After falling just short in the semi final at last year’s NSW Junior State Cup, the Nepean Girls 10s side return to the championships in 2020 as a very different side.
“We got to the semi final last year but got beaten by a really good South Sydney team so I think that has made them really hungry to go one better this year,” coach John Burns told Oztag Australia
“They had an absolute ball though and it was great to see them really test themselves. Our girls probably didn’t realise how good they could play until they played against a side like Souths.”
Burns said his side will be far better prepared for the tournament this weekend, after getting a taste of representative Oztag at last year’s State Cup and Nationals tournaments.
“They know what to expect now and they know how hard it gets particularly towards the end of the tournament,” he said.
“Their skill level has improved out of sight in the last year though and they’re really hungry for success.
“We’re trying to play like some of the older teams and they’re setting a great example. Short balls, running x’s, running lines and getting quick play the balls.
“If we can do that and play on the front foot, I think the girls will be tough to beat.”
While Burns said the teams main objective this weekend was to enjoy spending time together, he also said a number of his players had aspirations to take their Oztag to the next level.
“They’re looking at everything that is published across social media with the older guys playing in tournaments like the World Cup and they want to be involved, which is great to see.
“Now that they’ve got a taste of rep Oztag, most of them want to play lots more of it.
The U9-U11 NSW Junior State Cup will be player as a standalone tournament in western Sydney for just the second time this week, with matches beginning on Friday morning and finals played on Sunday afternoon.
“I coached the Nepean Boys up in Coffs and as good as the tournament up there is, the new tournament down in Sydney is even better.
“You get all the families, all the supporters, there are people everywhere and the football is played at a really high level, so it’s going to be a great weekend.”