Western begins its 2018 season on Saturday at Bathurst’s Ann Ashwood Park against the best young footballers the might of Manly has to dish up.
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And Rams officials keen to see Western maintain its place on top of the Country Rugby League junior ranks after a championship clean sweep in 2017 believe preparation is the key to realising that goal.
That preparation started last Saturday at Orange’s Waratah Sportsground and continued on Tuesday at Manildra when prospective Rams aged between 15 and 18 took part in a training combine at Jack Huxley Oval.
Continuing to strengthen the bond between the Rams region and the NRL club, Penrith Panthers coaching staff attended the session for academy players.
A former Penrith Panther, Western development officer Dave Elvy says the Rams players are in good stead ahead of the championships, which begin on February 24 at Mudgee.
“It’s good for the coaches to spend plenty of time with the players and get to know them,” Elvy said ahead of Western’s clashes with Manly’s SG Ball and Harold Matthews squads.
“And the players get to know the coaches. Everyone feels more comfortable.”
Elvy said the Panthers-Rams relationship has opened up plenty of doors for Western juniors, with a Rams under 15s emerging squad included in Tuesday’s session.
“Penrith put the day on, brought up their staff and put the kids through their paces,” Elvy said.
“There’s a lot of quality in the area and Penrith is identifying that. That’s why they’re here doing as much as they are.
“Talking to some of the parents, they’re stoked this is happening. It’s great to see NRL clubs putting into the bush.
“It’s about the kids, helping them out and they can go back to their footy and improve a little bit.”
The Manildra day was an extension of the sessions Panthers will run from three set academies at Bathurst, Dubbo and Forbes.
It’s a venture Elvy said is getting “bigger and better” every year.
“They’ve always done a bit in the area, I suppose they see it as a bit of a second home,” he said of the Panthers connection to western rugby league.
“It’s good to see them more involved, helping the kids. It’s just good to see kids enjoying their time and loving their footy.”
Western’s clashes with Manly at Bathurst start at 9.30am on Saturday, with the under 16s squad playing Manly’s Harold Matthews side.
The under 18s Rams take on the Sea Eagles’ SG Ball side from 11.15am.
Both games are at Ann Ashwood Park.