Far North talent step out against Pride men in bid to make their name
THE next generation of Cowboys will be on show at Barlow Park when the North Queensland Young Guns take on the Northern Pride.
And some of the Far North’s brightest talents will be among them.
Braithen Ketchell (Japoonvale), Cohen Briggs (Innisfail), Elekana Suavai (Cairns) and Tekelu Mene (Warriber Island) have been named in the 20-man squad to face the Pride, with former Mareeba and Kangaroos coach Steve Sheppard at the helm.
It has been a gruelling pre-season for the Young Guns, but this shapes as an opportunity for these players to play themselves into the spotlight.
Robert Derby was one of the success stories from the Young Guns last season, going on to play most of the season with the Pride, and then make an international debut for Papua New Guinea.
Sheppard is not putting any pressure on this crop, with many to be tested for the first time against men.
“From my point of view, I just want to make sure we’re heading in the right direction,” he said.
“I just want to make sure the boys have a good understanding, they’re competing on everything.
“As for playing against men, it’s to see how they handle it. Some handle it well, some take some time.
“It will be a good learning curve for a lot of the boys.
“The Cowboys have a certain style of football, the way they want to play, so we’ve worked hard over the offseason to try to set those standards and get where we want to be.”
Queensland under-19 representative Suavai has been named to start in the centres, with Ketchell, Briggs and Mene set to come off the bench.
“Young ‘Ketch’, he’s a little professional, he works all day then comes in here and works his backside off. I’m really looking forward to seeing what he can do,” Sheppard said.
“‘Briggsy’, he’s really improved. “When he got here we weren’t sure where he’d play – fullback, halves or outside backs – but given an opportunity in the centres and he’s improved every week.
“He’s put on good size, getting fitter – keen to see how he goes.”
The Young Guns trial will kick-off at 2.45pm.