A major restructure of rugby league at St Joseph’s Aberdeen has seen many great opportunities offered to students and the young men have shown their appreciation by taking full advantage and achieving to the best of their abilities.
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The school’s sports coordinator Alison Tilse and teachers, particularly Abbie Bates, have been working in collaboration with the Newcastle Knights, National Rugby League’s Chris Brennan and Country Rugby League’s Aaron Watts to develop a better program for the students.
One of the key implementations was the appointment of local coaches on a more consistent level, with local rugby league coaches and parents Pete Ellis, Dave Madden, Scott Pennell and Jay Shepherdson sharing their skills.
To date the results have been speaking for themselves as the rugby league representatives have been making St Joseph’s proud.
Recently, two youngsters were selected to represent the school in state teams.
The year 9 students, Jock Madden and Tom Eveleigh, impressed selectors with Madden being selected to play in the NSW Combined Catholic 15 years Rugby League Squad at the Australian Schoolboys Championships at St Marys Stadium in June.
Madden and the team played four games and finished third overall across the country.
Their first game was against Queensland Maroon which they lost 48 to 8, followed by a 14 to 6 win against NSW Combined High Schools (CHS).
Their third game was the semi final against NSW CHS again, which they lost 18 to 10, however they finished up with a victory against Queensland White, 26 to 10.
Madden said it was a really great experience as the level of football was extremely high.
The half back said it was a good chance to play with other players he hadn’t met before and meet new friends at camp.
Eveleigh was selected in an additional NSW Country Team to play in a tour at St Gregory’s College in July, however due to a back injury the weekend before the tour he was unfortunately unable to attend.
Both Scone youngsters are also members of the Under 15s school team that played in the Northern Country Cup Semi Finals at Coffs Harbour yesterday.
The squad of 20 year 9 and 10 students travelled to Coffs Harbour on Tuesday for the three games yesterday at CEX International Stadium against Farrer Memorial Agricultural College, St Joseph’s Banora Point and St Joseph’s Regional College Port Macquarie.
Bates said the team qualified for the semi finals when they won the regional finals at the end of last term at Aberglassyn.
“For a side that was plagued by injury, illness and other representative commitments they played really well to beat Callaghan Campus Wallsend, St Joseph’s Lochinvar and St Edwards Central Coast and make the semis,” she said.
“If they win on Wednesday they will proceed to the Country Cup Finals in Dubbo in a few weeks, but they will have to dominate their pool which will be really tough.”
Bates said both the school’s Under 13s and Under 15s teams have had lots of success off the back of the school’s rugby league restructure.
Both teams have been recognised for their skills and efforts by being granted wildcard entry into the NSW State Knockout Finals in Western Sydney next Tuesday.
Bates said it is really nice to have their efforts recognised with the wildcard entry and she wishes the boys the best of luck in what will be a tough competition.
Bates also expressed gratitude to the local football clubs in the Group 21 area for all of their support, as the junior and senior sections of each club made donations to allow new jerseys to be purchased for the five school rugby league teams.
As the old jerseys were almost 10-years-old and unsuitable, however with funds scarce, the clubs were approached for support and were only too willing to assist.
Bates said the jerseys were made by a local business and feature each of the club’s logos on them as a way of recognising their support.
“They also have the ‘Rise for Alex’ logo on the sleeve, a cause that is close to our hearts here at Joey’s and in Aberdeen.
“The school is very grateful to Aaron Watts, who initially suggested the support idea from his genuine interest in rugby league, local juniors and because he is a passionate ex-student and local.”
