COOTAMUNDRA may not have had a side in last Thursday’s Country Cup semi finals but there was definitely a local connection as Cootamundra born James Quarmby oversaw Hallam Secondary School’s games.
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It was Hallam who ended up progressing to the grand final in Dubbo in a fortnight after remaining undefeated in each of their three games.
They opened their account on the day with a convincing 34-6 win against Holy Spirit before following it up with a 12-0 victory against Red Bend College in Forbes.
Their final match saw them pinned against Riverina Catholic College where they produced another dominant performance, running out 22-4 victors.
Working as a trainer for the side, Thursday was the first time Quarmby had been back to his birthplace since 2006.
Quarmby is now based in Melbourne where he works as a rugby league development officer and also the head trainer for under 20s Melbourne storm side.
While Rugby League faces a formidable opponent in the form of AFL for the share of the southern state’s football loving community, Quarmby said he has witnessed the game undergo burgeoning growth in his four years in Victoria.
“It is definitely on the rise,” he said.
“Obviously the success of the Melbourne Storm has played a significant role in raising the profile of rugby league and hosting state of origin games helps a lot as well.”
Like Hallam Secondary College, the Melbourne Storm under 20s side are also enjoying success, winning five out of their last six matches.
As the head trainer, he is the most senior member of his team’s training group and is responsible for the supervision of all on field personnel.
It is the head trainer who also makes the final decision on a player’s welfare in the absence of a medical professional.
Quarmby deals with much younger players in his other role as a Development Officer for the West Melbourne area.
As with the Rugby League Development Officers in the South West NSW region, Quarmby conducts sessions at schools across the region designed to give students an introduction to the game.
While Victoria is considered AFL heartland, Quarmby is living proof that it is possible to enjoy both sports.
During his last visit to Cootamundra eight years ago, he had a stint with the Cootamundra Blues.
Quarmby said he still follows the team’s progress.
“They are definitely flying high this year which is great to see.” he said.
