Peninsula's upcoming stars shine

Skyhunter · Posted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 8:37 pm Post subject: Peninsula's upcoming stars shine

Sea Eagles junior reps

Peninsula's upcoming stars shine

Joe Barton

22Sep07

THE Sea Eagles' playing future is in safe hands, with a Manly under-21 representative side outclassing opponents from Balmain, South Sydney and St George last weekend at Mascot Oval.

The side, composed of players from Manly's Jersey Flegg team as well as youngsters from junior sides across the peninsula, were undefeated in winning the Inner City Challenge.

``I was very impressed with the quality of players that Manly had,'' coach Chris Reilly said.

``They were just outstanding - this comp is on every year but this was the first time ever that Manly have won the intercity challenge.

``The most impressive thing was how good our junior base is, and how good they're going to go for the NRL in the future.''

Reilly was ably assisted by rugby league royalty, Cliff Lyons, who is also enthused by the talent coming through Manly's lower grades.

``It looks like there is a very bright future at Manly judging by this team,'' the Sea Eagles legend said yesterday.

``I was very impressed with the attitudes that the players brought to the team, I think there are certainly a few players who have big futures.

``It was a great team, and a great effort to get it all together in such a short space of time.''

Trials for Manly's Toyota Cup (under-20) side will be held at midday today at the Sydney Sports Academy at Narrabeen, with Reilly confident that his rep side will contribute highly.

``There are a number of talented blokes who will look good in the NRL in a few years,'' he said.

``Jai Jones, Todd Wilson, Kurt Bleyer, Nick Vescio, Andrew Doust and Jay Cunningham are all young enough to make an impression.

``They can make it. If they're playing well now they've got plenty of opportunity to get there in the future.

``But even if they don't make it next year they could go for the under-20s comp the year after.''

SG Ball trials start at 9am this morning at Narrabeen, with the Toyota Cup trialists taking over around midday.

Source: http://www.manlydaily.com.au/article/2007/09/22/6531_sports.html

Skyhunter · Posted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 8:50 pm Post subject:

Great stuff Manly's long term future looks bright. Very Happy