The best young Rugby League players from across Regional NSW will come together this weekend for the inaugural Country Rugby League Pathways and Development Camp at the Sydney Academy of Sport in Narrabeen.
Over 350 players, coaches and trainers from CRL Regional Academies will participate in the weekend which will include trial matches against other academies, NRL Welfare and Education sessions, SPARQ testing and goal setting sessions.
The program is overseen by NSW State of Origin Assistant Coach and CRL High Performance Manager Matt Parish and will include sessions with Country Origin Coach Craig Fitzgibbon.
CRL CEO Terry Quinn believes the camp is a wonderful opportunity for all involved.
“This is the first time we have held a camp of this magnitude for our Under 16 and Under 17’s players and we’re excited to be able to offer this opportunity through Country Rugby League,” said Quinn.
“The program that Matt (Parish) has been running has been very well received and has allowed our players, coaches and trainers to improve their performance both on and off the field.
“We have some high profile people involved with our program and we’re very proud to be able to offer their knowledge and expertise to our participants.”
CRL High Performance Manager Matt Parish believes the program offers young players the opportunity to fulfil their potential.
“It’s not about readying players for the NRL,” said Parish.
“It’s about providing these kids with the best chance to be the best that they can be, whether that’s playing for their hometown or playing with their Under 16 and 18 representative sides.”
“It’s been a real pleasure to work, not only with the kids, but all of the coaches, trainers and volunteers who make Country Rugby League what it is.”
The Pathways and Development Camp will take place at the Sydney Academy of Sport in Narrabeen from Friday 27th – Sunday 29th February.