Bathurst rugby league identity Dave Elvy has turned his passion into a profession after he was announced earlier this month as the new Bathurst-based NRL Development Officer.
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Taking on a role previously filled by Wade Judd, Elvy started his new job two weeks ago and will now spend his days trying to foster the huge talent pool throughout the Central West.
Having made it to the NRL as a playmaker with the Penrith Panthers and captain-coached the Bathurst Panthers to Group 10 glory, he's as qualified as anyone to take on the responsibility.
"I'll have Mick Armstrong as my teacher, he's a master when it comes to this sort of thing," Elvy said of the former St Pat's captain.
"From what I know at this stage the job is going to involve a lot of school programs, particularly high school-based stuff whereas Mick will tend to look after the primary school side of things.
"There will be a lot of work involved, but it is all about trying to get kids involved in footy, particularly kids that might not have given it a go before."
In addition to his career with Penrith and his coaching at first grade level in Group 10, Elvy has often used his spare time helping recruit for the Penrith club and generally staying active in the rugby league community.
One of Elvy's main long-term goals is to try and grow the percentage of players making the jump from country football to the NRL.
The Western region has a huge pool of top-level junior talent and in recent years countless players from Bathurst, Orange, Dubbo and the smaller towns in the area have linked with NRL clubs to play in the National Youth Competition and other development leagues.
As Elvy acknowledged though, it is a tough ask to make the final transition from talented junior into NRL star.
'There is a lot of talent in this area and with Penrith coming out here more and more to try and build a relationship there will be more opportunities for kids," he said.
"There are a lot more kids getting a crack in Sydney then there was 10 or 15 years ago through under 20s, Harold Matthews Cup and SG Ball but they all have very big squads now and it is only a small percentage who make it through to first grade.
"You have to give up a lot to get that far, 18th and 21st birthday parties and that sort of thing. But the talent is there without doubt and if I can help develop that and help them make it in some small way, then I'd be delighted."