Wests Tigers Development Rugby League in good hands

Written on the 4 November 2016 by SWSAS

With the regular NRL season currently at rest after an incredible NRL grand final weekend, the junior development season is just about to heat up, with the South West Sydney Academy of Sport having recently held trials and selections for under 14 and 15 rugby league players

The Academy has been working closely with the Wests Tigers for the past 12 years to deliver an under 14s and 15s Rugby League summer development pathway program, for the Wests Magpies representative squads competing in the Harold Matthews Cup and S.G. Ball.

This year will see the Academy oversee all development programs for the Western Suburbs District with the Academy now looking after U13, U14, U15 and U17 development throughout the summer and winter periods.
Academy Executive Director Gerry Knights said, the success the Academy's past U14 and U15 development rugby league programs has now been recognised, and rewarded with the Wests Tigers and West Magpies, now entrusting the Academy with the greater responsibility of overseeing all junior development programs within the Western Suburbs region.

The Wests Tigers recognise the Academy as being an important part of the ongoing development of local junior rugby league and will continue to support the Academy, at every opportunity. Other important program supporters include the Wests Magpies and Western Suburbs District Junior Rugby league.

SWSAS will also continue to provide education opportunities and fitness testing to junior development athletes selected as part of the Group 6 representative pathway.

Knights said the Academy is committed to following a very simple operational policy where the Academy will support each of its individual sports designated development pathways, in conjunction with the sports senior, or State organisation.

"We are fortunate in our region to have a NRL club like the Wests Tigers dedicated to the development of junior Rugby League across all age groups," Knights said.