It’s the kind of advice that young players hear all the time, be it from grandparents, parents and their coaches.
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If you want to be good at anything, particularly rugby league or any sporting pursuit, you have to practise, practise and practise.
To spread that message, and one of road safety and the knock on effect, origin legend Laurie Daley, along with Tim Brasher, Craig Wing, Shaun Timmins and Josh Perry were at King George Oval last Thursday night, a cold and slightly damp night that reminded fellow country boy Laurie Daley of his own origins.
Originally from Junee, Daley said that he enjoys getting back to the country and checking out the talent on display.
“They love their rugby league here and it’s a real rugby league centre, so we thought we’d come out and give back to country rugby league.
“We know what it means to the people in these areas to see guys that have played in the NRL, and played at the highest level,” he said.
Questioned on the differences between country and city players, Daley said that the real difference comes down to distance and facilities.
“The only real difference are the facilities and the training programs that are available, other than that the players out here do have a lot of natural skill and ability,” he said.
Daley said that despite the players from the bush having to battle the twin elements of distance, and in places poor facilities, they were well represented in the national side.
“There are potential players throughout country NSW who will go on to play for Australia and there are a lot that come through the system from the bush as it’s a great breeding ground.
“I’m sure that there is some here in Blayney running around who will one day play for the NRL,” he said.
The training session was well attended by the Bears players of all ages and were welcome recipients of Daley’s sage advice.
“To move forward in anything you have to firstly enjoy what you’re doing,” he said, “and then you have to be able to work hard, keep on practicing your skills, be dedicated and you’ll go as far as you want to.”