Junior Rams ready and raring

A 25-man squad has been announced to represent the Rams at the upcoming Under 16 state championships on the Gold Coast, with 197-game Sydney Swans premiership player, Tadhg Kennelly to coach the side.

The team is due to come together for a training camp in Sydney in two weeks time, where Kennelly is hoping that the squad will develop a great rapport.

“Coming from the two academies (Swans and GWS), they’re highly skilled, which is different to the past,” said Kennelly.

“We can talk about game plans rather than coach them on their skills.”

The squad is due to travel to the Gold Coast during the July school holidays to compete in the state championships, an exciting prospect for Kennelly and the side.

“The past few years have been really successful, because of the academies… however the spread of players isn’t as good as it has been in the past,” said Kennelly.

“It’s been really different from the past… a step up though… We are really looking forward to it.”

This year, the squad comprises of players from across the region, from as far south as Temora, up to Coffs Harbour, and into the Canberra region. All of these players however, have been sourced from the two academy squads (Sydney Swans and GWS Giants) in NSW/ACT.

The selected team will play three matches in division two at the championships this year.

Matches will be comprised of 4 x 20 minute quarters, except for round one, which will have an alternate format to allow more players to be used by each side.

The NSW/ACT side will commence their campaign on Day Three, as they face the Northern Territory at Broadbeach, before taking on traditional rivals, and championship hosts Queensland at the home of the Southport Sharks, Fankhauser Reserve.

The young Rams players will get a real thrill in their final match of the championship, as they take on Tasmania at the home of the Gold Coast Suns, Metricon Stadium.

As for how the side will perform, Kennelly is quietly confident about surprising a number of teams this year.

“Queensland are always the rival because of location and skill level in the past,” said Kennelly.

“It’s hard knowing, but we’ve had success last year in the U15 school championships, so that’s pleasing.

“As far as what the other teams are doing it’s hard to say, but our team is as good as we have had in the past.”

U16 NSW/ACT Rams Squad 2014