As one half of the Forbes Platypi first grade coaching team, you might expect Charlie Dwyer would be sorry to lose young forward Matt Coles next year, if as expected, the blindside flanker makes a move to Sydney.
But Dwyer, also Coles’ PE teacher at Forbes High and Platypi firsts team mate, doesn’t mind losing him to the city if it means the 18-year-old has a shot at a career in rugby.
The year 12 student, who has just completed his HSC, will take a big step in that direction next week when he flies to Hong Kong with the NSW Country Under 18s team.
The squad will fly out to the former British colony this time next week for a 10-day tour, featuring three matches. Two of the games will be against Hong Kong representative teams and another against a touring school side from South Australia.
Coles, who recently shared Platypi Footballer of the Year honours with hooker Greg Moxey, hopes to relocate to Sydney next year to study but also aims to play for one of Sydney’s club rugby colts (under 19s) teams.
Far from standing in his way, Charlie Dwyer has been helping his young Platypi charge prepare for the tour, leading one-on-one training sessions at South Circle for the past month.
Apart from coaching the Platypi with Phil Prior, Dwyer was also coach and selector for the NSW Combined High Schools second XV this year.
Coles was named in the NSW CHS firsts this year and actually played in a trial against NSW Country under 18s, which finished in a 19-all draw.
However, it was his performances for the Platypi, in his first season with the senior side, that led to his selection.
“Phil [Prior] and I wouldn’t have picked him in the [first grade] side if we didn’t think he had the physical capabilities and mental capability as well,” Dwyer said at one of the final pre-tour training runs this week.
“Luckily for us, his dad said ‘yes’,” he laughed.
“But he has to be doing something right, to be named Footballer of the Year by his peers, in his first year in first grade.”
Matt said he did hope for first grade selection this year, but definitely didn’t expect to play virtually the entire season.
“I did hope to play a game or so,” the laidback Coles said.
But selection in the NSW Country side was “a bit unexpected”.
“It was a good surprise for the club as well,” Dwyer added. “It’s a pretty big achievement.”
Matt said he had enjoyed a shift from his more customary number eight position this year, after spending most of his junior rugby days at the base of the scrum.
“That was probably something we identified as coaches,” Dwyer said of the move to the flank.
“We thought that is where Matt might be best suited, at number six,” he said.
The coach said while the Platypi would love to retain Coles for another year or two, it is probably best that he ventures further afield.
“From my point of view, hopefully we don’t [have him next year],” Dwyer said.
“Despite being one of the coaches, I hope he does get into uni and has a chance at better things,” he said.
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