TRAINING REPORT – Mr David Abood

Having lost such a large slice of the 2020 season to Covid, and with the hugely successful Centenary Dinner behind us, I expected the 2021 year to commence in a burst of enthusiasm, and training numbers to soar. Unfortunately, my expectations failed to be met from the outset, with attendance poor from the first night, and failing to get beyond numbers of 12 or so on our best nights.

Having said that, thank you to the guys who did turn up every week and put in the effort……I hope you believe that you gained some benefit from the sessions. It is also pleasing to see the increasing maturity and leadership that is being shown by some of our young junior representative referees in these sessions, particularly Jabril Daizli and Matt Gomes who both impressed me with their efforts and commitment to the association.

I also want to make special mention of two other members. The first is Gavin Beecroft. As many are aware, Gav has been around for a long time as a member, and if anyone had an excuse not to turn up to training, it would be Gav. Yet every week, he was there ready to have a crack and work hard, always putting in a 100% effort. He might not be the gazelle he was at 20, but his commitment to his own improvement is unquestionable.

The second is Jack McIlvenny. Jack is not the most gifted athlete in the squad, but every week he would turn up and work his butt off. There were some weeks where I was concerned that he was pushing himself too hard and would make him sit out a set or two to get his breath back. Jack’s efforts at training epitomise what the senior members of our association want to see from other members – full commitment and effort to improve their refereeing and raise the standing of our association. For his efforts, Jack has been rewarded by becoming the inaugural winner of the association Training Award. Congratulations Jack – this is well deserved recognition for your efforts.

To those who do not attend, nobody can force you, and it is often easier to find an excuse than to get to training, especially on the colder nights. But if you are

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a young referee and want to make it anywhere in this game, you need to build your resilience and utilise every means to improve – even referees with the very best ability will not make it without commitment. At some point in the future, another Canterbury member will trot out to start an NRL match, and it is likely that he or she was the one who went down to Neptune Park a few years earlier, on a windy June night with the temperature at 8 degrees, rather than staying home in a warm house.

I hope that all members and their families had a safe and wonderful Christmas and new year.

David Abood Training Co-ordinator

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