Litchfield Bears looking for continued effort from young guns ahead of Nightcliff encounter

LITCHFIELD Bears coach Joe Carbone has been proud of the effort shown by his young side in spite of results early in the season, and he is hoping for more in the Round 5 NRL NT match against Nightcliff

Litchfield’s young gun Ben Drayton passes down the line. Picture: Che Chorley

LITCHFIELD Bears coach Joe Carbone has been proud of the effort shown by his young side in spite of results early in the season, and he is hoping for more in the Round 5 NRL NT match against Nightcliff.

The Bears haven’t had the most successful start to their 2021 campaign, winning just one game from their opening four, most recently tasting a 50-8 defeat to Palmerston.

Despite the result, Carbone was pleased with his side’s effort in the Mitchell Russell Shield game.

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“We were a bit short but I was pleased with the effort the guys put out against Palmerston,” Carbone told the NT News.

“It was a Mitch Russell Shield match and we still have guys who played with him so it was a spirited game that meant a lot to both sides.

“The score wasn’t there for us but the effort was awesome and with some of guys returning this week we should be better going forward.”

Litchfield has experienced a changing of the guard of sorts this season losing much of their former starting side, which left room for younger players to come to the fore.

Jim Price, Callum Dubbeld and Ben Drayton have already found themselves in the mix from the under-18s.

And more will probably get their taste of top grade action in the coming weeks, including 2021 rugby union Eric Johnson medallist Nathan Dixon.

“Like everyone else our younger guys are giving their best and having a crack when given the chance,” Carbone said.

“It’s about trying some new faces and having a look at the different options we have available to us which will pay off in the long run when we get our combinations down.”

Nightcliff pose another big threat to Litchfield with the second placed side in good form so far this season.

Brent Crisp and former Litchfield players Clint Chettle and Adam Hall are among the standouts of the 2021 Dragons’ outfit.

“Nightcliff are another big side that pushed Palmerston when they played so we’re looking at a tough game,” Carbone said.

“They will come out firing looking to keep their season momentum alive and we know they will be particularly strong up front.

“We just need to bring the same spirit as we did last week and keep working away as we have been.

“It’s about getting some consistency on the field and if our guys can build on last week’s effort we should an improved performance.”

Meanwhile, South Darwin Rabbitohs will dedicate their home game against Brothers to life member Paul Kelly who passed away on May 21.

And the in-form Northern Sharks will take on top side Palmerston Raiders on Sunday.