Young Sharks Players Named in NSW High Performance Camp

[IronShark]

Here is some great news just in from the NSWRL. Under new Blues Coach, Ricky Stuart, a high performance camp is to be run for all up-and-coming NSW players. This is a terrific sign of the potential strength of the Sharks, with plenty of our young stars named in the squad. Congratulations to all!

The two night camp will be held in Homebush in late January and will include testing and skills assessment in conjunction with the NSW Institute of Sport.

BLUES-IN-WAITING
HIGH PERFORMANCE GROUP

FRONT ROW:

• KEITH GALLOWAY
• AIDEN TOLMAN
• LUKE DOUGLAS
• KADE SNOWDEN
• TIM MANNAH
• ANDREW FIFITA
• TIM GRANT
• AARON WOODS

BACKROW/LOCK:

• BODENE THOMPSON
• MITCH AUBUSSON
• SIMON DWYER
• MATT PRIOR
• COREY PATTERSON
• JAMAL IDRIS
• JARROD CROKER
• CHRIS HEIGHINGTON
• RYAN JAMES
• MARK MINICHELLO

HALF-BACKS/FIVE-EIGHTS:

• JAMIE SOWARD
• JARROD MULLEN
• TIM MOLTZEN
• KRIS KEATING
• TRENT HODKINSON
• JOSH MCRONE
• ALBERT KELLY

HOOKERS:

• ALAN TONGUE
• CAMERON KING

CENTRES:

• BLAKE AYSHFORD
• BLAKE FERGUSON
• JOSH MORRIS
• KANE LINNETT
• JOEL THOMPSON
• BEAU CHAMPION
• JOSEPH LEILUI (BJ)
• JOEL REDDY

WINGERS:

• NATHAN MERRIT
• TONY WILLIAMS
• AQUILA UATE
• KEVIN GORDON
• STEWART MILLS

FULLBACKS:

• JOSH DUGAN
• LACHLAN COOTE
• NATHAN GARDNER

Source: NSWRL

 

[ABshark]

Hahahahahaha. Fantastic news, but very surprising!

I think that shows how highly Stewart Mills is thought of, at least by Ricky. Kelly also.

It ought to be a great experience for all those guys, and congratulations to all.

On a different note, of the other guys who haven't played much 1st grade yet, keep an eye on Aaron Woods (prop for the Tigers) and Cameron King (Dragons hooker).

EDIT:

I think this indicates some other things as well- Ricky's new position will benefit our boys in terms of rep selection. Do you see any other wingers who haven't played any footy at all over the last couple of seasons, (not even first grade yet) in the squad? Similarly with Albert. It will be great experience for them.

The other thing it shows is that Ricky does have an eye for talent. Is there anyone there that should not be there (except maybe for the very young blokes)?

And I'm sorry snowman and Caps, but the depth of quality in that squad shows why NSW will dominate in coming years. We produce more good talent than Qld each year, it just requires harnessing.

 

[Capital_Shark]

And I'm sorry snowman and Caps, but the depth of quality in that squad shows why NSW will dominate in coming years. We produce more good talent than Qld each year, it just requires harnessing.

Don't be sorry. Its about friggin' time you lot got your act together. You've always had - and probably always will have - more depth than Queensland. Like you said though, its all about how well its harnessed.

I love Origin footy and understand its importance in our game. I love it when Queensland win, but at the same time I've hated watching NSW drop the ball (not in an on-field sense) the last few years.

Well done to the Cronulla boys, and all the other lads who made this emerging squad. It'll no doubt improve NSW Origin, which will improve the SOO series and that all translates to the improvement the Rugby League brand.

If you're still not convinced this is good for Origin footy, then just look at who started the thread. For a bloke who reckons Origin is all a farce, he's pretty wrapped with this news. Merry Christmas, big fella :drunk

 

[ABshark]

I'm not really sorry Caps but I do agree with all that you've said there.

And I think Iron's Shark-love greatly outweighs his Origin-hate.

Again, great to see the boys in the squad. Its made my day. :good:

 

[Mr Wright]

And I'm sorry snowman and Caps, but the depth of quality in that squad shows why NSW will dominate in coming years. We produce more good talent than Qld each year, it just requires harnessing.

Doesn't mean you can stop us from winning 6 straight! Woeful bunch you lot have been.

I'm particulary happy with Kelly being in the squad. I really want this kid to be in our halves this year! He has what we all call the 'x-factor' and is a genuine game winner. Can create something from nothing and that is the glaring weakness that our team has had for the last few years.

One thing that worries me is that all these guys are off-contract for next year.

