TO have two students in the Riverina PSSA Opens Rugby League team is beyond one’s wildest dreams, but this is what Stockinbingal Public School is boasting.
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Stockinbingal Public School principal, Mr Colin Trickett, could not be any happier that both Jack Caldwell and Wayne Parker, have been rewarded with a selection in the riverina primary school team.
Mr Trickett said that the boys’ training and dedication to their sport has resulted in this great achievement and both will be great school ambassadors.
In a school now of 34 students, the two 12-year-olds first attended the Cootamundra District PSSA trials in Junee in April of this year.
Under the scrutiny of Anthony Leary, Assistant Principal of Temora West Public School and a Country Rugby League representative, the boys gained selection in that team.
They then joined their fellow Cootamundra District teammates from Temora, Junee and Murrumburrah at a trial day in Wagga in late April where they played
against teams from Young/Albury, Wagga, Tumut/Gundagai and Griffith/Hay/Denilquin.
Whilst the scorelines had little bearing that day, the performances of the students in their teams, was what the selectors were looking for.
Mr Matt Collins from Parkview Public School at Leeton and Mr Trent Peckham from Mount Austin Public School in Wagga were the selectors on the day, and both Wayne and Jack had caught their eye from the very first game.
A team of 17 boys was selected at the end of the trials with Jack gaining selection as a centre and Wayne as a reserve forward.
Since April the Riverina team have met up on three occasions for training and then a final hit-out against Yanco Agricultural High School where they played a trial match against 13 and 14-year-old weekend boarders from the school.
This was a true test of form, as the game was played at a fast pace.
Though it took the Riverina team a while to hit their straps, the second half saw the team really gel together and produce some great movements. Again the final score was not relevant, but needless to say the Riverina team only went down 6-10.
Both Jack and Wayne play for the Cootamundra Bulldogs Under 12 side which is currently undefeated in the northern section of the Group Nine competition.
Assistant Coach of the under 12’s and President of Bulldogs Junior Rugby League Club, Stephen Howse, said that Wayne has played with the Cootamundra Bulldogs almost since he could walk and talk whilst Jack joined the side as an eight-year-old and both live and breathe the game of league.
On the weekend Jack normally plays at fullback whilst in the Riverina team he has been selected in the centres and he will relish the opportunity to become more involved in the game.
At the State Championships to be held at Hoxton Park this week, the Riverina team play five games over 2 days before being ranked one through to 12.
If the Riverina side finishes up first or second in their pool they advance to the semi-finals held on the third day of the competition.
All other teams in positions three – 12 battle it out in a playoff against the team ranked one postion higher or lower than themselves.
This carnival will be Jack and Wayne’s toughest challenge to date in their fledgling league careers but they are looking forward to mixing it with the states best and to perform well not only for themselves, but their school and Cootamundra.
