Seventeen of Wests Tigers most promising pathways players have just returned from a five-day Cultural and Development Tour of New Zealand.
Match Highlights: Wests Tigers Cubs vs Warriors u/18's
This time last week they were learning the ‘Haka’ and relaxing in mud baths in Rotorua.
The Cubs then went on to beat the Future Warriors at Mount Smart, rounding off a highly successful tour.
One member of that team is on the cusp of making his NRL debut.
That young man is Justin Matamua, a softly spoken 19-year-old from Campbelltown, who was born exactly two months before Benji Marshall played the first of his 346 NRL games.
Saturday night will cap a fifteen-year journey for Matamua. It started when he was a 4-year old at Campbelltown City Kangaroos, hurtled from one representative team to another, and will tomorrow come to a career-defining juncture at Leichhardt Oval.
Head of Pathways Matthew Betsey says the rise and rise of Matamua has been a pleasure to watch.
I said before these young men left for their trip last week, it was about helping them develop as players and people. It was such a successful tour and I know every single one of them has gained a lot from the experience."
Head of Pathways, Matthew Betsey
"Justin’s journey is the perfect blueprint for what we are trying to create and achieve."
To see boys and girls develop step by step through the pathways and make it all the way to the top. That’s what it’s about.”
This tour has set a benchmark for future development tours, and we’ll be taking the under 16 Cubs to Tamworth next month.”
When Matamua runs out against Parramatta Eels on Saturday night, it will be the sixth team he has played for in six months. Yes, six teams in six months.
He began the year as captain of the Western Suburbs SG Ball team before graduating to Wests Tigers Jersey Flegg side. He also played this season for the Magpies NSW Cup team and then helped NSW Under 19’s to an Origin victory over Queensland at Leichhardt Oval a couple of weeks back.
Last weekend’s efforts for the touring Cubs team at Mount Smart Stadium, also caught the eye of selectors, enough to rubber stamp an NRL debut.
It is hoped that many more youngsters in the club’s rapidly expanding development program follow a similar pathway to this kid from Campbelltown.
