The New South Wales Indigenous U16's will be looking to defend their title this weekend when they clash with Queensland in the curtain raiser to the First Nations Goannas versus Newcastle Knights match at Hunter Stadium, Newcastle on Saturday.
After defeating the Maroons 32-12 in last year’s match at Suncorp Stadium, the 2014 squad are determined to etch their own names into history with a strong showing against their interstate rivals.
Currently in camp in Newcastle, the team have been training hard and were able to fine tune their preparations with an opposed session against the Laurie Daley coached Goannas on Wednesday, before completing a short and sharp session this morning in Charlestown.
A highlight of the day was the presentation of jerseys with former dual-internationals Wendell Sailor and Timana Tahu and Indigenous Rugby League legend, Lionel Morgan.
NSWRL Indigenous Programs Officer, Steve Hall, believes the opportunity to be a part of the Festival of Indigenous Rugby League is a tremendous achievement for the young players.
“These young men have the opportunity to do something pretty special this week; and that is to represent their families, their state, their people and their culture,” said Hall.
“To be able to spend time with the First Nations Goannas players and Rugby League legends like Laurie Daley, Wendell Sailor, Gorden Tallis and Timana Tahu is invaluable to young players in our game.
“We have a proud record in the Under 16s over the past few seasons and we’ll be looking to continue that this weekend. I’d just like to thank all of our players, staff and sponsors for their contributions to the week thus far and we’re all looking forward to the game.”
The squad will complete their final preparations for the game with a short session tomorrow morning, before attending the annual NSW Koori v QLD Murri match at Newcastle No.2 Sports Ground tomorrow night.
