With all the commotion centered on the touring England Community Lions, their first opponents on this tour have quietly been going about their business.
The WA Chairman’s XIII have had a couple weeks of training together, and are exuding a quiet confidence, much like their captain for this fixture, South Perth Lions stalwart Jarrad Smith.
Captain Jarrad Smith playing for the South Perth Lions – Photo – Carmel Potter-Green
An experienced and reliable campaigner, who has state caps to his name, Jarrad was asked his thoughts on the team and how they are looking in their preparation.
“I’m feeling really good about the side. We have a squad who have all played at a high level in some form, and that can be seen through the quality we have put out on the training paddock in such a short amount of time.”
“The boys are definitely up for this game.”
The Chairmans XIII was seen as a chance to get some less experienced players, either young or sometimes overlooked a chance on the big stage, and it wasn’t lost on their captain, when asked about the opportunity given to some of the younger guys.
“Absolutely its a great opportunity, we do have a contingent of players who will be wearing black and gold for the first time.”
“Those players have warmed to the challenge over the last few weeks, and I’m personally looking forward to seeing these players perform in the colours. Very exiting.”
Unheralded wingers Kaelin Heremaia Phillips & Te Toa Parkinson
And leading these young players into battle against the England Lions on Saturday is a badge of honour for Jarrad, especially considering other talented players in the group.
Including the likes of Keelyn Tuuta-Edwards, Joell Irvine and Roydon Gillett who led the Sharks, Giants and Sea Eagles respectively this year, Smithy knows that there are some quality leaders in the group.
“It means a great amount to me to be asked to captain the side”
“To be an identified as a leader in a team such as this one is rewarding and something I wouldn’t take for granted.”
“Personally, I’ll be looking to make sure myself and the forwards do all the little things right in the middle, so our backs and halves have the space to do what they do best out wide.”
Joell Irvine & Keelyn Tuuta Edwards
A rare chance to play representative rugby league at home in front of friends and family, the Chairmans XIII understand that they are responsible for setting the tone at home.
Some might consider this a warm up game for the touring side, its seems like both teams are treating it like anything but that.
A big training session last night against the NRL WA State Men’s team where both sides went toe to toe in a final hit out before this Saturday showed that neither side wants to give an inch to the touring Lions.
“Having been in a representative system such as our one, there is an incredible amount of pride in the colours, this goes well before me”, Smith commented.
“The squad and the principles taught by the coaching staff over this campaign emulate that. We strive for high standards and we want to show that on Saturday.”
Logan Barclay in action for the Sharks – Photo – Libby McMillan
And with lots of new faces in the Chairmans XIII making an impression on state coach Delane Edwards and his staff, this doubles as a selection trial for the Men’s state side.
With a some players unavailable from the CAS Tour, the chance to play in the state Men’s team, at home in front of a home crowd is a rare opportunity.
But on Saturday, the names and reputations will mean little, as the Chairmans XIII and Lions teams clash in a warm up game, that feels like a game of much bigger importance to those involved.
3:30pm at Charles Riley Reserve, North Beach. Get down and watch an intriguing match up, where both teams will be looking to make a big impression.
