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Pride pair selected in Indigenous team to face Newcastle Knights by Gavin Broomhead 7 December 2013
S
ea Swift Northern Pride has once again been recognised as a hotbed of rugby league talent, with players Davin Crampton and Noel Underwood selected to feature in the NRL’s Festival of Indigenous Rugby League next year. The pair will play for the First Nation Goannas in a prestigious trial match against the NRL side Newcastle Knights at Hunter Stadium on 8 February. Coached by New South Wales Origin mentor Laurie Daley, the Goannas were chosen after selectors Preston Campbell and David Peachey had attended the NSW Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout and Queensland Murri Carnival earlier this year. The 16-member squad will be bolstered by four current or past NRL players closer to the game. Normanton product Crampton won the 2013 Pride Player of the Year award, while Yarrabah’s Underwood is known as a nononsense powerhouse forward. Pride Chief Executive Officer Brock Schaefer said: “This is a real honour for Noel, Davin and in fact everyone associated with the Northern Pride. “The two boys thoroughly deserve their call-up to such a superb event, and for them to gain exposure at an NRL level is fantastic for them both, and for the Pride.” Daley and Newcastle coach Wayne Bennett, both staunch
Davin Crampton and Noel Underwood. Images supplied
supporters of the All Stars concept which will return in 2015, reinforced the decision to “rest” the NRL All Stars v Indigenous All Stars match in 2014 following the World Cup, which Australia won on Sunday. Daley said: “Significantly, the Festival in Newcastle means the All Stars concept will continue to recognise the relationship and importance of the Indigenous community to the success of Rugby League. “This event provides a really special opportunity for 16 young men to show their skills against an NRL squad and hopefully open the door to a start in the NRL in the near future.” The week prior to the camp and trial match (January 27-31),
Daley’s First Nation Goannas will be hosted by Sydney-based NRL clubs, providing them the chance to experience an elite NRL playing environment with access to coaching, nutrition and training advice. Daley will name the additional four NRL players to join the Goannas in January. Bennett said: “This trial provides a great opportunity for young Indigenous players to compete against NRL players while also ensuring the momentum of this special celebration is continued. “It is a privilege for Newcastle to host The Festival of Indigenous Rugby League. “This game will form an important part of our pre-season as we get ready for season 2014.”
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