By Jimmy Meiklejohn
Four of our best wheelchair rugby league players have been invited to attend the NSW Wheelchair Rugby League (NSWWRL) camp at Hawkesbury in Sydney this weekend, with the chance to be picked for the NSW State of Origin side.
Toby Popple, Zac Carl, Jaimz Knight and Chris O’Brien are the four players trying to impress NSW coach Edie George and earn their spot in the NSW side.
George first identified the four men after watching them perform for the Rolling Raiders in Shellharbour in May, and their performance has earned them an invitation to the camp.
Popple, Carl, Knight and O’Brien were instrumental in leading the Rolling Raiders to a 38-10 victory over a development side coached by George.
Carl has been one of the standout players in the CRWRL this season so far. He is the top try scorer in our local league competition, scoring over 20 tries in the opening four matches.
Popple has been influential to his local league team’s undefeated streak, showing great leadership as well as supporting and setting up many the team’s tries.
Whilst Knight has had limited chances to play so far this CRWRL season, there is no doubt that he has raw talent with his speed being unmatched in the competition.
O’Brien has been a pillar of defence this year in the local wheelchair competition, with the match in Shellharbour giving him the chance to show off his offensive skills as well.
The boys will undergo two days of skills and match simulation with the current NSW squad of 20 players, with ten to be picked to represent NSW against Queensland in the Origin fixture, also held in Sydney on July 10.
CRWRL wishes the four players the best of luck in their efforts to join the NSW team, we have no doubt that you will represent the CRWRL exceptionally well.
