COFFS Harbour has once again welcomed the state’s best junior Oztag players as it hosted the 2022 NSW State Junior Championships.

Coffs Harbour’s junior representative sides took on the state’s finest at home, with games played at the Ce.x Coffs International Stadium, Geoff Kings Motors Oval, and other surrounding fields.

Coffs Harbour entered five teams for the State Championships; the under 13,14, and 17s Girls, and the under 16 and 11s boys.

The 17s girls made it all the way to the quarter finals before going down 4-2 to Baulkham Hills.

The 11s boys were the only Coffs Harbour team who took part in the under 9s to under 12s part of the championships over the weekend.

Nathan Grace coached the Coffs Harbour 11s boys, and said his main message was to just enjoy their Oztag.

“We’re a side that’s always trying and puts in the effort, and it’s been a bit of a learning experience in this year’s competition,” he said.

“I told them just go out and have fun, you’re representing Coffs Harbour.

“A few players haven’t played at this level before, so it was a good learning experience for them.”

The under 11s boys opened their state championships against Sutherland, with their first half impressing the coach.

“Their defence in the half was good as we were only down 2-1, and their first half effort was really good,” he said.

“Their effort was 100 percent, and they’re going to be a side that puts in the effort.”

Denver Flynn, Cowen Groith, and Max Pinder were all playing in their first State Championships.

The boys play in their weekly junior competition in Coffs Harbour, as Denver Flynn noticed the difference in competing at state.

“It was a lot different to Wednesday, and it was a lot quicker and they were harder to defend,” he said.

Cowen Groith also noticed the step up in class.

“All the players are just so proactive, and when they’ve got the ball you have to attack them defensively or else they score,” he said.

“When you get out on the field you really notice how super-fast it is.”

Max Pinder found Sutherland to be a tough opponent first up.

“They were pretty good, and our line speed had to be good to try to stop them.”

The 2022 NSW Seniors State Championships will be held 24-26 June in Coffs Harbour.

By Aiden BURGESS