Western’s strong Country under 16s and under 18s contingent helped the side to an undefeated tour of New Zealand after two wins at Canterbury last week.
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The NSW Country outfits both wrapped up the week-long tour with 50-8 and 40-8 wins respectively in the under 16s and under 18s.
The twin victories came on the back of wins over West Coast Rugby League in the tour opener at Wingham Park, Greymouth.
Luke Gale was named Country under 18s skipper, which assistant coach Cameron Greenhalgh said was a special achievement for the Rams gun.
“They were really good, but Luke especially. He was named man of the match and players’ player too in that last game,” Greenhalgh said of the Group 11 star.
Hobby will slot straight back into Blayney’s side as it makes a run at the Group 10 under 18s finals.
“It’s a great reward for him to be named captain.
“Every player in the squad was exceptional with their attitude towards football on and off the field and that was led by Luke.
“All the Western guys can hold their head high.”
Greenhalgh added with the reduction of the Country open’s team to under 23s the door for further representative honours was open for Western’s best.
“That’s right, and we spoke about that on tour too,” Greenhalgh said.
“These sort of opportunities don’t come around every day and, during this tour, they’ve grabbed it with both hands which is great to see.
“Everyone, not only the Western boys, took the field was exception over the eight days.”
Greenhalgh said the Western boys that won country championship titles in both the under 18s and under 16s continued on the sort of form that saw the Rams record those memorable victories.
Hobby will return to Blayney’s side as it makes a run at the Group 10 under 18s finals.
Bears call for 2018 coaches
Blayney Bears Senior Rugby league are calling for qualified applications to fill the roles of coaches for the 2018 season.
Applications are open for coaches for Premier League, First Division, Under 18’s and League Tag.
Applications must be in to Lisa Oborn at morley72@icloud.com before close of business on Wednesday the 16th of August.