NSW Blues stars go online to answer kids’ rugby league training questions
It’s not only the superstars who are missing their footy. And kids from all over NSW are posting videos, asking their Blues heroes for training tips from the top while the season is on hold.
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Video may have killed the radio star but it can’t kill off our Origin stars.
NSW players are sending video lifelines to footy-deprived kids around NSW who have been robbed of playing and training for this season.
And it is also helping the head space of Blues players.
The NSWRL has sent around 120,000 emails to all registered players aged under 16 asking that they send video seeking footy advice from their stars.
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Kids have been submitting 20-second videos in which they name their favourite club and NSW player. They have also been asking for advice on tackling, kicking, passing and how to become faster.
Champion NSW players Damien Cook, James Tedesco, Boyd Cordner, Mitchell Pearce, Wade Graham, Jake and Tom Trbojevic, Blake Ferguson, Jack Wighton, Cameron Murray, David Klemmer, Nathan Cleary and Josh Addo-Carr are answering all the kids’ questions via a return video.
“It’s a cool thing,” NSW coach Brad Fittler said. “You imagine people without footy for a couple of weeks?”
Addo-Carr has been popular with most youngsters, who want to know how to build up their speed.
One kid asked Ferguson how he dealt with match-day nerves.
“It’s really important that we stay connected with our people,” NSWRL chief executive David Trodden said.
“That means staying connected with all the children who at the moment can’t train and can’t play.”
Videos have arrived from Sydney’s northern beaches to Coffs Harbour, the Hunter to Orange.
“It is so important for NSWRL to engage with our fans in the current climate,” said NSWRL head of commercial and digital, Jodie Cross.
“Innovation is a key pillar of ours and we need to lead the way in ensuring our fans are engaged in rugby league. By passing on tips we hope to see them practising them in the backyard, keeping them active and healthy.”
All NSW players have supported the initiative, especially given they have more time to spare since the NRL competition was suspended.
A youngster named Hayden from Raymond Terrace Roosters nominated Pearce as his favourite player. He asked Pearce in a video: “I want some tips on how to tackle? Go the Blues.”
Pearce responded: “A tip on defence … being a little guy … a halfback, the biggest thing is picking a shoulder to tackle with, getting your head in low and tight and hitting them under the ribs.
“If you do that and play tough, most of the time you will make your tackles. Good on you, mate.”
Asked how to improve a sidestep, Tedesco said: “For me it’s about creating that deception when running to a defender.
“You could put down cones in front of you and when approaching the cone, shift your body weight to the side you are going to step off and lower your centre of gravity.”
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Blues forward Cam Murray added: “Speed is very important in today’s game, whether it be in attack or defence. Working on your initial acceleration during line speed or running onto the ball.
“What I try to focus on most is making sure that I’m on the front foot and focusing on my acceleration in the first few steps and using my arms for momentum.”’
Cleary offered youngsters a few tips on kicking.
“The most important thing is to practise as much as you can,” he said.
“The three things I try and focus on are keeping my head down, trying not to kick the ball too hard and following through to where you want the ball to go.”
The NSWRL has allocated one staff member to log and manage every video.
Originally published as NSW Blues stars go online to answer kids’ rugby league training questions