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Western’s all-conquering Andrew Johns Cup outfit is in line to take on the NSW Rugby League’s Harold Matthews Cup premiers as the curtain raiser for the St George Illawarra Dragons and Canberra Raiders NRL clash at Mudgee later this month.
The grand final of the 2018 Harold Matthews Cup, the NSWRL’s under 16s premiership, is between Manly and Parramatta this weekend.
Rams coach Kurt Hancock says the development – which is yet to be confirmed – would be huge for his side, one that’s been eyeing off a clash with a Harold Matthews outfit for some time and viewed the Raiders’ under 16s side as a feasible option given Canberra was playing in the NRL match at Mudgee on May 20 as well.
But to possibly be taking on the Harold Matthews Cup premiers, Hancock says that experience for his Rams outfit will be invaluable.
“This is really big for us,” Hancock said, the match set to be confirmed on Monday.
“I think it’s great for the kids. Win, lose or draw this is another part of the pathway we’re trying to create in the region.
“It’s good exposure and we get a gauge to see where our program is at, too.
“I’m over the moon about it. I hope CRL sees this as the start of something and the winner of both (NSWRL and CRL competitions) plays off like this in the future.”
Hancock has little doubts his Rams side will be competitive with the premiers of the NSWRL equivalent competition.
I hope CRL sees this as the start of something.
- Rams under 16s coach Kurt Hancock.
The Rams swept to this year’s Johns Cup crown undefeated, capping the tournament with a 22-10 victory over Illawarra South Coast Dragons in the final at Mudgee.
Wellington pair Rylee Blackhall and Elijah Colliss were both tremendous throughout the tournament, while St John’s centre Noah Ryan was one of Hancock’s most consistent performers.
The title-winning Western side has class across the board and Hancock believes another chance to prove that, against the NSWRL’s best, no less, is a golden opportunity for young players in this region. Hancock says others will follow.
“The scoreline doesn’t matter, it’s all about the exposure,” he said.
“Ideally we’ll get more kids seeing there’s a pathway to achieve their goals in Sydney. If that’s clearer, then more kids will get involved in the game to chase their dreams.
“It’s an important thing to still have the Laurie Daley Cup and Andrew Johns Cup but what better way to finish up both competitions than to get them all together and have a game.
“It’s another time we get to challenge ourselves and our skills.”
The May 20 clash is expected to be confirmed after the NSWRL under 16s grand final this weekend.