Around 50 children took on the Varley Oval sports clinic, with the 11-17 age group testing their speed, fitness and agility against others around the state. 

“It gives them an idea of where they’re sitting with other kids their age,” PSM’s Simon Healey said. 

“If an 11-year-old gets 10 in a beep test, he can see if he’s on average or a bit lower. So it gives them an area for improvement.”

Three Inverell players will have the opportunity to train with NRL coaches and players including Brad Arthur, John Cartwright and Valentine Holmes. 

“We’re identifying talented kids in that 11-17 age group, and we’ll be inviting them to a pathway camp in Sydney,” Healey said.

“The whole idea of coming out here is to give the kids from the country an opportunity to be seen and to learn great new skills.”

The junior group was focused on learning the fundamentals, meeting new people and having fun. 

“(They learn) how to hold a ball, how to catch a ball, how to pass a ball, how to tackle correctly; so they feel very comfortable when they get out on the football field,” Healey said.

Healey was impressed by the standard of local players.

“They really want to learn. They’re really dedicated, they’re really conscientious in what they’re doing and they ask great questions,” he said.

Co-hosted by the Rugby League Academy, this was PSM’s second local clinic, and Healey was pleased with the Inverell Shire Council’s support of the event. PSM plans to return twice yearly in an effort to give opportunities to talented young country players. 

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