SEVERAL Sawtell Panthers Rugby League Club juniors are pursuing their NRL dreams as the club seeks to grow player numbers for this year’s Group 2 competition.

Luke Jones has joined the Gold Coast Titans Academy, Malakhi Donovan has moved to Sydney to join the West Tigers and Travys Downton and Liam Hand have moved to Tweed Heads.

Last year the Panthers’ under 18s finished in second place under the tutelage of coach Peter Barrett.

Barrett told News Of The Area opportunities exist at NSW’s country clubs to pursue NRL dreams.

“The Panthers and Group 2 have a rich history in helping players pursue their dreams, as you can see from Malakhi Donovon joining the West Tigers with Travys and Liam moving north to Tweed Heads, the opportunities are there.

“The Gold Coast Titans have signed fifteen-year-old Luke Jones from Sawtell.”

With several junior stars departing the Club, new recruits are needed to fill the gaps.

“There’s plenty of opportunities for locals playing for Group 2 but as players move away we need new players to replace them.

“We have great coaches at the Panthers but we need more players in both the juniors and the seniors.”

The North Coast has produced many NRL players over the past ten years, with Sawtell’s former captain Locky Miller one of the most recent after joining the Cronulla Sharks this season.

“We encourage anyone who has played or is interested to contact their local club and get involved,” said Barrett, who has captained and coached several first grade teams in NSW and QLD to success.

Barrett also has a strong history in Group 2, where he has coached first grade sides Sawtell and Orara Valley to Grand Finals, as well as finishing as finalists with Nambucca Heads.

In 1991 Barrett coached an undefeated Group 2 First Grade team to NSW Country Super League title, defeating Gold Coast in the Grand Final.

In 2007, Barrett took over the Representative U18s winning back to back NSW Country Champions with North Coast and Oxley Pioneers and now encourages players to support their local club.

“North Coast has so many great coaches, Group 2 had so much talent coming through our juniors and we need to get back to those days and encourage them to stay in this area, so get down to your local club and be part of this great game,” said Barrett.

 

By David WIGLEY