The next generation of potential young Wests Tigers players are now plying their trade at home following the success of the annual Wests Tigers scholarship camp.

Held over four days, the coaching camp was open to scholarship holders that live outside Sydney. The camp gave Wests Tigers coaching staff an opportunity to assess the progress of the players as well as a time to pass on valuable coaching and training tips.

With the players ranging in age from 15 to 17 years of age and coming from as far away as Auckland in New Zealand and Townsville in Queensland, this was the first time that many of them had been to Sydney.

“Training alongside some of their NRL heroes was an experience that I’m sure the players will remember and hopefully inspire them to strive towards fulfilling their own goals,’’ said Wests Tigers Welfare Manager Paul Heptonstall.

“The players are now at their clubs and schools for at least another year and hopefully they can put their best foot forward in securing a spot in any of the Wests Tigers, Wests Magpies or Balmain Tigers representative teams in 2008.’’

Regional coaches Kurt Richards (Keebra Park High School) and Tony Martin (Townsville) joined Wests Tigers assistant coach Peter Gentle, strength and conditioning co-ordinator David Boyle and performance co-ordinator Ciriaco Mescia in implementing the program.

Current NRL players that have an interest in pursuing a coaching or training career also took part in most sessions including Todd Payten, Ryan O’Hara, Chris Heighington, Rocky Trimarchi and Stuart Flanagan.