Coach Garry Littlejohns is “quietly confident” Tamworth will feature heavily at the backend of the Under 15 Boys Field State Championships in division one this weekend.
Two Tamworth teams will make the trip to Parkes for the three-day carnival, which runs from Friday to Sunday, with Littlejohns taking charge of the A side.
Littlejohns said the side was “strong right across the park” and had a proven track record.
“This age group made the grand final of the 13s division two years ago,” Littlejohns said.
“That was against Grafton and we expect them to be tough again but you never know who’s going to step up.
“It’s a game of inches and you have to take your opportunities.”
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Littlejohns said there was “four or five new faces” in the representative side and the players had come together well. “I think so. They’ve gelled really well as a team. There’s good camaraderie and they’re working for each other,” he said.
“Our only real challenge is there’s only 13 in the squad. Ideally we would have liked one or two more. Hopefully we can go through injury-free.”
Tamworth will play four pool games across the opening two days before finals start on day three. On day one, the Frogs take on Metro North West and Metro South West before a couple big clashes on day two.
“If we can get two results there [on day one], we’re in the box seat. Then we play Grafton on Saturday – that could determine who finishes on top – and New England,” Littlejohns said.
The B team will play in division two at the titles.
Littlejohns said the side – full of younger players – would be “up against it” but the trip would also be a great learning experience.
