Sam Williams, Luke Bateman and former Raiders Matt Corkery and Jeff Lima were on hand this week to present the Junior Representative sides their jerseys for the 2018 season which kicks off this Saturday.
Canberra Raiders Junior High Performance Manager Dean Souter, said it was a special occasion for all players involved.
“It’s nice for them to know that they are a part of a system that is producing NRL players,” Souter said. “When an NRL player from the system comes to present them their jersey, it gives them the idea that they can play in the NRL too.”
As the S.G. Ball Cup, Harold Matthew Cup and Tarsha Gale Cup sides prepare to start their season against the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Souter believes all three sides are ready for a good season.
“I think they are going really well,” Souter said. “The fundamentals that we do with them, which is essentially skill based work and education, is really being reinforced throughout the two grades.”
All three sides will be in action at Raiders Belconnen tomorrow at the conclusion of the Canberra Raiders Members Day.
In what is sure to be a festival of rugby league, gates open at the venue from 9:30am as members are invited to come and watch the NRL side train before attending an exclusive signing session.
Afterwards the general public are invited to come and cheer on the Raiders Junior Representative sides from 12pm as the Harold Matthews Cup side kick off at 12:15pm.
If you wish to attend the Members Day sign up as a member at www.weareraiders.com.au and bring proof of your membership (either a membership card or email confirmation) to Raiders Belconnen to gain entry.
Junior Representative Matches - Round 1
Saturday 10th February, at Raiders Belconnen
Admission: Adults $5, Children Under 16 Free
12:15pm - Harold Matthews Cup
Canberra Raiders v South Sydney Rabbitohs
1:30pm - S.G. Ball Cup
Canberra Raiders V South Sydney Rabbitohs
2:50pm – Tarsha Gale Cup
Canberra Raiders v South Sydney Rabbitohs
