Training underway for under-19s and womens NRL NT representative outfits

TRAINING for the under-19’s and women’s NRL NT representative sides is underway, with many of the Territory’s best making the cut ahead of the National Champions in Brisbane from May 19

Talia Corrie is expected to star in the under-19’s womens side. Picture Glenn Campbell

TRAINING for the under-19’s and women’s NRL NT representative sides is underway, with many of the Territory’s best making the cut ahead of the National Champions in Brisbane from May 19.

Sistaz half Talia Corrie will feature in the under-19s squad, with her skills likely to garner much attention from national scouts. Also in the squad is Tyla Kingdon, who scored two tries for Sistaz on debut, as well as Ellisa Niki who featured in the under-17s girls outfit.

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NRL NT pathways manager Duncan MacGillivray was excited to see what the NT talent had to show to the rest of the country in front of national scouts. And it’s for that reason he and coach Meg Clohsey held a Talent ID Day yesterday to unearth some hidden gems.

“This is a huge opportunity for all the girls as it’s the biggest stage for them and one which all the scouts will be keeping an eye on,” MacGillivray told the NT News.

“All of these girls were noticed for their efforts in either the City v Country or Allstars games last year.

“Talia Corrie is likely to be a standout. She is more than capable in the women’s, but we feel she has a better chance of getting noticed at this level and anticipate a big competition from her.

“The open trial day is for anyone that we may have overlooked and if we can unearth a hidden gem then that will be our job done.”

MacGillivray hailed Clohsey as the perfect fit for the coaching role following her years of involvement in the Territory game at both representative and club level.

Brothers’ premiership winning coach Leon Cleal will take on the women’s squad with Latoniya Norris set to star in his side.

Damien Hale will become the Territory’s first dual sport representative coach as he takes on the Men’s head coach role, having previously coached the AFLNT senior men’s rep side.

“Meg has been heavily involved in our representative programs and Litchfield coaching for years,” MacGillivray said.

“She loves the sport and is a genuine, nice person who is approachable and through that was a natural fit for the role.

“The men’s squads take off later but with Hale and Mikaelian we have two really strong coaches to lead the group.

“Hale’s strength is his people skills and how he gets the players to play for him while Merg has that tactical brain making them a solid combination.”

Palmerston Raiders head coach Merg Mikaelian joins Hale as assistant coach on the currently undated Men’s comp, bringing experience from the Melbourne Storm system.

Meanwhile, this Saturday from 9.30am players from both the Parramatta Eels and the Brisbane Broncos will compete in a community wheelchair rugby league game.

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The event will be held at the Marrara Indoor Centre and is open to anyone who wants to come along to either watch or take part themselves.

“Players from both teams will be taking part and it’s also open to the community so we can boost the game here and potentially get a league,” MacGillivray said.

“Both clubs were 100 percent on board with the idea and were more than happy to help out and take part.”