YOUNG GUNS GEARING UP FOR BIG YEAR
As Clydesdales’ junior teams return to action, Darcy Jennings chats to the coaches to assess their chances
After a more than decade long absence the Western Clydesdales are back in Queensland’s elite rugby league competition – the Hostplus Cup. The focus right now, however, is on the club’s junior teams.
After sitting out the first round of their respective competitions due to byes, the Cyril Connell Challenge under-16 boys, Mal Meninga U18 boys and Harvey Norman U19 women are in action on Saturday.
Ahead of their first games for the season The Chronicle spoke to all three Clydesdales coaches before their teams go head to head with the Wide Bay Bulls.
For all the latest on the Clydesdales including game-day line-ups head to thechronicle.com.au/sport
CONNELL CHALLENGE – KICK-OFF AT NOON
The U16s will be the first team in action on Saturday.
Despite his squad’s inexperience at the elite level, coach Ned Murphy is backing his team to perform.
“The team is tracking really well,” Murphy said.
“We have been handed a few injuries which is unfortunate.
“It’s the boys’ first time playing a proper game for the Western Clydesdales in the Cyril Connell comp.
“The travel is a factor but it’s part of the deal when you play at this level, so it’s something they will need to get used to.
“We probably were lucky to draw in the last game against them (Bulls) so we know that it’ll be a difficult task but the boys are ready and raring to go.”
Murphy is looking for his spine to be on song.
“I’m expecting a big game from our fullback, hooker and halves,” he said.
“I want the team to continue to improve on their form from the pre-season trials.”
MENINGA CUP – KICK-OFF AT 3PM
Coach Paul Bose is optimistic about his side’s chances ahead of the game and more broadly the season ahead.
However, he did lament that his troops might be a bit behind where they should be.
“They are tracking well,” Bose said. “We beat the Bulls in the first trial and drew with premiership favourites Redcliffe, but we probably aren’t exactly where we would like to be.
“Fortunately, we have been injury free and the week off gave time for some of the niggles to go away.”
One player to watch on the weekend is five-eighth Jake Durie.
Second rower Harry Eyers has been described as a “quiet achiever” and “a bit of a surprise package”.
Eyers has been training the house down and is expected to be a key player for the weekend.
HARVEY NORMAN U19S – KICK-OFF AT 1.30PM
The side will look to continue its redhot form after a 52-0 victory over the Bulls in their last outing.
Coach Russell Jones highlighted the importance of his side not becoming complacent. “Last outing we put on a cricket score against them so we know that they’ll be motivated and they are at home too,” Jones said. “We cannot get complacent. “The coaching staff and I have stressed the importance of being ready from the start.”
Russell was happy with how his side has been tracking, and is expecting a good contest.
“The girls are all keen and ready to go,” he said.
“Unfortunately we had to break a few hearts with the finalisation on the side, but I’m confident that they are all the right players.
“If we can stick to what we’ve been doing during the training sessions, the wins will follow.”
On players to watch, Jones expressed that he wants his side to work as a unit.
“No individuals but individual brilliance will always open up a game,” Jones said. “We do expect big efforts from our edges, outside backs we want them to see the ball.”