The next generation of Blues Origin players is in safe hands.
With the likes of NSW State of Origin coach Laurie Daley, True Blues Mark Carroll, Brad Fittler and Paul Sironen and former NRL journeyman Jamie Feeney assisting their development, the future talent in the state of New South Wales is headed in the right direction.
Rugby league legends Daley, Carroll and Fittler joined NSWRL’s Under-18s Pathways Camp, led by Performance Programs Manager Feeney, at Narrabeen over the weekend to mentor the next era of Blues talent, guiding them through a range of drills and sessions and briefing more than 40 of the game’s hottest prospects on making the right decisions in football and in life.
With a total of 61 Origin matches’ experience between the trio, the guidance and advice Carroll, Daley and Fittler provided the young group would no doubt have proved valuable. Blues coach Daley and NSWRL Performance Development coach Fittler, in particular, have regular input into the development of the athletes in NSW under-age squads (with Sironen also providing tutelage on an ongoing basis) – with regular feedback from these high-profile former superstars pivotal to the ongoing improvement of the players as a group as well as individually.
“To have these experienced NSW Blues Origin players – legends of the game – at our Pathways camp on the weekend will have a massive influence on the development of our best young players,” NSWRL’s General Manager – Football, Barrie-Jon Mather said.
“Brad, Laurie and Mark played the game with an incredible amount of intensity, skill and passion and, most importantly, in the right spirit – their influence will no doubt be immensely positive.”
The NSW Under-18s squad also underwent a number of physical tests as well participating in lectures from a range of experts including nutritionists.
The NSW Under-18s side will play the curtain-raiser ahead of Origin II, 2016.
Click here to view the full 2016 NSW Under-18s squad.
The NSW Under-16s squad was also announced recently. The team will play the curtain-raiser ahead of Origin I, 2016.
Click here to view the full 2016 NSW Under-16s squad.
