THE COUNTRY Rugby League (CRL) Far West Academy program has begun at its induction camp held in Warren over the weekend.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The academy and development squads were chosen from the trials on October 14, which was attended by 80 players from across the region.
Players from as near as Gilgandra to as far as Lightning Ridge turned out for what was described as a "fantastic weekend" by acting executive officer Matthew Thompson.
"The skill level was really high and the boys showed they were a really coachable group," Thompson said.
"We couldn't have asked for a better bunch of players, who will be training with us for the next five months."
The first week of the program saw participants learning about nutrition, how to perform to their fullest potential and recovering injury management, as well as line running and defence.
"All training sessions will be held in Warren as it's the easiest place to travel to around the region. Warren has first-class facilities which are readily available to the CRL Far West Academy program."
CRL Far West assistant coach Ronny Gibbs said he was pleased with the numbers that attended trials and talent that is in this year's squad.
"To have 80 players attend the trials a few weeks ago was fantastic and it shows the number of talented and committed players in the far western area," he said.
"The players handled the weekend really well. They just keep putting in all weekend and were keen to learn and develop."
He said there was some good young talent in both squads and was sure the academy would hear about them in the future.
The selected squad athletes will receive some of the most modern and professional coaching programs available. The squads will also have playing opportunities including a development tour to Newcastle in early February and the Nyngan Easter Rugby League Challenge held over the Easter long weekend.
The next activity for the CRL Far West Academy program will be a training day held on Sunday.
n THE selected CRL Far West Academy program participants come from all over far western NSW: Tray Blattman, Jack Kelly and Adam Roworth (all from Coonamble); Brayden Carney (Trangie); Jordan Cranch and Hammond Erepan (Cobar); Braydon Davis and Aubrey Milson (Condoblin); Sam Doughlas, Ethan and Codie Toomalatai (Coonabarabran); George Dunn and Hamish Kitchin (Coolah); Thomas and Craig Field and Ben Marks (Warren); Keith Ghent (Cassilis); Peter Gordon and Edward Simpson (Brewarrina); Harrison Irvin and Jarrod O'Neill (Gilgandra); Jack Lupton, Adam Stanford and Jackson Williams-Hedges (Nyngan); Matthew McGregor (Lightning Ridge); Jacob Potbury and Mitchell Squire (Dunedoo); Sam Simmons (Bourke).