NSWRL 2008 U16 Young Achivers on their tour of PNG
Jacob Neil playing against the Cronulla Sharks U 15 dev side at Cronulla ealier this year (Photo : ourfooty media)
THE 2008 NSWRL ACADEMY YOUNG ACHIEVERS WERE:
1.	RAYMOND EBSWORTH
2.	ADAM LOUIE
3.	CHRIS WORLAND
4.	ALEX RONAYNE
5.	AJ MYLECHARANE
6.	VIAPUNA TIA KILIFI
7.	JACOB NEIL
8.	SAMUEL ABBOTT
9.	DYLAN SMITH
10.	NORBERT HORVATH
11.	JORDAN HAY
12.	SHANNON MORRISON
13.	JARRAD LINTON – HARLAND
14.	LUKE RITCHIE
15.	NELSON SHARPLEY
16.	TYRONE KELLY
17.	BRIAN MORGAN
18.	ZAC CRONIN
Coach	COL WRIGHT
	NOEL DONOHOE
Manager	MICK BARLOW
Trainer	HENRY LOUIE
Physio	NATHAN GAINSFORD
Medical	JOHN HATLEY
Tour Manager	STUART STANTON

Right from the start, the lads learnt the value of a passport with one unfortunate boy being unable to tour after the mysterious disappearance of this vital document.

For most of the group, this would be their first trip on an airplane, let alone the first time out of the country.

By 10.00 am they had all been “kitted up” and were ready for the first official training run under sunny skies at Narrabeen. Coach Wright lectured and ran the tam for an hour and a half and was only slightly satisfied with the effort – obviously a tough man to please!

A quick “tub” and a BBQ lunch in the Academy picnic grounds saw the boys nourished for the bus ride to the Airport.

A detour over the Harbour Bridge gave many first timers a glimpse of Sydney. It was smooth sailing onto Virgin Flight DJ247 even though Dylan looked in need of a new pair of underwear.

I guess preflight nerves had kicked in.

After a largely uneventful flight, we hit the streets of Brisbane.

Brisbane traffic is a joke. A 5km drive to the hotel took an hour! None the less, by 7.00pm we were all checked in for the night. The boys devoured 25 pizzas for dinner and topped it off with gallons of soft drink and 36 Magnum ice-creams.

An early start awaited in the morning.

SEPTEMBER 27 – THE HARD YARDS

The sound of big Mick Barlow pounding the corridors and bellowing instructions is scary.

At 5.30 in the morning it’s downright terrifying. The boys were hounded out of bed and hustled down to breakfast. Only problem was that breakfast didn’t get served until 7.30.

Maccas at the airport sufficed: and boy these kids can eat! After going through the rigmarole of check-ins, customs, (where big Brian was screened as a terror suspect), security and immigration, and the mandatory delays due to air traffic, APNG flight CG0201 left the tarmac on route to Port Moresby.

The real adventure was about to begin.

At Jacksons Airport the glass doors slid open to reveal 1000’s of hysterical men women and children cheering and waving. A traditional dance group performed a war cry and the crowd surged just to touch our boys. TK needed a change of underwear.

Most of the boys came close to freezing on the spot. Welcome to PNG! As we fought our way through the crowd and onto the bus, the crowd again went crazy.

The Australian PM’s XIII had arrived. Spectacular driving from our man “Gus” got us through the mob and onto the highway. Hundreds of kids chased the bus hoping to score a gift from the Young Achievers. Some succeeded.

Travelling to the Comfort Inn was a unique experience. Every person on the streets waved and cheered. Cars and busses honked and local faces beamed. Emotions on our bus were extreme. Some were scared, some were on adrenalin high, and all of us knew that we were in another world.

After check-in we met our tour guide Ripa and the tour organizer Iffy. Col decided on a training run at a nearby oval to blow out the cobwebs.

The ground was as hard as concrete and riddled with pot holes. It took no time at all for around 500 locals to turn up and watch.

After some skills work, the local kids joined in for a game of touch with us. This was the ice breaker that the boys needed. Our kids realized that the local people meant us no harm, and only wanted to see, touch and talk to future NRL stars.

This country is Rugby League mad, and we were seen as missionaries for the game.

SEPTEMBER 28 – THE FIRST SCRUM

Heading out of Moresby and along the southern coast to the traditional village of Boera gave us a chance to see a piece of this fascinating country. Turning off the main highway, we were greeted by a dirt track that wound down a steep mountain to the coastal village.

Most of the “shanty” type houses were built on stilts and sat in the ocean. The people had erected a stage specially for us to mark the visit. 5000 people live here and all were on hand for our official reception.

Again traditional dancers’ performed for us and the village chief welcomed us. The lads were treated like rock stars and tucked into a lunch of sandwiches and local fruits. We were joined on stage by the Southern Zone Schoolboys team that we were to play on Tuesday.

