By Wayne Cousins
An air of excitement surrounds the walls of the Wests Tigers Rugby League Club as it prepares for the inaugural National Youth Competition (NYC) in 2008.
For the first time in the club’s proud history, Wests Tigers will field two teams – an NRL outfit and an NYC side for supporters to cheer on.
Wests Tigers is very enthusiastic about being part of the new NYC competition that sees the game’s best under-20 players compete on the same field prior to the first grade game.
Respected coach Peter Gentle will be at the helm of the Wests Tigers NYC team.
He gained plenty of knowledge this season in working with experienced club coaches Tim Sheens and Royce Simmons in his role as Wests Tigers assistant coach.
Wests Tigers Recruitment Manager Warren McDonnell said the club was confident talented youngsters such as Joe Latham, Todd Bridge, Noa Fotu, Benson Tupou, Lio Viaga, Soueli Makaui and Linton Price can make it in the NYC.
They are just seven promising young players Gentle will have at his disposal. All but Tupou turn 19 in 2008. Tupou turns 20.
Latham is a full-back/centre from Wingham who was the Country U18 full-back in 2006 and 2007.
“Joe is very strong with a good step. He played in the winning North Coast U18 championship team this year and received the Group 3 first grade player of the year award at the age of 17,’’ McDonnell said.
“He is the youngest player to receive the award.’’
There will be plenty of eyes closely watching the progress of young Todd Bridge – the son of former Balmain Tigers player Gary Bridge.
“Todd captained the winning North Coast U18 championship team this season,’’ McDonnell said.
“He has a good passing and kicking game with very good vision.’’
Fotu, who hails from Leeton, is a centre/winger who represented Country U18s in 2006 and 2007. He played in the Riverina U18 team beaten by North Coast in the grand final.
“Noa is a tall, strong kid with good pace,’’ McDonnell said.
Tupou is a lock-backrower who joins Wests Tigers from New Zealand via Leeton where he was under the guidance of Wests Tigers scout Jody Rudd.
He played in the Riverina Open Divisional team this season.
“Benson is a powerful player in attack and defence,’’ McDonnell said.
“He won the best and fairest award for Leeton’s first grade team that won the grand final. Wests Tigers placed Benson at Leeton this year.’’
Viaga is a front-rower from New Zealand who spent time at renowned rugby league school, Keebra Park.
He played for the Junior Kiwis U16 team in 2005. This season saw Viaga play for the Queensland Open Schoolboys team.
“Lio is a big, strong player who will take a team forward,’’ McDonnell said.
Makaui is a clever hooker/half from New Zealand who also spent time at Keebra Park. He captained the Junior Kiwis U16s in 2005 before leading Keebra Park this year.
“Soueli is a very smart player who is at home at half or hooker,’’ McDonnell said.
“We will look to play him at hooker.’’
Price will offer Wests Tigers plenty of utility value, having played hooker, lock and half.
A Kiwi, Price was placed at Leeton by Wests Tigers. He played in the Riverina U18 team that was beaten in the grand final.
Price also played in the Leeton first grade team that won the competition. He was named man-of-the-match in the grand final. His efforts saw him receive the Group’s first grade best and fairest player award.
“Linton is a very strong, nuggety player who is versatile and will be a big asset to the club.’’
Wests Tigers will release more details soon of other NYC players set to represent the club in 2008.
