They must be commended for the plans they already have in place. Hill has established an academy mirrored on Penrith’s pathway system. They have also conducted a schoolboy tournament for the first time. Ex-NRL assistant coach Joey Grima is leading the coaching development while former top referee Tony Archer is helping with the match officials. About 720 elite players have been identified and take part in training, which is the equivalent to what NRL clubs put their younger players through. It includes a 20-week program and has already cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Last year, the Federal Government gave $5.5 million to help with these programs.
The Junior Kumuls have been impressive in matches against their Australian counterparts. Last year they lost 20-16 against the Lachie Galvin-led Junior Kangaroos while this year they drew 22-all after the Australians scored on the bell.