A walk through the village to the playing field saw Stuart get mobbed while trying to hand out some stickers.

A bag of lollies caused a full on riot.

As Henry warmed the boys up for a training run, it was suggested that we combine the session with the Southern Zone team. The national broadcaster EMTV was on hand and filed a story for the news on that night.

Both teams did some skills work together, and finished with a game of touch that got more and more physical as the game went on.

Each of our kids presented the Southern Zone kids with a gift, while officials handed out memento’s to the grateful local youngsters. Our time in Boera was brilliant.

For many, the highlight of the trip was about to begin. An afternoon training run with the PM’s XIII awaited. At Lloyd Robson oval, Aussie coach Mal Meninga greeted us, and allowed the boys time to shake hands and meet the NRL stars.

After the formalities, we had an opposed session with them, the stand out player for us being big Brian who put a huge shoulder charge on Scott Prince – something he will always remember.

An impromptu autograph session followed and a trip back to the hotel to prepare for the evening festivities.

We bussed our way to Ela Beach Tafe College, seeing the Harbour and city for the first time at night. Again the streets were full of people waving and cheering the boys.

A fantastic night was had by all, with our hosts providing a traditional bamboo pipe band and choir, traditional dancers’ and speeches by the winners of the local young King and Queen competitions who promoted the theme of our tour – stopping violence and promoting safe sex.

A BBQ feast was provided for all including the PNG under 16 Schoolboys team. After dinner, most boys danced to local music, with the standout performer being our big front rower Sam.

It was terrific to see both teams form a Congo line and dance around the premises. It showed me that the game of Rugby League had bonded together two groups of young men from completely different cultures, even though they would be fierce rivals the next day.

SEPTEMBER 28 – BATTLES ON (AND OFF) THE FIELD

Although the match was still hours away, you could sense the nerves and tension in our camp. We had been told that the ground was sold out and most fans were inside the ground by 9.00am meaning that we would play in front of a full house.

Our squad, the majority of who are based in the far west of NSW, had never seen so many people in such a small place.

Most were strapped, rubbed and ready to go well before our 1.00pm kick off. Pulling out of the hotel for the 500 meter drive to the ground was an unbelievable experience, and a sign of things to come.

Screaming, cheering, passion. Seas of colour. I don’t know how Gus managed to get the bus into the ground. People up trees, people on light poles, people everywhere.

WELCOME TO RUGBY LEAGUE IN PNG!

The boys received a rousing reception upon entering the playing field.

Captain Jordan Hay led from the front, ripping in defense and charging in attack. Our two front rowers Norbert Horvath and Sam Abbott ably supported and Sam was rewarded with a try early in the game. I remember thinking that we might be too strong for the PNG national Under 16 schoolboy’s team.

How wrong I was. The PNG lads play the game with two key ingredients; they fear nothing and play the game with exceptional speed and flamboyance.

Despite a solo long range try to Tia Kilifi (who managed to knock himself out while grounding the ball) our defenses struggled to contain the PNG side, and we walked off at half time down 22 – 10.

Coach Wright implored the team to slow the play the ball while his assistant Noel, stressed the importance of our marker play. Tries to Horvath and Ritchie bridged the gap to 26 – 22 and we were back in the game.

SILLY ERRORS AND SOME “WHITE LINE FEVER”

cost us dearly and two late tries to PNG saw the score blow out to 34 – 22 at full time.

Man of the Match honors went to Hay, while Horvath was judged best forward and Alex Ronayne best back.

Lack of seating meant the boys had to sit on the sideline for the main game. Some were lucky enough to sit on the Australian team’s bench and actually joined in with the half time talk from Coach Mal Meninga. In an entertaining match the Prime Ministers XIII proved a shade stronger than the Kumuls winning 52 – 30.

Then the fun began.

With the Aussies attempting to set off on a lap of honor, and our squad standing on the sidelines, a section of the crowd braved the barbed and razor wired fencing to get onto the field.

As the police chased the intruders with sticks and PVC piping for weapons, sections down the other end of the field decided to do the same. Within an instant 1000’s of locals had descended upon the pitch in an attempt to touch and shake hands with their NRL heroes and maybe score a souvenir.

In an effort to restore some order, the sounds of AK47 rifles and Glock pistols rang out overhead. People scattered, but quickly regrouped to yet again surge.

For all the excitement, none of our kids were worried.

Eventually, (some 45 minutes later), some kind of order was restored.

The locals sat on the field, forming a ring around both touring parties. Josh Morris decided to hurl his boots into the crowd, creating a massive scrum, while Nathan Hindmarsh casually walked through the masses and returned with arms laden with gifts from adoring locals.

We waited for the Aussies to leave before boarding our bus and heading off.

