RECENT Camden Haven Eagles recruit Nadia Bligh has been selected for the Group 3 Junior Rugby League (JRL) Academy.

A former Taree junior, Nadia is no stranger to representative action.

Last year, she was selected in the under 13s Group 3 Academy, trialling successfully again this year for the under 15s side.

Nadia is a utility player and can competently take the field in numerous positions including halfback and centre, although fullback is her preference.

“In fullback I feel I can take control of the game more,” she told NOTA.

Nadia’s parents, alongside Eagles club coach Peter Bird, are understandably very proud of her selection.

“They know how hard I have worked and it feels good to know that all my dedication, effort and training has been worth it,” Nadia said.

Her Academy side trains once a week at Harrington, which Nadia attends on top of her regular club training.

“I really enjoy being in the under 15s Academy and training under Lauren Fearnley, my academy coach.

“Fearnley has taught me that it doesn’t matter if I do something wrong, all that matters is I try my hardest.”

Club president Jarryd ‘Kiwi’ Gaskin told NOTA the Camden Haven Eagles are “extremely proud of Nadia’s selection”.

“Her inclusion in the Academy is a great opportunity for both her and the Eagles.”

Recently the Group 3 Academy played both the Western JRL Academy and the North Inland JRL Academy
The under 15 girls won one of their games and tied in the second.

The next academy games will be held in July later this year.

Nadia joins club mates Chloe Gaskin-Hogan and Ezekiel ‘Zeke’ Fahina in gaining representative selection.

By Kim AMBROSE