Promising future for young talents
THE SELECTIONS OF JAI ARROW AND JARROD WALLACE ADD TO A LEGACY OF COAST TALENT WHICH SHOWS NO SIGNS OF SLOWING, WRITES CONNOR O’BRIEN
THE future appears bright for the Gold Coast’s presence on the State of Origin stage.
Last night, two homegrown Titans players – Runaway Bay’s Jarrod Wallace and Burleigh’s Jai Arrow – lined up proudly for Queensland.
Arrow also attended renowned rugby league school Keebra Park and judging by the observations of their coach Glen Campbell, the Coast’s production line looks to be in good shape for future Origin series.
“We’re not having to chase kids as much as we used to,” Campbell said with reference to how an increasing number of local products are coming through the doors.
Keebra were “stoked” to see their former captain be handed his debut and also were keeping a close eye on the curtainraiser at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
“He (Arrow) really earnt his stripes and proved himself and we always knew as soon as he got a chance he would really shine,” Campbell said.
“In the Queensland 18s side, six of them play at Keebra Park as well so that’s a real big plus on the talent coming out of the Gold Coast so it could be a sign of things to come.
“If you look through the schools system, South Coast have always been quite dominant in the rugby league with both the 15s and 18s so it’s a sign that the school system is working on the Gold Coast, so let’s hope that filters into the Titans and Queensland sides.”
Campbell added he has noticed a gradual change in the way the development process takes place.
“We’re getting kids a little bit more polished, they have sort of come through (professional) systems before,” he said.
“We’re dealing less and less with kids who just have got basic raw talent but rather kids with skill and I suppose our coaching styles have changed a bit over the last 10 years.”
WE’RE NOT HAVING TO CHASE KIDS AS MUCH AS WE USED TO KEEBRA’S GLEN CAMPBELL