Bush Beat: Penrith’s new links to the west and Joel Monaghan’s return
PROUD Dubbo product Isaah Yeo has found the perfect way to give back to his hometown and help Penrith extend their reach even further west.
Teams
Don't miss out on the headlines from Teams. Followed categories will be added to My News.
FOR proud Dubbo product, Isaah Yeo, it’s the perfect way to give back to his hometown.
Yeo’s former high school, St Johns College, have partnered with Penrith to set up a satellite academy and Panthers-branded teams in the Western Region Championships.
The program provides emerging players with the same training techniques and opportunities as their Sydney counterparts.
More importantly, it allows rising talent to stay in the bush longer before relocating to kickstart their NRL careers.
In between his busy schedule with the Panthers, Yeo regularly travels home to Dubbo to inspire the next generation.
“To have a Panthers academy where I went to school is great and it’s always exciting to get back there,” Yeo told Bush Beat.
“My old teacher Andy Haycock is really passionate about the program and I love seeing that — it’s a massive coming from a country town.
“A few years ago we didn’t have the pathways, but that has now changed with what Penrith are doing in the Western areas.
“It is giving kids a great opportunity and St Johns has now got a few kids coming up through the SG Ball like Matty Burton.
“We’ve also got Isaac Thompson (Narromine) in the halves in the 20s. I think that is very exciting and it’s a great initiative from Penrith.”
Yeo signed with the Panthers’ NYC side in 2013, enjoying immediate success with a premiership in his maiden season.
He recalls the transition being easier due to family support, from Sydney, Mudgee and Dubbo.
“But that isn’t always the case,” he said.
“Hopefully this program will help kids stay in the country until they are 19 and still have a red hot crack at the NRL.
“Sometimes in the past they’d think you were too far gone, but now you can stay in the bush longer and receive the same coaching as in Sydney.”
Monaghan boost for Albury
Former Kangaroos winger Joel Monaghan has committed to playing home games for the Albury Thunder this season.
Monaghan starred for the Thunder in the pre-season West Belconnen Nines, scoring a double on debut.
The ex-Raiders flyer wasn’t sure if he could commit to Albury due to work commitments, but captain-coach Adrian Purtell says this has changed.
“He is going to try and play most home games, which is great for us,” Purtell said.
Monaghan hasn’t played in Australia since his infamous Mad Monday stunt forced him to quit Canberra and sign with English club Warrington.
Fittingly, he has reunited with his former Canberra teammate Purtell at the Thunder.
COMEBACK: Maloney keeps on going
BUNKER: Effort is not enough for Parra
Cowboys wait to unveil Merritt
Star Wellington recruit Nathan Merritt most likely won’t make his club debut until the opening round against Nyngan on Sunday, April 22.
Merritt didn’t play in the Cowboys’ opening trial victory over Westside on Friday night.
Vice-president Adam Ryan said the former South Sydney try scoring sensation
“At this stage we are not sure when we’ll give Nath his first run,” Ryan said.
“We have Forbes in our final trial next weekend, but he’ll probably play in the first round against Nyngan.
“We’d prefer to use Nath when the points matter.”