Our chaperone Ripa advised against heading straight to our hotel as the locals would again swarm. We drove the streets for a while before heading to a local supermarket where the boys devoured biscuits, chocolates and ice creams. After two hours waiting, we returned to the Comfort Inn for a swim and BBQ dinner.

Some of the lads had made friends with the family living opposite the hotel, with AJ and Shannon catching the eye of some young ladies. We got the boys to bed at around 11.00, bringing an end to a day that none of us will ever forget.

29TH SEPTEMBER – THE RECOVERY SESSION

Most of the boys were carrying bumps, scratches and bruises from the game.

At 6.30 that morning management had decided on a pool session to try and ease some of the pain. After breakfast, it was back on the bus for a ride to Bomana War Cemetery.

There are some 3700 head stones in this peaceful place. We were astounded to learn the youngest of the Australians resting here was only sixteen. Many of the graves are simply marked ‘a soldier of the war’. All agreed that this part of our tour was a unique experience and thoroughly worthwhile. An hour and a half later we were on our way to
Gaire March Girls Beach Resort.

For the first time on tour it was time to relax. Some had a swim in the Coral Sea, while others simply sat around and chattered. After lunch, an impromptu game of beach touch football got underway with some of the boys from the Southern Zone team that we were to play on Tuesday. A few local kids also joined in.

The game quickly became more physical, with many a player being crash tackled into the cool waters - boys just being boys.

An hour after departing Gaire we were back in Moresby and made detour to a local street craft market. Situated opposite the Holiday Inn, the boys were struck by the colour and beauty of the canvas artworks and carved timbers.

Many made purchases unaware that bartering was part of this markets culture. A good rule of thumb was to offer a fifth of the marked price and continue from there.

Some boys even managed to pay for goods with gear marked with the NRL logo.

Arriving home at 7.00pm, it was straight to dinner and preparations for the game ahead. Again, some lads decided that chatting with friendly locals outside the main gate was more appealing than going to bed. “Stumps” were called by eleven and lights went out.

30TH SEPTEMBER – THE BIG HIT

The previous night’s retail therapy had only increased our hunger for more. With a 3.00pm kick off, and plenty of time to kill, we boarded the bus in hope of spending more Kina. Gus first took us to a warehouse that was full of unique carvings and traditional weaponry.

Most of us picked up a bargain before heading to the street market in the centre of Boroko. This place was crazy. People everywhere selling a wide range of products including clothing, jewellery, and local souvenirs’.

The boys loved the experience with most returning with bags full of gifts for those back in Oz, and tellingly, empty wallets.

Big Sam was one of the first to enter room 3 – the medical room – signifying the start of match preparations. Most boys were still sore from Sunday’s game and most had the scars and scratches to prove it. Nathan and Henry worked overtime with massage oil flowing freely.

By 2.45 we were back at Lloyd Robson oval and ready to take on the Southern Zone.

Again the lads started well leading 6 – 0 after 10 minutes. The Southern Zone team played enterprising football shifting the pill at every opportunity, and throwing eager bodies into defense. Some slack marker play and a one on one miss just before half time saw the PNG team lead 12 – 6 at the break.

You could tell at half time that we were struggling with the 32 degree heat and the pace of the locals.

We started the second half strongly, and a quick shift of the ball saw Alex score out wide to get us back to 12 – 10. The game turned into an arm wrestle for the next 20 minutes with both teams butchering scoring opportunities.

Down to just 13 fit players and with fatigue setting in, the locals posted a try in the dying stages to take the match 18 – 10.

The young achievers were best served by man of the match Raymond Ebsworth, best forward Sam Abbott and crowd favourite “AJ” Mylecharne who received the best back award.

After the game it was onward to the Eli Beach Tafe where again we were treated to a pig on the spit roast and all the trimmings. Joined by the Southern Zone team, the boys partied the night away to the beats of the Bamboo band and traditional dancers, while the touring staff mingled with the local people over a can of “SP” lager.

A great time was had by all on this our last night on tour.

1ST OCTOBER – THE FINAL WHISTLE

With bags packed and the last of our gifts given, it was time to head home.

At 8.30am we boarded the bus for the airport. Along the way were amazed to receive wild cheering and high fives from the fanatical locals. Iffy, Gus and Ripa accompanied us all the way to the immigration gates, before offering us a sad farewell.

The return flight to Brisbane was somber with the majority of the team taking the opportunity to catch up on some much needed sleep. A train trip to Brisbane’s domestic terminal and the short flight back to Sydney brought the trip to an end at 8.00pm that night.

The tour was over, but the memories will last forever.

GRATITUDES

A tour of this magnitude and uniqueness cannot go ahead without the hard work and determination of a number of people. To that end the NSW Under 16’s Young Achievers would like to thank Iffysoe Segeyaro who arranged our tour itinerary while in PNG, Ripa Kalamo who acted as our chaperone and team “mother”, and Gus the Bus
driver who got us to where we needed to be with no trouble at all.

