The Canberra Raiders would like to advise that the Harold Matthews and SG Ball Cup Squads will now be announced on Thursday 26 October.
As many people would be aware there are other representative pathways in Rugby League for talented footballers over and above Junior Representative football like Harold Matthews and SG Ball. The NSW Country Rugby League representative academy pathway is another.
In an effort to better facilitate and work in with the Country Rugby League trial process we have decided to allow players to trial for both pathways before making any squad announcements. We would encourage all eligible players who are not already contracted to the Canberra Raiders to attend the Monaro and Riverina trials. When the Monaro and Riverina trial process is concluded we will announce the Junior Representative pre-season squads. We understand this will be done by mid next week.
The Canberra Raiders are working with NSW Country Rugby League to improve pathways for players, by encouraging you to attend these trials we are increasing your chance of a selection in a quality pathway. Some of you if successful might have two options to pick from, whereas others could end up being selected for a country rep side who may not have been successful in the Harold Matthews or SG Ball trial?
What if I make both squads? If you were successful in both squads we would have a conversation with you and the CRL to decide your best pathway. The decision would be based on what you wanted to do, your age, where you are from and a variety of factors. We would obviously want to see you playing the highest level of Rep football for your age, but it would be your choice.
Please follow the link to register your interest in the Monaro trial this Sunday, for looking to trial for Riverina please contact David Skinner (dskinner@crlnsw.com.au) of Country Rugby League for more details.
We apologise for delay and understand people are anxious to find out if they made the squad, but the bigger picture is to extend another chance to as many players as possible.
Please follow the link to get to the CRL registration page.
