THEY are well mannered, keen to learn and improving in a tough development league.
This year’s Rosewood Roosters under-15 players are promising teenagers providing an important foundation for future senior club sides.
Head coach Josh Hassett is guiding the 18-strong squad for the first time and is impressed with their progress in the Rugby League Ipswich competition.
After a series of grading games against experienced teams like Norths, Brothers and Karalee, the Roosters are now second in Division 2.
“They’re slowly working out what they can and can’t do and how far to push the limits,” Josh said.
“They’ve come a long way.”
With a majority of the players aged 14, Josh said it was pleasing to see them enjoying their footy training at Anzac Park and playing against some accomplished sides.
However, that is what the Roosters want to harness from the club’s highest junior age group.
“We want to push them all the way through to seniors,” he said.
The under-15 team’s next game against Redbank Blue at Anzac Park is tonight (July 18.)
A positive development is the under-15 players often train with the club’s C-Grade senior side before backing up for their own preparation.
C-Grade players like Zac Collins, Tobias Roope and Lachlan McQueen run the water in under-15 games, helping strengthen ties between the youngsters and older footballers.
“We’re trying to get that relationship through the club where the older guys support the younger teams and the younger kids hang around with the older guys as well,” Josh said.
Daniel Mould is helping out with League Safe duties while recovering from injury.
The under-15’s best result before the school holidays was beating Fassifern 22-12.
Among the try scorers were centre Noah McQuade-Paget and interchange player Jarahn Kuhrt.
The team also includes newcomers like former rugby player and prop Lareko Tongia, who Josh is teaching the finer aspects of rugby league.
“It’s getting him to run on to the ball and all that kind of thing and he’s really come a long way,” Josh said.
Josh is being assisted by Sam Collins – the club’s C-Grade head coach.
That is a role reversal from senior football where Josh helps Sam.
Josh’s wife and club president Jasmine is manager of the under-15 team, having previously worked with younger age groups.
“It’s a different hat to wear … but it’s good to be a part of it,’’ Jasmine said.
“With under 15s, we have a very well mannered, well behaved group of children.
“Watching their development live is a blessing to see and they are getting better and better each game that they play.”
Jasmine was pleased to see some of the players coming from past under-13 sides, moving through the Roosters ranks.
Josh said he appreciated the efforts of former under-15 coach and current C-Grade player Cody Adams who looked after a group of young players in recent seasons.
“He’s done quite well with them coming up through the ranks,” Josh said.
Jasmine, Josh and Sam were also grateful for a recent visit from the Ipswich Jets, who ran a coaching seminar and some player drills to help the club.
Jasmine hopes that encouragement gives the under-15 players added incentive to keep building at the Roosters.
“A lot of them said they want to stay together and go to 16s or whatever age group it will be next year,” Jasmine said.
“It’s great to hear that they want to be a part of it.”
Jasmine was delighted with the culture being established between the under-15 boys and the senior players.
The under-15 side is one of six junior Roosters teams this season.
The club president is also excited by the ‘Little Chicks’ program for beginners.
The youngest kids are encouraged to have fun before moving into the club’s under-6 team.
