As part of the Wests Tigers continued investment into its pathways, the club is pleased to confirm that Brad Speechley has moved into a full-time position as Pathways Coordinator (Wests/Macarthur).
The role will cover junior representative and development programs across Wests Tigers Macarthur Junior Rugby League (JRL) and Group 6 JRL, spanning from U/13’s through to SG Ball Cup.
Speechley, already working with the club in a part-time capacity, said the transition into a full-time role was an exciting prospect.
“I’ve been around the area for four or five years, so I’ve got a pretty good relationship with a lot of the stakeholders, and I know the junior pathways kids, so I’m invested in seeing it be successful,” Speechley said.
“We’ve got a strong grassroots area out there and I’m keen on making it bigger and giving kids plenty of opportunity to grow.”
In addition to overseeing the nursery of talent in the southwest, Speechley will be tasked with community engagement, and relationship building with NSWRL, local clubs, and schools.
Wests Tigers Head of Pathways, Bronson Harrison said Speechley’s appointment would lay an important platform for the continued growth of the club’s pathways.
“Brad brings extensive experience through his work with NRL Development and his current role as the captain-coach at Camden Rams Rugby League Club,” Harrison said.
“He is a proud local with a deep connection to the area and coupled with his expertise and passion for our game, he was the ideal appointment for what’s a critical role to the development of rugby league in the southwest.
“Brad will lead on key strategic partnerships throughout the region and ensure our players, families, coaches, performance staff, and community remain strongly connected to the Wests Tigers pathway,” Harrison concluded.
In discussing key aspects of his new role, Speechley said he would be immediately focused on program coordination, talent identification and coach development.
“At the moment, I’m organising trials and also doing a fair bit of talent ID, going out to a lot of the junior games and just talking to a lot of people within the area,” Speechley said.
“My role also entails working with coaches on coach education and balancing out our program so that we can give the kids a good development program and get better in our pathways.
“I’ll also be working with Eagle Vale closely on their rugby league program and building that out.
“I’m trying to create NRL players for Wests Tigers and it starts very early.
We’re looking to continue to grow and refine these existing pathways, to support the players in our area and build their game each day.
Brad Speechley Wests Tigers Pathways Coordinator (Wests/Macarthur)
Speechley said helping kids feel connected to Wests Tigers is vital for long-term success.
“It’s a strong area, especially for rugby league, and Eagle Vale’s going to offer another aspect, where we’ll provide resources for them to get better and be proud of being part of the Wests Tigers community.
“It’s a great community, with a strong competition and a wealth of talent, so the main thing for me is just giving them the opportunity to grow.”
