Well its been a busy few weeks for the boys and although they were disappointed at their loss to Endeavour State High in the Arrive Alive Cup final at Aussie Stadium they have been in good spirits as they prepare to continue their respective careers.

For two of the team this has seen them depart on the Wests Tigers Cub’s tour of England and inclusion in the Wests apprentice program for 2006-7.

Both Kingi Akoula and Damon Harth were outstanding for Keebra in the Arrive Alive competition this year and this form has seen them being given opportunities to reach their goals of playing NRL. Below is an update from the Cub’s tour and an insight into the Tigers apprenticeship program from the Tigers website.

I’d like to thank everyone for their support this season and will continue to update this site weekly as news and happenings occur. Due to the continued success of the Keebra Park program we are looking forward to an even more successful season in 2007 and have already received a huge amount of interest and enquiry for applications in 2007.

With a strong core of players from this years National Finalists and State Championship side eligible to play again and an influx of quality players who are sure to keep competition for spots at a high level we are confident of the continuing success of the program.

For those on the Coast……Do not forget the biggest event in the sporting calender…THE KEEBRA PARK SPORTS AWARDS….Coming to an RSL near you soon…….Watch this space

WESTS TIGERS NAME NEW APPRENTICES
(Story by Wayne Cousins - Wests Tigers Media Officer)

The success of the inaugural Wests Tigers Apprentice Program has led to an increase in apprentices for 2007.

Introduced for season 2006, talented young players Stuart Flanagan, Rocky Trimarchi, Rangi Chase, Shannon Gallant, Dean Rysko, Sam Moa and Dean Caldwell were inducted into the program to train three days a week with the Wests Tigers squad.

The aim of the program is to fast track the development of the talented apprentices and prepare them for first grade.

Flanagan, Trimarchi and Chase rose from the program to make their first grade debuts while Rysko played for the NSW U19s.

Apart from training with the Wests Tigers full-time squad, the apprentices also undertake media training, public speaking courses, time management skills, and learn about nutrition.

For 2007, Wests Tigers have increased the number of apprentices from seven to 10.

The new apprentices are Ben Teo, Keith Eshman, Chris Lawrence, Wayde Dunley, Matt Ryan, Dean Rysko, Blake Ayshford, Kingi Akaoula, Damon Harth and Tim Moltzen. Rysko is the only player from 2006 to remain with the program.

The apprentices begin training on Monday, October 23, at Concord Oval.

Teo, 19, is a highly rated second-rower with the Balmain Tigers. A former Junior Kiwi and Keebra Park student, Teo played Jersey Flegg and Premier League for the Tigers in 2006.

Akaoula, 18, is a powerful centre who has been one of the best players this season for Keebra Park in the Arrive Alive Cup.

Harth, 18, is a strong runner and defender who can play either lock or centre. A student at Keebra Park, Harth played Queensland Schoolboys in 2006.

WESTS TIGERS CUBS IN GOOD FORM
(By Wayne Cousins - Wests Tigers Media Officer)

Meriton Wests Tigers Cubs have recorded two very strong wins on their tour of England.
The U18 development tour is the third of its kind for the Wests Tigers following successful tours in 2002 and 2004.

The Cubs have beaten a London Harlequins Academy team 58-0 and a Huddersfield Giants Academy team 50-16. They have one match remaining against an U18 Leeds Academy side.