The Sydney Roosters Under 21’s Jersey Flegg team were crowned Minor Premiers over the weekend, finishing on top of the ladder with 616 points for and 364 points against.
After the win, Roosters Jersey Flegg Head Coach Dean Feeney spoke about what he is most proud of this season.
“As excited as I am about winning the minor premiership, the part I am most pleased about is not that we finished the best attacking team, but more that we finished the best defensive team.”
For the six Silktails players that have been part of the squad this year, Feeney has been so happy to see them included for their personal development, considering they were all back in Fiji playing Secondary Schools not so long ago.
“Big Sonny (Waqanisaravi) has figured in most of our games this year, and he has had some challenges to overcome on and off the field and he now has a shot at winning a premiership,” said Feeney.
“For the others, they have all figured in Roosters colours over the course of the year – whether it be back in pre-season or after the Silktails season had finished. Unfortunately, finals qualification rules have them playing not enough games after their Silktails commitments, but they are doing a wonderful job for us running against our boys at training now.”
Silktails Executive Director Stephen Driscoll – who doubles as their S&C Coach at the Roosters, spoke of the importance of them completing a pre-season into a 24-round season with this being an integral part of their long-term development.
“People don’t realise for young kids what toll this sort of season can take on them, and they have all been presented different challenges”.
“For Tom Seru, after a wonderful rookie season, he has returned home early to focus on his studies. Iobe Taukeisalili has returned successfully from what was a season ending shoulder injury that has inspired the entire squad. For Meli (Nasau), Siri (Lovokuro) and Simione (Cakau) after strong seasons with the Silktails, being around the Roosters at this time of the year is something you may never get to see again. They all need to take in as much as they can and help get the best out of their teammates at training,” said Driscoll.
The Junior Roosters have a week off and will play the winner of the Bulldogs and Sharks match for a spot in the Grand Final on Sept 24 at Commbank Stadium.
