Dolphins NRL Academy players have created connections for the future after a round of matches against other NRL clubs this month.
The Dolphins under-16s Academy Squad travelled to Coffs Harbour to meet the Bulldogs County team, while the under-15s faced off against the Knights and Panthers.
The under-15s met the Knights in Wyong on NSW’s Central Coast, while they faced junior juggernauts the Panthers in their home area at the Sydney suburb of St Marys.
It was a successful round of games for the young Dolphins.
“While individual performances are more the focus of these matches, it was pleasing that our teams were successful in all three games against quality opposition,” said Dolphins’ Head of Academy, Kurt Richards.
“This is always a great experience for the players as they are from different clubs but have trained together during the year at our Academy sessions.
They finally get to come together in a game situation and show us what they can do and it was good to see their skills transfer from training to games.
“It is always a big moment for the families of the players too, who are always welcome to come to the games and be part of the action.
“We are really pleased with the outcomes and experiences the players have gained from these trips.”
Richards said this may just be the first step on the road to the NRL for these players.
“From my experience there is no doubt that some of these players will be playing together at NRL level in the future,” he said.
“When that time comes we will be able to trace this early connection between them to this program.”
This is the second year the Dolphins have completed matches against other NRL clubs as they build the next wave of talent for the future NRL teams.
