Immortal Mal Meninga says Allan Langer Cup livestreaming will open doors for Gold Coast young guns

MAL Meninga can’t remember when he first hit the spotlight but the rugby league Immortal knows the impact it will have for the Gold Coast’s schoolboy stars.

MAL Meninga can’t remember when he first hit the spotlight but the rugby league Immortal knows the impact it will have for the Gold Coast’s schoolboy stars.

Televised games were a rarity when Meninga launched his decorated playing career with Brisbane Rugby League club Souths in 1979, but the code’s growing professionalism and coverage turned him into a household name by the time he hung up the boots at Canberra 15 years later.

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Now, the Gold Coast Titans’ culture and performance boss will have an unprecedented chance to run his eye over the next crop of talent within the schoolboy ranks at Keebra Park and Palm Beach Currumbin.

With the Bulletin joining forces with Queensland School Sport Rugby League to livestream the state’s premier schoolboy competitions, Allan Langer Cup players at the Gold Coast powerhouses can put their names up in lights like never before.

Mal Meninga in action for Souths in 1982.

While the increased exposure to talent scouts could open doors for the teenage hopefuls, Meninga said access to footage may also help them become better players.

“It’s a great coaching tool, looking at your performance and critiquing yourself. The ability to watch yourself beyond the game is a good way of trying to improve yourself,” the 58-year-old, now coach of the Kangaroos, said.

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“I find livestreaming an excellent way of watching footy if you can’t get to the game. It is good to have your name up in lights, it’s a great way of getting recognition.

Keebra Park young gun Reece Walsh. Picture: AAP Image/Josh Woning

“You don’t know the TV’s on you when you’re playing footy – you’re out there doing your best – but TV has obviously been great for our sport. When I was playing, whilst a game might’ve been telecast, there was no real option of getting replays or videoing it.

“They didn’t have those type of electronic devices. The kids these days are a bit more aware and their talents are on display for everyone to see.”

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Coming off wins against Marsden and Wavell respectively, Keebra Park and Palm Beach Currumbin will do battle at Pizzey Park at 5.30pm today.

THE GAME WILL BE LIVESTREAMED AT GOLDCOASTBULLETIN.COM.AU