Playing some of the country’s best soccer players is exciting – no doubt – but for Northern Inland co-captain Adam Watson, the opportunity it presents to the squad’s younger players is the most exciting prospect.
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Northern Inland will host the Newcastle Jets at Scully Park on Thursday night and Watson, who will captain alongside Jason Boundy, said it provided members of the Northern Inland’s young brigade the perfect opportunity to show their wares.
“Coatesy [Northern Inland co-coach Tim Coates] asked me and Jason Boundy to do it to guide them [young players] around,” Watson said.
“It’s a big occasion for them and they wanted some older heads, like myself, to help them out.
“I think it’s really good for the region, the more exposure we can give our young players down here to the Newcastle system, the better.
“Players then can maybe take that next step.”
Watson said a number of players had the potential to take that next step in their soccer careers with Norths United’s Cody McCann – who will play left fullback or in the midfield – and forward Brent Pedlow of East Armidale at the top of his list.
“The ones I’d be watching are Cody McCann and Brent Pedlow, I see them having big futures,” Watson said.
“It’d be terrific if we could find someone from Tamworth that we could bring into the squad maybe in the under 16s or under 18s,” Merrick said.
“I always keep my eye out for that talent, my background is Victorian Institute of Sport, so I did a lot of that.
“I’m looking forward to playing the local talent, I’m sure they'll be very competitive but I’ll also be keeping an eye on who might be one to make the grade.”
Northern Inland has selected two teams for the match with Watson to lead one and Boundy to lead the other.
The sides will play one half each with the Jets likely to do the same.
Watson wasn’t predicting a boilover but said the Northern Inland squad was full of talent.
“I think it’s a high quality side but it would have been nice to have a training session,” Watson said of Northern Inland.
“We’re under no illusions, we’re heavy underdogs.
“We just have to try not to concede too early.
“They’re going to be good players but it’s football so anything can happen.”
The match will start at 7pm.