There isn’t many roles Jess Smith hasn’t filled in her involvement in rugby league in Armidale.
She’s been a secretary, vice-president, mum, wife, player, junior coach, water runner, ground announcer, scorer and is the current president of the Rams club.
Next season she will add another feather to her cap in taking up the reins as a senior league tag coach.
After spending the last two years away from the coaching ranks, Smith realised she missed it. So when the opportunity came up to fulfill the role at a senior level, she put forward her application.
“I coached juniors for five seasons when it first came to town, that is when I got involved,” she said.
“After moving up to seniors I had two years off coaching and I really missed it and a lot of the girls that are in the senior team now were with me in juniors and it is something I really want to get back into.”
Smith believes she can add to what already is a strong league tag line up, including camaraderie on and off-the-field.
“Knowing a lot of the girls, we have a really good working relationship already and I think I can bring some routine and structure around the playing group as well,” she said.
“It was a pretty new group last year and hopefully most of them will be back again this year and we can build on what is established there.
“We will be doing a lot of work, not just with the on-field skills etc. but also in forming friendships and learning respect for the team and each other, and also for the club.”
Strength and conditioning training starts in November.
Ellen Dunger
Originally from the Blue Mountains, I spent my teenage years in the Riverina at boarding school before moving to Bathurst in 2012 to complete Bachelor of Sport Studies/ Bachelor of Communications (journalism) at Charles Sturt University. I started my career at The Blayney Chronicle in May 2015 and worked casually, one day a week at the Central Western Daily later on that year. I moved to Armidale in March 2016 to take on the role as the Northern Tablelands' sports journalist. Played a variety of sports in my lifetime including touch football, league tag, gymnastics, dance, cross country running and equestrian. Always happy to hear news and tips. www.facebook.com/ellendungerjournalist/
Originally from the Blue Mountains, I spent my teenage years in the Riverina at boarding school before moving to Bathurst in 2012 to complete Bachelor of Sport Studies/ Bachelor of Communications (journalism) at Charles Sturt University. I started my career at The Blayney Chronicle in May 2015 and worked casually, one day a week at the Central Western Daily later on that year. I moved to Armidale in March 2016 to take on the role as the Northern Tablelands' sports journalist. Played a variety of sports in my lifetime including touch football, league tag, gymnastics, dance, cross country running and equestrian. Always happy to hear news and tips. www.facebook.com/ellendungerjournalist/
