Warriors turn to their teen tearaway
WARRIORS coach Justin Rawlins has put his faith in versatile teenager Ethan Ramsbotham as the ladder leaders aim to bounce back in a grand final rematch.
It is the first time the Warriors have reignited their ageold rivalry with reigning premiers MA Olympic this season, but there will be little need for motivation after they were embarrassed 5-0 by Saints Eagles Souths last weekend.
With a few key outs in the midfield, Rawlins has turned to Ramsbotham to move out of the backline and get more time with the ball at his feet.
It was a move that delivered the result against MA Olympic in the final round of last season, and one that Rawlins has complete faith in.
“He has always been a midfielder and plays with an attacking style, but when you are young you tend to play where you’re told,” Rawlins said.
“For Ethan that has been in the backline. But this week he will play in the middle of the park.
“Hopefully he takes that opportunity with two hands and makes it difficult for any of the other boys to walk back into the midfield when they are back. He … is one of those players who rises to the challenge.”
Ramsbotham will be supported by experienced midfielder Michael Sheen, while Rawlins will take care of the back field. Rawlins said the response from his side had been impressive this week.
“I think everyone needs to have the results go against them at some point, but preferably not in that fashion,” he said. “It was an eye-opener.”