NSW U16 side set to overcome Melbourne hoodoo
NSWRL MEDIA
22/05/2012 10:00:21 PM
The New South Wales Rugby League Under 16 representative side will be out to make it three victories in a row when they take to Etihad Stadium this Wednesday night.
Having won last year’s encounter at Suncorp Stadium by the score of 18-16, and having also won in 2010 at ANZ Stadium 24-14, Coach David Howlett knows all too well the expectations that come along with his appointment.
“It’s going to be a tough down here and obviously it sounds as if they (QLD) will have the crowd behind them but to have this challenge in front of us after having won the last couple of years will be a good test for the boys,” Howlett said.
“As a group we have come together really well in a short period of time which is always key in these types of camps and I have the utmost faith that this young group of men will stand up when it counts on Wednesday night.”
When asked to single out a few players that have impressed in camp or players to watch on Wednesday night, Howlett was reluctant to name just one.
“I think the best thing about this squad is that every player is here on their merits and we don’t need to rely heavily on any one player.
“With that said, we certainly have players in form, for example six of the squad is from the recent Harold Matthews Grand Final sides so we won’t lack for players with recent big game experience.”
NSWRL High Performance Manager, Wayne Portlock is also helping out in camp and echoed Coach Howlett’s sentiments in regards to the player’s readiness for what will be the biggest game of their blossoming careers.
“The feeling in the camp has been wonderful and every player to a man looks set to make their state proud on Wednesday night,” Portlock said.
“All of these players have earned their respective places in the team and I have no doubt that this side has the chance to emulate winning sides of the past.”
Portlock also went on to point out that of the last 10 curtain raisers played in the junior age groups between 2007 and 2011, NSW have been victorious in nine of those 10 matches, with the sole loss coming here in Melbourne three years ago.
“The only blemish on the report card so to speak was a 30-10 loss for our Under 16 side the last time we played at Etihad Stadium back in 2009, and we will certainly be looking to right that wrong so to speak on Wednesday night.”
Portlock was also quick to point out that of the 17 players who will pull on the sky blue in Game One of the Harvey Norman State of Origin series on Wednesday night, 12 of those guys have come through either the NSWRL representative sides at a junior level or have represented NSW playing for the Junior Kangaroos at some point.
“That number just goes to show that our pathways are on the right track and that there is a well trodden trail there for this group of kids to follow.
“Guys like Hayne, Carney and Pearce have all played for NSW at this type of level.
“And given the abundance of talent in this playing group and it would not surprise me if a comparable number of these players were to go on to similar representative glory at some stage in the future.”
For those of you not able to make it to Etihad Stadium this Wednesday night, we will be tweeting all of the scores as they happen on the @NSWRL twitter account.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 6.10pm.
Here is the team list for the NSWRL Under 16 side:
PLAYER - CLUB
Dillon Khoury - Parramatta Eels
Izaac Thompson - St George Dragons
Robert Jennings - Penrith Panthers
Sione Mata’utia - Newcastle Knights
David Sheridan - CRL
Bayley Sironen - Balmain Tigers
Travis Edwards - Newcastle Knights
Soni Hala - Penrith Panthers
Jackson Hastings - Illawarra Steelers
Alex Twal - Parramatta Eels
Tevita Pangai - Newcastle Knights
Tyrell Fuimaono - Parramatta Eels
Mark McCormack - Western Suburbs Magpies
Liam Coleman - South Sydney Rabbitohs
Oliver Clark - Penrith Panthers
Jacob Host - St George Dragons
Jamie Hill - Penrith Panthers
Beau Parry - CRL
COACH – David Howlett
http://www.nswrl.com.au/default.asp...nsw-u16-side-set-to-overcome-melbourne-hoodoo