A group of Innisfail juniors recently participated in a Game Sense development clinic at Callendar Park hosted by Northern Pride coaches, players and Brothers Junior Rugby League club.
Northern Pride Under 20s coach Dave Scott, Intrust Super Cup assistant coaches Bevan Walker and Vinnie Huirama and Intrust Super Cup player Terrence Casey-Douglas were joined by Pride Under 20 squad members Roy Mooka, Elia Mooka, Ayden Kris, Simon Asela and Joel Lokotui from Innisfail Leprechauns who have come up through the ranks.
Walker said the clinic was designed to provide 13-16 year old players with an introduction to rugby league to assist in the transition to senior ranks.
Drills and activities focused on core skills such as catch pass, draw and pass, playing straight and fast, quick play of the ball, game speed and playing to certain areas of the field.
Coaches also explained to players the reasons behind these all actions, how they correlated and why they are important for good defence and attacking play.
Scott said the clinics provided talented players with game development and also made them aware of performance pathways opportunities in the region.
Clinics have also been held in Tully, Mareeba, Mossman, Atherton and two in Cairns, with Scott saying he hoped to run one for each of the 11 clubs and affiliated junior clubs in the Cairns District Rugby League competition.
Northern Pride coaches and players have also run development nights and are planning to run a defence clinic after the Christmas break.
