COACHES PULLING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
MENDI Blackhawks under-21s coach Steven Sheppard believes coaching is only a small part of his new role with the club.
In fact, like his name suggests, Sheppard is adamant his job is to guide his charges towards the Queensland Cup.
There is also pressure on the former under-18s coach to keep up the success of the squad after it reached last weekend’s Hastings Deering Colts grand final under David Elliott, losing to Wynnum Manly in extra time.
“There is no real comparison going from Hastings Deering Colts to the (Cup),” Sheppard said. “So my job is to try and implement what (Cup coach Aaron Payne) is doing up top and hopefully it makes the boys’ transition easier into grade.
“The pathway is definitely working, there was 13 out of the 17 players (from the final) who will still be eligible for under-21s and then we have 10 boys from the under-18s that will come into the side as well.”
But the pathway to success at the Blackhawks begins well before the under-21 ranks. Kirwan Bears coach Nathan Norford has extended his deal with the Townsville club to head up their Cyril Connell Challenge (under-16s) squad.
“This program breaks down those barriers to allow them to train like a representative side and step it up to another level,” Norford said. “Some kids are transitioning into an NRL system before they turn 18, so the earlier we can educate them, it will be beneficial for these kids on and off the field.”
Sheppard, Norford and Payne are part of a strong quintet of coaches which includes Roy Baira (under-18s) and Rob Hall (under-19 women's).