THEY will be playing in maroon today but they will be cheering for the NSW Blues tonight.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
That’s the plan for the Northern Inland Academy of Sport’s rugby league squad as it prepares for a Central Coast Challenge against some of the big NRL club development squads at Wyong today before heading to Sydney for tonight’s third State of Origin between NSW and Queensland.
It’s a big day for the NIAS Under 15 squad, said head coach Peter Stevens after the squad had a final training session at Jack Woolaston Oval yesterday.
“We had a few things to go over so we can, hopefully, go down and be competitive,” Stevens said.
“All the boys are excited about playing as well as the State Of Origin.”
The Central Coast Challenge is a competition where the NRL clubs send their development squads preparing for next year’s Harold Matthews Cup competition.
“It will give our boys a little taste of what to expect and show them where they have to be if they want to go to the next level.”
NIAS, who play in maroon with white and yellow, tackle Penrith (10.30am), Manly (11am), Newcastle Knights (noon) and Parramatta Eels at 1.30pm.
Then they head to Sydney for a big night.
“We will play in maroon but we will be cheering for the Blues,” Stevens said.
“I’m hoping that we might not have to wear our maroon hoodies to the game otherwise all the NSW supporters will think we’re Queenslanders.
“Hopefully the Blues get up too.”