Representatives from both the Macquarie and Westside clubs stated they were pleased with the efforts of their sides at the weekend’s Mudgee Nines.
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Neither side made it as far as the semi-finals but with both clubs sending sides featuring a number of young players it was more a chance to scope out talent and let the players test themselves in a competitive situation.
Westside president Rob Greer stated he and new first grade captain-coach Colt Tairua were impressed by what they saw, despite heavy defeats to the likes of The Entrance and eventual champions, Macquarie Scorpions of Newcastle.
“It was the first run for some of the juniors and their first trial under Colt,” he said.
“We took five or six juniors and that’s what it’s all about. Give them a go and see how quick they are in Nines.
“There was a a bit of pace and talent there so we’ve just got to get them on track now and nurture them a bit better than they have been.”
Kaidyn Hopkins, part of the Western Rams junior programs, was one youngster to stand out and Greer stated he “led by example”.
Macquarie coach Steve McLellan was equally impressed by the Macquarie juniors who got a chance at Mudgee.
The Raiders made the quarter-finals before being knocked out by the Mudgee Dragons by players from last seaosn’s under-18s and also some of the club’s new faces left McLellan feeling optimistic.
Eroni Turaga caught the eye with his powerful ball-running and hard-hitting defence in his first game since arriving from Fiji while youngsters Tom Clow and Blaize Fuller, off-season recruits from Westside, were also singled out by McLellan for praise.
Luke Gale, Blake Frost, John Ciappara, Hayden Kemper, Connor Singh and Jai Merritt were other teenagers who played during the weekend with McLellan stating Merritt was arguably his side’s best all tournament.
“We got a good glimpse of everyone,” McLellan said.
“There’s good depth and we want players who will fight for a first grade spot and players put their hands up and their form warrants being looked at and that’s a good thing.”
The attention of McLellan, fellow co-coach and captain Zac Rennick and the Raiders now turns to the March 18 trial away to Gunnedah.
The Parkes Nines is played the weekend after that before two weekends of official Group 11 trials and then the season proper kicks off on April 30.
“We’ve got two trials against Nyngan and Parkes so we’ll have a good preparation,” McLellan said.
Greer added the Westside club was focused on selecting the first grade, reserve and under-18s sides in the coming weeks after looking at players further as training continues.
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
