THEY have a Group 10 Junior Rugby League premiership already, but come this Sunday the under 16 St Pat’s stars will be chasing another crown.
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The Saints will compete in the inaugural NAB Western Premiers Challenge at Carrington Park – an event which pits the champions from the Group 10 and Group 11 competitions against each other.
St Pat’s booked a spot in the challenge by successfully defeating Orange CYMS 24-18 in a gripping Group 10 grand final earlier this month.
Their rivals will be Red Bend, who defeated Wellington 36-16 in a Group 11 play-off at Peak Hill.
After losing only once the entire Group 10 season, the opportunity to test their skills against the best team from another area is an exciting prospect for the Saints under 16s.
St Pat’s coach Chris O’Neill believes the Western Challenge is an excellent opportunity for his team to test themselves one last time.
READ MORE: St Pat’s book first place in NAB Challenge
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“I think it’s a great idea to challenge ourselves against a top team within the region who are going to be as mentally tough as we are,” he said.
O’Neill attributes the success of this season to the attitude and intent the players have brought to training, with his Saints refusing to take this latest opportunity lightly.
“They were given the option of having a break after the grand final, but they said no, so that they can stay fit and ready,” he exclaimed.
“We have trained all season so that our players have the mental toughness needed in tight games to get the win.”
The challenge match against Red Bend has an extra dimension given is the last chance for many of the Saints players to take the field together.
“This will be the last game the boys play together, so we aim to give it our best shake together,” O’Neill said.
“It doesn’t matter who we play, our aim is to turn up for each other and want to win.”
O’Neill is hopeful for an influx of community support to get behind his side for their final game together, offering them another shot of confidence.
The under 16s fixture will kick off the NAB Western Premiers Challenge, when it starts at 10.30am.