 

[josh11223344]

this is really positive and will help AK's confidence alot but this selection shows 2 things rickey's bias and our lack of depth in the halves

 

[noremac79]

If Albert Kelly and Stewart Mills are the best NSW has then it's going to be a lean next decade. I love the sharks but a guy that has never played firsts cannot be one of the best wingers for NSW.

 

[Mr Wright]

BTW mate, that's not the squad. It's just a development program. Only 6-7 or so of these guys will play for NSW.

 

[snapper]

If Albert Kelly and Stewart Mills are the best NSW has then it's going to be a lean next decade. I love the sharks but a guy that has never played firsts cannot be one of the best wingers for NSW.

Which Guy?????

 

[snowman]

mills?

 

[Blix]

That is awesome news, will really help the younger guys training with rep players, in a rep atmospshere.

Ricky is definately hooking us up!!!

Would be great to see Kelly excel and press for a FG spot next to Graham!

 

[IronShark]

...
If you're still not convinced this is good for Origin footy, then just look at who started the thread. For a bloke who reckons Origin is all a farce, he's pretty wrapped with this news. Merry Christmas, big fella :drunk

Haha! mate I don't hate Origin as a concept, I think it's great. What I do hate is how it has been manipulated as a simple money-making execise. I still think the idea of a three game series right in the middle of the premiership, involving the best players the Clubs have to offer is ridiculous. I expressed exactly the same sentiment to Gavin Miller and Jon Docking at the Club the other night and they agreed with me - and they love Origin! We all agreed the only reason it is run the way it is is to maximise TV ratings. Personally, I just don't believe the on-field fortunes of my Club should be put at risk simply to line the pockets of a few massive corporations.

If Albert Kelly and Stewart Mills are the best NSW has then it's going to be a lean next decade. I love the sharks but a guy that has never played firsts cannot be one of the best wingers for NSW.

The whole purpose of this camp is to identify young talent and develop them into Origin players. It doesn't mean they will play Origin this year, or even next year.

The reason there are such big raps on Mills is not because of what he has done in the NRL - it's what he has the potential to do. Everyone with an eye for talent has seen the same thing in this bloke. They all agree he would already go close to being the fastest player in the NRL. With a bit of luck and an injury-free season, he will prove the doubters wrong.

 

[PMQ_Tony]

Haha! mate I don't hate Origin as a concept, I think it's great. What I do hate is how it has been manipulated as a simple money-making execise. I still think the idea of a three game series right in the middle of the premiership, involving the best players the Clubs have to offer is ridiculous. I expressed exactly the same sentiment to Gavin Miller and Jon Docking at the Club the other night and they agreed with me - and they love Origin! We all agreed the only reason it is run the way it is is to maximise TV ratings. Personally, I just don't believe the on-field fortunes of my Club should be put at risk simply to line the pockets of a few massive corporations.



The whole purpose of this camp is to identify young talent and develop them into Origin players. It doesn't mean they will play Origin this year, or even next year.

The reason there are such big raps on Mills is not because of what he has done in the NRL - it's what he has the potential to do. Everyone with an eye for talent has seen the same thing in this bloke. They all agree he would already go close to being the fastest player in the NRL. With a bit of luck and an injury-free season, he will prove the doubters wrong.

Hi all... yes I am still alive.

Spot on Iron. I agree with you on every account.

 

[Mr Wright]

What Gives?

It's been a while since I've seen you around Tony! What's with the noddy avatar?

Also, I found it a bit eye opening that Jarod Croker was selected in the 'backrow/lock' position. He's played all his footy with Canberra at centre. He's not a big lad either.

 

[Jaz]

Go Gards! It's good to see him mentioned along with the likes of other young gun fullbacks Dugan and Coote, and although at the moment they definitely have it over him (Dugan especially), they are a couple of seasons ahead of him and hopefully he can rise to their heights.

 

[Wilson]

Thats awesome.

 

[Hughesy215]

It's been a while since I've seen you around Tony! What's with the noddy avatar?

Also, I found it a bit eye opening that Jarod Croker was selected in the 'backrow/lock' position. He's played all his footy with Canberra at centre. He's not a big lad either.

Whole heartedly agree! I am just guessing here but i know he is a young guy maybe he played there in his junior years and they think he has some growing to do!

Another observation... is the reason that Chris Lawerence is not there a mistake by NSW or are they thinking there is no reason to pick him because he is good enough already???

 

[Wilson]

Croker and Thompson have obviously been mixed up.

 

[PMQ_Tony]

It's been a while since I've seen you around Tony! What's with the noddy avatar?

Noticed that. I think it was put on when we celebrated Peach's five year milestone during the season.

 

[gando2230]

Nathan Merrit "a high performance camp is to be run for all up-and-coming NSW players"
Nathan Merrit must around 28 years old surely their are some younger wingers around.