INGHAM PRODUCTS TO LEAD COUNTRY CHARGE
IF THE Queensland Country emerging stars are to play with the hometown passion needed to overcome a slick city outfit, they need the mentors to inspire that. With a pair of proud Ingham coaches taking the reins, North Queensland’s rugby league stars of tomorrow have the perfect men to instil such motivation.
Herbert River stalwart Annan Whittington will mentor his first Country outfit when he leads the under-17s side into battle against Queensland City on October 4.
He will be joined by fellow Ingham product Scott Smith, who will be the side’s head sports trainer as they attempt to galvanise a team which features six Townsville Aaron Payne Cup aces.
Whittington and Smith have both spent years mentoring young minds, both teachers at Southern Cross Catholic College and Ryan Catholic College respectively. They were also assistant coaches with the Townsville Blackhawks in their charge to the Mal Meninga Cup final, while Whittington has been actively involved with the Cowboys’ Young Guns program.
While Whittington has completed a comprehensive apprenticeship under the likes of Papua New Guinea Hunters coach Matt Church, now he said he was eager to implement his own philosophies and prove what he can do at the helm of the ship.
With further coaching aspirations to tick off his list, he said this would serve as the chance to test himself by turning a group of young strangers into a victorious unit.
“I suppose coaching in the Cowboys Young Guns has been the highlight so far for me,” Whittington said. “Working with Ben Jeffries and
Glenn Hall a few times a week has been a massive opportunity for me to develop, not just as a coach and teacher but as a human being.
“Bringing kids from all over country Queensland together is a massive opportunity for me as a coach, but also for the kids to develop and sharpen their skills to push to be future Origin players.
“It’s a good chance for myself to show what I can do and the philosophies I stand by. There won’t be flashiness, we’ll push home the gritty and resilient team dynamics I stand for.”