The next generation of Rugby League talent received a once-in-a-lifetime experience when Westpac NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley and a host of True Blues legends joined the GIO Country and City Under 16s and 18s boys’ squads for a special positional skills session ahead of their Country v City matches tomorrow (Saturday 16 May) at Brookvale.
Already recognised as the best talent in the state for their age groups, the squads were accompanied by Robbie Farah, Paul Gallen, Wade Graham, Josh Jackson, James Maloney, Steve Turner and Daley to guide them through a session focused on skills development, leadership and the standards required to reach the elite level.
“They are the future stars of our game,” Daley said.
“They’ve been given a great opportunity to learn from some Origin legends.
“It is all about absorbing as much information as possible, learning good habits and starting that pathway towards where they want to be.
“If I had that opportunity, I would have loved it.”
The session formed part of the Country v City representative program, which continues to play an important role in developing emerging talent while strengthening players’ connection to the communities they represent.
Daley, a proud country product from Junee and a former country representative of this fixture, said the concept still holds deep meaning within the game.
“I loved my time playing for Country, and am very passionate about playing for Country,” he said.
“It is important for these players to understand where they are from and who they are representing.”
With Country v City fixtures kicking off at 4 Pines Park tomorrow, it is a great opportunity to see the future of NSW talent shine.
“This is where it all begins,” Daley said.
“These young guys get an opportunity to play for metropolitan and country, it is a massive thrill.
“When you get a taste of that, you can see where your career can get to, and to wear the Blue is the ultimate.”
The Country v City representative weekend also includes the Westpac Under 17s Girls NSW Country v NSW City, Westpac Under 19s Women NSW Country v NSW City and GIO Physical Disability Rugby League matches at WIN Stadium, Wollongong, on Sunday 17 May.
The program also includes the GIO Wheelchair Rugby League NSW Country v NSW City at Blacktown Leisure Centre on Saturday.
NSW COUNTRY V CITY SCHEDULE
Saturday 16 May
4 Pines Park, Brookvale (tickets available at gate)
11am: GIO Under 16s NSW Country v NSW City
12.35pm: GIO Under 18s NSW Country v NSW City
2.20pm: GIO Men’s Open Age NSW Country v NSW City
Blacktown Leisure Centre
4pm: GIO Wheelchair Rugby League NSW Country v NSW City
Sunday 17 May
WIN Stadium, Wollongong (CLICK HERE for tickets)
10am: GIO Physical Disability Rugby League
11.15am: Westpac Under 17s Girls NSW Country v NSW City
12.50pm: Westpac Under 19s Women NSW Country v NSW City
