The next crop of potential Wests Tigers players completed a three-day training camp this week at Concord Oval as part of the club’s scholarship program.
The group of youngsters, aged between 15 and 18, were put through a number of development activities with the aim of enhancing their skills - both on and off the field.
Eight players from the group were brought down from Keebra Park High School, with Wests Tigers continuing its successful development relationship with the Gold Coast-based school.
Activities kicked-off on Wednesday with the schedule consisting of a gym instruction session, core exercises, catch-pass drills, shuttle tests, skill games and an opposed match against the current Balmain SG Ball side.
The second day of camp began with a prehab and rehab session, followed by gym work, player testing, left edge versus right edge training, career choices seminar, defence training and recovery exercises (including ice baths).
On the final day of camp, the players took part in a video analysis session, nutrition talk and a game preparation meeting with NRL Head Coach Jason Taylor.
Wests Tigers vice-captain Dene Halatau also spent time with the group on the final day, speaking about the dedication and sacrifices you have to make as a professional rugby league player.
Wests Tigers Recruitment and Development Manager Warren McDonnell said the camp was a success and looks forward to working with the group of players in the future.
“The football staff were all really happy with the attitude and performance of the group over the few days,” McDonnell said. “The aim of the camp was not to suddenly turn them into NRL players, but to give them an idea of the level that they need to reach to play first grade.
“The camp also gives them the opportunity to take what they’ve learnt back to their home clubs and continue to work on their development as a rugby league player.
“The opposed session against Balmain SG Ball provided them with an idea of what the competition for places is like coming into grade, which will hopefully drive them to work harder individually.”
The group of players left Concord Oval on Friday afternoon, with the club's development team set to monitor the players throughout the 2016 season.
