ST Pat's coach Tyson Medlyn makes no secret of his ambition to win this year's inaugural Western under 21s competition, but he also acknowledges a much broader goal for his Saints and their rivals.
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It's to become better rugby league players.
With many of those who currently fall in the under 21s age bracket having missed out on a full year of league in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Western officials decided to launch a five-round pre-season competition.
The Saints were one of the clubs which leapt at the chance to be involved.
Medlyn, who will also coach the blue and whites in the first division Group 10 premiership this season, is a fan of the concept.
"This is a stepping stone for them to go into the seniors because when you're playing in juniors and finish under 18s, it's a big jump going from under 18s to playing against grown men," Medlyn said.
"So this under 21s bridges that gap between being a young fella tackling your own age group then going into men's. A lot of them are excited about it, it gives them that last chance to play against their own age group because after 21s that's it, you're running with the big boys after that.
"At this time of year it's about trying to practice the little things you are going to carry through the season. It's going to be a long season if you're playing 21s, they play five rounds in that and whether they then go to reserve grade or first grade after that, there's a lot of rounds to come.
"Hopefully this competition will make them better footballers, it's good for football in the bush."
The Saints were impressive in their 38-8 round one win over Orange CYMS - a Group 10 rival - last Friday night.
But tests against more unfamiliar foes await with Group 11 clubs and a combined Woodbridge Cup outfit also part of the six-team competition.
"We get to play against clubs like Dubbo CYMS and Forbes. I used to play in Group 11, I played for Forbes for about seven years and that competition is tough as any you'll play in," Medlyn said.
"It's a good thing for kids to go to different towns to play different footballers. Every town has a different style of footy and that's what I want the boys to learn, you're not going to play against the same style of footballers every week."
The Saints will meet fellow under 21s round one winners Dubbo CYMS - they downed Forbes Magpies 24-4 - this Saturday at Dubbo's Apex Oval.
Kick-off is set for 4.45pm with the Dubbo Macquarie versus Orange CYMS clash to follow at 6.15pm. The other match for the round sees Woodbridge Cup host Forbes.
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