From Head Coach Stephen Dunne
It’s a great honour to be appointed Head Coach of the NSW Wolfpack. I want to outline the plan we have for putting the best team possible on the field in the 2012 Nationals. I’ve already spoken to a number of clubs and hope to catch up with the rest in the coming weeks. But here is an outline of some of our goals:
Put together the best Wolfpack possible
This means getting the best coaching and administrative staff available… and the best playing squad. Already the scouting of players has started: we’re listing every possible candidate and scouting both live and on film. We’ll then refine that list and come up with a train on squad for trialling and selection. Players will make the team on merit – not seniority or age. If you are good enough you are old enough. You’ll be assessed on athleticism and football ability. To put yourself in the frame for selection simply play the best football you can for your club. Execute the schemes you are coached. We’ll see that and scout it. In the end we will be choosing the best football players available. I expect competition for these limited places will be fierce.
Physical testing
The 2010 Wolfpack set new standards for physical testing. This included field work and in the gym. Peter Upham of Shire Speed and Strength is in charge of our Strength & Conditioning. You can contact him here. He can instruct you at his gym in the lifts we are testing. If you want he can arrange sessions for you at a discount. Working these lifts NOW will make you stronger and lead to better testing numbers. Peter will be posting film of what will be tested. Make sure you learn he correct technique! No half rep heroes will cut it in testing. We’re going to have the strongest squad at the 2012 Nationals.
Tournament Structure and Proposed Dates
The tournament will be played over 3 separate weekends.
- March 17 in Sydney
- March 31 in Queensland and then, after the Easter break,
- Championship Game (if we are good enough) April 14 at a venue to be confirmed.
This new structure will create some new challenges – but I’m certain we can meet them.
If you have any questions contact Wolfpack via email. Once costs are worked out we’ll let you know… but start saving NOW. If you want to be considered for this you’d better have some money put aside.
Let’s get ready – NSW has an incredible tradition at the Nationals… let’s make sure we build on that in 2012.
Go Wolfpack!
Coach Dunne
