The Hunter Wildfires are set to invest in the region’s rugby future by launching a unique program, New to Blue.
In partnership with The Hawthorne Club, the groundbreaking youth development initiative – to be unveiled on Monday 2 December – aims to nurture the area’s emerging talent in the code.
It’s due to kick-off this month and continue until March, with weekly field and gym training sessions under the watchful eyes of highly-regarded mentors.
New to Blue is designed to achieve three key objectives:
- Elevate the skills of the Hunter Wildfires under-15 and under-16 players and improve their performance at the Junior State Championships
- Build stronger connections between the region’s talented youth and the Hunter Wildfires senior club
- Provide a clear pathway for locals to progress into the NSW Waratahs’ Gen Blue squads
Former NSW Waratahs coach Darren Coleman, who is now the Wildfires’ director of rugby, admitted the program was a vital component moving forward.
“It’s all about taking our most elite kids, improving their skills, establishing a precise route into the NSW Waratahs system and building a stronger connection to the Hunter Wildfires senior club,” he said.
“That will also enable us to enhance the performance of our representative teams as they prepare for the Junior State Championships in June.
“Quite simply, it’s an initiative built for talent.
“It’ll offer a high-performance rugby and strength and conditioning (S&C) program tailored for under-15 and under-16 players from the Hunter and Central Coast regions, as well as local kids attending Sydney boarding schools.”
Coleman said it was extremely important to retain homegrown talent.
“They are the future of our game,” he explained.
“But, it’s also crucial to stay connected with Hunter youngsters attending boarding schools in Sydney.
“We want to ensure they feel supported and see the Hunter Wildfires as a natural home for their rugby careers.”
Participants will benefit from world-class coaching, too, including Coleman, Scott Coleman, Cam Dyer, and cutting-edge facilities at the University of Newcastle.
“The program’s designed to provide young athletes with the latest techniques and long-term athlete development (LTAD) programming,” he said.
“Our staff boasts years of experience at a professional level.
“So, we’re confident these players will gain a lot from New to Blue.”
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