TSP: RUGBY LEAGUE

What is the Hunter Sports High School Rugby League Program?

The program has been operating since 1999 and provides a unique opportunity for talented players (boys aged between 12 – 18 years) within the NSW Region to combine effectively academic and sporting excellence. The program includes:

• 2 x 1.5 hours on field sessions per week for 40 weeks
• Competitions at Regional and State level.
• Sport Science Education.
• Strength and Conditioning component. 2008 Arrive Alive Team
• Six-monthly Fitness Assessments at Balance Health Club.

How does the Program work?

• The Rugby League Program has a heavy emphasis on individual attack and defence fundamentals and also teaches team principles of play.
• All players receive introductory information and instruction on sports nutrition, psychology, recovery, strength and injury prevention.
• Players have the opportunity to gain certificates in coaching and refereeing.
• The program has a close working relationship with the Newcastle Knights

How does it link to higher level Rugby League opportunities?

All players are encouraged to participate in competitions conducted by the NSW Rugby League, Newcastle, Central Coast and Upper Hunter Association. The program at Hunter Sports High School complements programs conducted by other organisations and is responsive to the needs of other programs.

Through our Rugby League network and relationships with NRL and NSW coaches all players are provided with a multitude of opportunities to enhance their Rugby League careers.

Ethan Cook and Peter Mata’utia are in the NYL with the Newcastle Knights.

What has the program achieved?

• 2005 Buckley Shield Winners
• 2006 University Shield Winners
• 2007 - Dewayne Sampson and Tyronne Roberts U/16’s Australian Aboriginal Representatives
• 12 Australian Schoolboys Representative since 1999
• Semi Finals University Shield – Opens 2008
• U/15’s State Knockout winners – 2006-2008, Semi Finalists 2009
• Ethan Cook and Peter Mata’utia were selected in the Australian School Boys Open Team 2008
• Pat Mata’utia and Kurt Warden were selected in the U/15’s Merit Team
• 2009 – Jake Finn selected in the Australian Schoolboys Team. Awarded the Brian Carlson Award and Andrew Johns Medal for the Newcastle Knights after being judged most outstanding footballer Junior Player for 2009 
• 2009 - Kilu Pangai, Riley Snowden – U/15 NSWCHS Team
• 2009 - Ashley Hazzard – NSW U/16 Indigenous Team

Who are the Rugby League coaches?

• Paul Davies Senior Program Coordinator – Level 2 Coaching Certificate
• Justin Stewart - Level 2 Coaching Certificate
• Laurie Clifton – Newcastle Knights Junior Coaching Coordinator - Level 3 Coaching Certificate
• Ross Hanlon – Level 2 Coaching Certificate
• Justin Ryder – Former Newcastle Knights 1st Grade player

Marc Glanville former Knights First Grade player is the Program’s Patron.

A Regular external coach used in the program is Justin Ryder from the Newcastle Knights. Luke Kearny is the cross training coach.

All the coaches are highly qualified with representative coaching experience and respected in the rugby league community. They bring a wealth of experience, knowledge and professionalism to the program. Laurie Clifton is currently the Knights Coaching Consultant

What does the program provide?

• Individual skill development.
• Team concepts.
• Sports Science education.
• Guest coaching from the Newcastle Knights.
• State and television competitions.
• Organisational and time management skills. Buckley Shield Winners
• Interactive and positive learning environment.
• Regular Fitness Assessments – twice a year at Balance Health Club

What do the players say about the program?

“Participating in the TSP Rugby League Program provided me with great opportunities to improve my skills and compete at a regional, state and national level whilst completing my HSC. The coaches and staff were fully supportive and encouraged my development over a six year period”. Testimonial from Kade Snowden – Current NRL Player

How do I Apply?

To be part of this program prospective students need to obtain an application package from our web page. Students must participate in regular rugby league competitions and undertake a trial, and provide supporting documentation as detailed in the application package. Note that students may be in any year, and acceptance and ongoing placement in the program is based on continued academic effort, acceptable attendance levels and an excellent behaviour record.
Students are supported by a school environment which caters for the academic and welfare needs of the talented athlete, allowing students to gain a quality education whilst still pursuing their sporting dreams.