NRL players past, present and emerging returned to their old stomping ground this week to play a role in St Dominic’s College’s first-ever rugby league clinic for primary school students.
Mavrik Geyer, Jordan Grant, Jett Cleary, Zac Cini, Brendan Hands and Geoff Daniella were among the current and former players eager to lend a hand at the Kingswood-based school on Wednesday morning.
Open to boys aged between 10-12, St Dominic’s were inundated with interest when they announced the specialised school holiday training clinic earlier this year.
“We were very surprised with the turnout,” PDHPE teacher and Panthers Pathway Development Coach, Michael Ross said.
“Fellow coach Kyle [Churchill] and I were hoping for around 50-60 but that blew out to 120 and today we have 160 kids here.
“Unfortunately we had about 40-50 kids on a wait list because we couldn’t accommodate everyone, but next year we’d like to have as many as we can.”
The idea to run the school holiday rugby league clinic was born following strong interest from parents in the local area. With the school flush with talented coaches – many of whom are involved in the Panthers Pathway system – it was a no-brainer to showcase to the community what St Dominic’s has to offer.
“We’ve had a lot of enquiries from families about sport and rugby league at the school,” Ross said.
“So, we had the idea that in the holidays we’d open this all up and showcase what we are doing from both a school and rugby league aspect.”
With former students like Nathan Cleary, Greg Alexander and Brad Fittler, it’s little wonder why St Dominic’s College has been so successful over the decades nurturing up and coming talent.
Ross, a former student at the college himself, said the school is considered one of the best in the rugby league space because they put education first.
“To be honest, we don’t just focus on footy,” he said.
“If you’re a student at St Doms, you’re a student first and rugby league is a privilege, an extra-curricular activity. I think that really helps because when you’re a student here, you’re getting the right education, the right values, the discipline – all those things I’m sure parents like their boys to have.
“I think from there that sets these kids up to have good rugby league careers because you need all those things to transfer.”
Nathan Taylor
Nathan Taylor is the Weekender's Deputy Editor and Senior Sports Writer. He also compiles the weekly Chatter on the Box TV column. Nathan is an award-winning journalist, who has worked at the Weekender for a decade.