ROSEWOOD Roosters Rugby League Club president Shane Brandley gets as much satisfaction coaching junior teams as other aspects of his work.
“I love it,” he said, currently guiding the club’s under 7 side.
“They have got to have fun, just enjoy it.”
Like some other clubs, the Roosters had a drop in numbers during Covid.
However, Brandley is pleased to see the Roosters still building a wonderful junior nursery.
In this year’s Rugby League Ipswich competition, the Roosters have sides in the under-6, U7, U8, U10, U11 and U13 divisions.
The under-13 Development League team of go-getters was in third spot after their recent 34-12 win over Fassifern in a country battle at Harrisville.
Brandley praised coach Cody Adams for his enthusiastic efforts.
“It’s good to see that team of Cody’s hang in there and build into a team,” the club president said.
“All the boys and girls and the younger ones are out there having a good time.”
Brandley was also encouraged having Rosewood juniors involved in a combined under-18 team with Karalee.
He said the club was looking to field an under-16 side next year as the Roosters strengthen their junior development.
“That’s an age group out there that is very skinny on the blocks,” he said.
“That’s why we stuck those boys in the under-18’s team with Karalee.
“It’s all about building and building, trying to get more seniors to keep the future going.
“Over the next couple of years, we want to try and keep those under 13s through to 18s.”
With only one senior team in C-Grade, Roosters officials are keen to tap into talent moving into the Rosewood area through the opening of new housing estates.
“We’re slowly getting those Walloon people coming our way,” he said.
Brandley was also encouraged by the support at Roosters games played at their Anzac Park home base.
“We’re getting better and the crowds have been really good with other sides coming out for the juniors,” he said.
An under-7 carnival is planned on June 18 to provide more enjoyment for Roosters juniors.
Other Rosewood club family networks joining the Adams’ siblings include the McTaggart’s, Hassett’s, Neuendorf’s, and Collins’ clans, who serve the club across multiple roles.
“It’s good to have that family environment,” Brandley said.
Club newcomer Zac Collins is coaching the under-8 side and his partner Chloe is helping the under-6 team.
Jasmine Hassett is the club’s new treasurer with her partner Joshua helping out.
Amanda Neuendorf is canteen coordinator with her partner Ash a senior player and assisting as a first-aider.
Brandley also appreciated the efforts of vice-president Cloe Gamble and secretary-registrar Kellie Bridge in keeping the important club going.
