The CABE NSW Under-18s Origin team might not have got the result against Queensland but they still walked away winners as far as True Blue Mark Hughes is concerned after embracing an initiative from him in the lead-up.
Hughes challenged the squad when they first assembled in May to return to their home towns and do something special in their communities. The results were wide and varied with some players helping out at their junior football clubs, others cooked BBQ’s while some even laid concrete.
“We didn’t get the result we were looking for but we couldn’t be prouder of the young blokes in the Blues jerseys,” Hughes told nswrl.com.au
“We set them a challenge to make good in their communities and they all went out and made a difference for the better.
“In Rugby League we’re judged on our wins and losses but in our eyes these guys were winners in so many ways for helping other people in their communities.
“The coaching staff and everyone is proud of what they did.”
The CABE NSW Under 18s lost 34-12 to Queensland at Suncorp Stadium which was their first loss in three years.
