THE Greater Northern Tigers served notice to their rivals in the inaugural Andrew Johns Cup and Laurie Daley Cup at Olympic Park, Muswellbrook, at the weekend.
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The new junior rugby league representative competitions are featuring more than 550 of the best youngsters from across regional NSW, playing a total of 52 games in 23 towns across the state over seven weeks.
The under-16 (Andrew Johns Cup) and under-18 (Laurie Daley Cup) tournaments will showcase 11 teams in each age division, with eight of the 11 franchises currently linked with NRL clubs.
The aim is to have all regions aligned by the start of the 2019 season.
The Tigers’ under-16s, managed by Muswellbrook’s Steve Haylen, featured Denman’s Mackenzie Shepherdson, Aberdeen duo Bailey Miller and Hugh Collins, Scone’s Alex Dahmes, and Singleton quintet Jacob Sukanavialu, Jackson Amidy, Jackson Shade, Andy Lambkin and Aiden Allgood.
And, they made an impressive start on Saturday, thanks to a 40-4 victory over the Central Coast Roosters.
Muswellbrook pair Bailey Ellis and Steve Dengate, Scone’s Ben Fechner and Henry Hall, and Singleton’s Hayden Bourke were named in the Greater Northern under-18 squad.
Like their younger counterparts, they put the Roosters to the sword 24-6.
Country Rugby League’s Greater Northern Region manager Scott Bone expressed his delight at the respective results.
“It was a good start for both teams with a win,” he said.
“The under-16s looked very strong.
“They led 16-4 at half-time and were able to improve even more in the second period.
“Scone’s Alex Dahmes, who is co-captain of the side with Jhett Butler, was named the players’ player after his two tries.
“Alex has moved to the dummy half role and continues to shine.
“The forwards worked hard, especially the four front-rowers in Kaleb McMillan, Jack Todd, Wayne Seabrook and Andy Lamkbin.
“Hugh Collins was another who had a strong game.
“In the backs, the outside boys (number 1 to 5) had good matches and Bailey Miller steered the team around the park well.
“In the under-18s, it was a pleasing victory for coach Peter Stevens.
“Alek Hall, who came off the bench, was powerful as was the back-row partnership of Henry Hall and Lachy Chard.
“Lock, and captain, Cody Byrne was judged the players’ player.
“Jack Stafford, in the centres, had a great game as well.
“Both sides now move forward to round two this weekend at Raymond Terrace against Newcastle.
“This should be a stiff test for each of them.”
Matches at the Lakeside Sporting Complex kick off at noon for the under-16s and 1.15pm for the under-18s.
NRL head of football Brian Canavan said the Andrew Johns Cup and Laurie Daley Cup would form an important stepping stone for many talented players aiming to progress their playing careers towards the NRL.
“These competitions will provide an opportunity for many of our juniors throughout country NSW to compete at a representative level, while remaining in their home towns, among the support of family and friends, which is important in younger years of life,” he added.
“We have been working for some time across our whole of game to ensure a consistent and balanced process throughout our pathways and I wish all competing players the best of luck.”
Reflecting on the under-18 competition bearing his name, Daley admitted it was a huge honour to be associated with the new CRL pathway.
“I’ve always been proud of where I come from (Junee Diesels),” he said.
“To see NRL clubs forming strong partnerships with various regions in the country is fantastic and will hopefully inspire young players to chase their dream of playing in the NRL.”
Johns, a Cessnock Goannas junior and Country Rugby League Team of the Century member, said he was excited to see the next generation of country players take the field in the Andrew Johns Cup.
“As a kid growing up in Cessnock, rugby league was everything and I’m sure Laurie felt the same way coming through the grades in Junee,” he explained.
“To have our names featured in these competitions is a huge honour and I’m excited to see the next Boyd Cordner, Tyson Frizell or Latrell Mitchell making their mark on our game.”