How Cabramatta players helped NSW prepare for State of Origin

WHEN the new-look NSW Blues take to the MCG ­tomorrow for the first State of Origin match of 2018, the Cabramatta Two Blues will have played an important role in preparing Brad ­Fittler’s side.

The Cabramatta Rugby League Club with NSW coach Brad Fittler and star David Klemmer. Picture: Chandrakant Pandit

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WHEN the new-look NSW Blues take to the MCG ­tomorrow night for the first State of Origin match of 2018, the Cabramatta Two Blues will have played an important role in preparing Brad ­Fittler’s side.

Behind closed doors at the SCG last weekend, the ­Cabramatta players provided a robust challenge to the Blues as they prepared for the State of Origin opener at the MCG.

Cabramatta head coach Chris Yates said when he heard the Blues wanted to play his team, he was stunned but delighted his players could be a part of the preparations.

The Cabramatta players before their practice game against the NSW Blues at the SCG. Picture: Chandrakant Pandit

“These are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for our players and we even scored a try against them,” said Yates, who is enjoying his first season in charge.

“It was a closed door training and being a cricket tragic, I was over the moon to be on the hallowed SCG turf.

“Only our players and four coaching staff were allowed to stay inside.

“Our boys played well and there were get out sets, attack sets and six minutes continuous grind to get to your kick during the training game.

NSW Blues star Nathan Cleary with Sydney Shield player Jayden Yates. Picture: Chandrakant Pandit

Regarding the Ron Massey Cup, Yates said the club have won three on the trot and are looking for their fourth win when they host Hills Bulls on Saturday.

NSW Blues moving against the Cabramatta team (high visual vests). Picture: Chandrakant Pandit

Yates said he was thrilled three of his youngsters, Jason Thompson, Hayden Ashcroft and centre Shane Kiel helped Ron Massey Cup Reps defeat Newcastle Rugby League Rebels 20-14 in their inaugural game in Maitland on Friday night.

Cabramatta players defend against the NSW Blues. Picture: Chandrakant Pandit

Kiel scored the matchwinning try with a superb near 100m dash to the Newcastle try line in the second half, after the reps led 12-10 at the breather.

“All three players played great with Jason taking on the much bigger Newcastle pack with ease,” Yates said.

“Jason got his first rep jersey after missing out the last few years where he has been one of the best forwards in the competition. Hayden was clinical in attack and defence.”

Yates is also delighted that former New Zealand and NRL star Frank Prichard will make his home debut in the Ron Massey Cup when in-form Cabramatta host Hills Bulls this Saturday at 3pm.

“Frank is the biggest signing the club has for the past 20 years,” Yates said.