For the first time in quite a few years Singleton Heights Public School (SHPS) Under 10’s Rugby League side has made the final of the annual Newcastle Knights All Schools Knockout.
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They are set to take on Valentine Public School in Wednesday’s decider at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Just like their NRL idols, the youngsters will prepare for the match in the changing rooms and run out on to the Knights home ground at 11 am in front of their proud parents and friends.
A win could see the team represent the Knights at the state knockout.
The annual competition is run by the Newcastle Knights Junior Development Department and it involves both primary and high schools throughout the region going head-to-head in various age divisions.
SHPS teacher and co-coach Joel Andrews says making it this far is a credit to the side as “not all the boys play league on the weekends”.
Andrews says he is particularly proud of the way the more experienced players assumed leadership roles.
“Since their win in the first week of term the boys have been training hard. They have improved a lot and their confidence has grown as the more experienced players have been very supportive of their inexperienced teammates,” he explains.
Andrews also acknowledges the valuable input the side has received from co-coach Steve Baker and would like to thank him for his efforts.
The line up for Wednesday’s encounter is :
Kai Baker, Kaiden Boldery, Tipene Paniora, Rawiri Paniora, Hemi Edwards, James Daniel, Aiden Gardiner, Marcus Rowe, Jesse Hatch, Amoh Nikora, Harley Woolfrey, Dylan Collinson, Darcy Burgess, Darcy Barry and Jadyn Grace.