Young Sharks go to camp

Young NYC players from five NRL clubs, including 16 players from the Sharks, listened and learned about a wide range of subjects at the NRL rookie camp held last weekend in Wollongong.

An annual event conducted by the NRL, the Rookie Camp involved lectures and workshops on topics ranging from media training, drug and alcohol awareness, finance and gambling and cultural diversity.

At the same time but on the opposite side of Sydney in Narrabeen on the northern beaches, Michael Lichaa (pictured) and Jake Walsh, two of the stars of the Sharks Toyota Cup side, were going through their paces as a part of a NSWRL Origin Pathways squad.

The pair met and listened to 2013 NSW Origin coach Laurie Daley on what it takes to become a NSW Origin player, while also running through some skills sessions with NSWRL coaching staff. The Origin Pathways camp took place over two days.

But is was down south where the majority of the Sharks under 20’s squad were learning some valuable lessons for life away from the rugby league field, being provided information and messages that will hold them in good stead as they progress through life and through the grades at an NRL club.

Added to this years Rookie Camp curriculum was a session dealing with Player Agents and a theatre workshop which addressed sex and ethics and respect for women.

Actors and professional media interviewers conducted the theatre workshop, with those from the group who were selected to participate completing the tasks to a high standard.

The Sharks NYC squad was back on the training paddock this week as they prepare for the season ahead. At present four under 20’s players, Lichaa, Walsh, Tokerau Raru and Sione Masima are training full time with the Sharks NRL squad, while the remainder of the group go through their paces four nights a week plus Saturday mornings.

The NYC season coincides with the NRL yearly schedule, with the Sharks 20’s taking on the Gold Coast Titans at home in round one.