after an agreement between the clubs was reached last month.

"South Burnett we looked at a long time ago when we were putting together the Western Mustangs as being an area we wanted to tie-in with and help provide a pathway because it produces a lot of talented footballers,” Bosnich said.

"We went to the South Burnett Rugby League and asked if they'd like us to bring them into our catchment area and they were excited about that - the opportunity to go through us and then the Titans.

South Burnett academy coordinator Mitchell Sargent has worked tirelessly to bring the partnership to fruition, and Bosnich hailed his friend as a fantastic advocate for South Burnett Rugby League.

"Having Mitch start working up there for the NRL, I've known him for a long time and he's really passionate,” Bosnich said.

"He used to work (in Toowoomba) for me, so to have someone I know and trust there to coordinate things (is great).”

South Burnett players will still turn out for the Central Crows until they reach the under-20s, at which point the transition to the Mustangs will be offered. The junior academies will allow Mustangs coaches to keep an eye on the developing talent in the South Burnett.