2025 ASSRL Nationals live stream: ACT young gun Jamie Cowling has backing of ex-Raider Sam Williams
After more than 100 games in the NRL, ex-Raider Sam Williams knows what it takes to make it at the top level, and it's a key trait he sees in an ACT young gun. Find out more ahead of the ASSRL Nationals.
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Ex-Raiders halfback Sam Williams believes there is one undeniable trait that will give ACT playmaker Jamie Cowling an edge when he runs out on the national stage.
Cowling, a Goulburn junior who has been locked up long-term by the Raiders, will pilot the ACT campaign at the ASSRL Under-18 National Championships from July 13-18.
The Erindale playmaker has a chance to not only spearhead his side’s fight to make the finals for the first time in years, but also etch his name among the game’s greats in the Australian Schoolboys side.
Watch every game of the ASSRL Nationals live and exclusive on KommunityTV.
Williams, who played more than 100 games across a 10-year NRL career, is adamant Cowling has the ability to do both.
He’s a pretty fair judge too having spent countless hours one-on-one with the young playmaker in a mentor role.
“He will go there and compete really hard in every single game, he plays with a competitive attitude and he is a kid who just loves his football,” Cowling said.
“I have no doubt his demeanour off the field has a big impact on the way he plays the game.
“He is such a competitive player, but he has a calmness and maturity about him. He knows what his strengths are and what he needs to do for his team.
“The last couple of weekends he has had a chance to pay with the Raiders Jersey Flegg (Under-21) side and playing against those guys would have given him a heap of confidence.
“I am confident he will give himself every opportunity (to make the Australian side).”
The bond between Williams and Cowling goes back several years and spreads well beyond the football field.
When Cowling made the big move out of home to Canberra to pursue his football with the Green Machine, it was Williams who opened his door to ease the pressure on the teenager.
If it wasn’t for the Williams clan growing to four with the birth of their second son, the ex-Raider suggested his protege might still be taking up residence in the spare room.
“Being from Cooma, I know how hard making that move can be,” Williams said. “I suggested he move in with us for a six-month period while he tried to find his feet. Get a feeling for living in a bigger city.
“He is such a well mannered kid and a polite young man. It was good fun for us and our little bloke. We loved having him around.”
The Goulburn Bulldogs junior signed an upgraded development contract at the Raiders back in March and was the recipient of the prestigious Jarrod Croker Scholarship in 2025.
Cowling will spearhead an exciting ACT side which features Erindale teammate Troy Codey in the halves, while enigmatic speedster Kruger Roache will line up in the centres. They are among 16 players from the Waniassa nursery in the squad of 20.
Raiders SG Ball Cup centre and St Mary MacKillop College young gun Cooper Johnston has been named at fullback for the ACT side.
Originally published as 2025 ASSRL Nationals live stream: ACT young gun Jamie Cowling has backing of ex-Raider Sam Williams