Thanks also go to Col, Mick, John and the crew from the Far West Academy who raised funds and mentored many of the touring team.

Finally a big thank you to Kristen, Tom and all the staff at the NSWRL and the Academy who chipped in with tour logistics and much needed advice about PNG, your assistance was greatly appreciated.

THE 2008 NSWRL ACADEMY YOUNG ACHIEVERS WERE :

1. RAYMOND EBSWORTH – Smooth running fullback who saved many tries with excellent covering one on one tackles.
2. ADAM LOUIE – Safe as houses on the flank who made the most of limited opportunities with the ball.
3. CHRIS WORLAND – A rangy centre and strong in defense. We sorely missed him in game two after circumming to a knee injury.
4. ALEX RONAYNE – Tough running centre who excelled in game 1. Alex has a future in this game.
5. AJ MYLECHARANE – This man is going places both on and off the field. The locals (mainly female) loved his long blonde locks and his fearless charges.
6. VIAPUNA TIA KILIFI – “Yapoon” recovered from concussion in game 1 to star in game 2. Has all the skills and a bright future.
7. JACOB NEIL – Solid halfback in the Tommy Raudonikis mould. Guided the troops well and played with plenty of emotion.
8. SAMUEL ABBOTT – Big Sam never stopped hitting the ball up and was rewarded with a try against PNG. Keep working on that fitness “unit”.
9. DYLAN SMITH – Crafty out of dummy half and nonstop in defense. Improved immensely as the tour went on.
10. NORBERT HORVATH – The find of the tour. Plays above his weight with no fear. Was the only man to play the full 60 minutes in game two.
11. JORDAN HAY – The tour captain could not be faulted. Plays with more passion than most and puts his heart into every play. Well done skipper.
12. SHANNON MORRISON – Not the biggest forward in the world but plays with plenty of ticker. Great kid who will improve from this experience.
13. JARRAD LINTON – HARLAND – Played well in the tour opener before a head clash with a team mate knocked him senseless.
14. LUKE RITCHIE – Performed well off the bench showing potential in attack and defense. Sparked the team when he played in the halves.
15. NELSON SHARPLEY – Filled in admirably at hooker and bobbed up all over the field. The team loved having him around.
16. TYRONE KELLY – TK was electric in attack and safe as a bank in D. However he struggled on the plane being a first time flyer and was close to using the vomit bag on a number of occasions.
17. BRIAN MORGAN – Big Bri was loved by all. Crowds cheered his huge shoulder charges and hitups from taps. Needs some fitness work!
18. ZAC CRONIN – The ‘work experience kid’ received a late call up and let no one down with his efforts on the field. It was a pleasure to have him around.

Story By :

In the Harold Matthews Shield fixture, Central Coast Storm will take on Illawarra at noon.

Then Central Coast Storm and Illawarra will clash at 1.30pm in the SG Ball match.

And in the main game, Central Coast Storm will meet North Sydney in the Premier League match at 3pm.

All three matches will be played at Morry Breen Field, Kanwal.

Last Saturday the Storm's Premier League suffered a 28-16 loss to Newtown at Kanwal.

Down 24-6 at the break, the Storm improved to win the second stanza 10-4.

In the Harold Matthews Shield match at Kogarah, St George won 22-10.

And in a remarkable end to the SG Ball fixture, the Central Coast Storm looked to have earned an 18-16 victory until they conceded a penalty at the death.

CAMPBELLTOWN CITY KANGAROOS JRLFC

Invitation to participate in the annual
GREG HUNTER KNOCKOUT for UNDER FIFTEENS
NEW COMPETITION DATE

VENUE : Stromeferry Reserve, cnr Raby Rd and Stromeferry Reserve,
St Andrews.

COST : Non-refundable entry fee of $150 per team.

TEAMS : First 24 teams to respond gain entry.

CLOSING : Friday 7th March, 2008

REPLY : Campbelltown City Kangaroos JRLFC
PO Box 182, Campbelltown. 2560

INQUIRIES: Heath Attard 0415 721 070 - Julie Attard 0439 628 197

*Registration will commence at 7.45am, first games at 8am.

Each team will play a minimum of three games.

Trophies will be presented to winners and runners-up.

Winners will also receive a $1000 Rebel sports voucher and runners up a $250 Rebels sport voucher.

Points for ‘Player of the Day’ will be awarded by referees throughout the day, with the winner being announced at the Presentation.

*Other relevant details will be forwarded to nominated teams. Please complete and return your nominations sheet as soon as possible, along with your entry fee. We look forward to hearing from you. | DOWNLOAD THE NOMINATION FORM HERE |