IF there's one thing Geoff Sharpe knows, it's coaching.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Whether it's the Kootingal-Moonbi Roosters or the Australian over-45 Oztag team, the Tamworth local can always rally his troops.
It's this quality that has led him to the honour of coaching on the world stage after he was announced as the Australian over-50 Oztag coach for the 2021 World Cup.
Read Also:
To be held in Ireland, the World Cup will see some of the sports battle it out for national pride.
"It feels really good to have been given the nod," Sharpe told the Leader.
"I'm the current coach of the Aussie over-45 team and I was really keen to be able to keep that going.
"However, the World Cup divisions go in increments of 10 years, so the over-50 team was the next best fit."
A long-time servant of the sport, Sharpe has competed at the highest level as a player, coach and referee.
"It is a great sport and something I'm really passionate about," he said.
"I've met some really good friends through Oztag and I look forward to the challenge ahead."
Sharpe said acting as the current Australian over-45 coach would hold him in good stead in 2021.
"The beauty of coaching that over-45 side is that I will know pretty much most of the guys who will make up the World Cup team," he said.
"There is the chance for people to qualify at the nationals and during a tour of New Zealand next year.
"But I'd say most of the guys in my team at the moment will be there for the World Cup."
Australia has proven to be a powerhouse at tournaments such as these over the years.
However, Sharpe said he expected to "have our work cut out for us" in 2021.
"Being in Ireland, I fully expect to see England and other European countries to enter a team," he said.
"As well as them, the New Zealanders are always hard to beat and I wouldn't be surprised to see some South African teams there as well.
"I'm sure it will be really competitive regardless of which teams enter.
"For me, though, I have a bit of Irish blood in me, so it will be a good chance for my wife and I to have a bit of a holiday while we're over there."
Sharpe said he would turn his attentions to refereeing at the NSW Junior Oztag Championships, which begin on Friday.
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
