By Stuart McLennan
NSW Universities Rugby League has appointed experienced coach Scott Clark to take charge of their inaugural women's squad.
The side will make their debut in the blue-coloured jersey against Queensland Universities at North Sydney Oval on 18 May.
Clark, who coaches the Wests Tigers in the Westpac Lisa Fiaola Cup (Under 17s), emphasised the importance of “doing things the right way” when asked about the first campaign for the women's university program. Clark was also in charge of the Wests Tigers Harvey Norman NSW Women's Premiership side last year.
“We get to set the precedent and the foundation for years to come,” Clark said.
“If we get this right this year then players will want to apply and be a part of the university women's side putting it on the pedestal it deserves.
“If you think about this, you've got the NSW Women’s State of Origin at the top, and then it goes straight to open and age women’s competitions. So we should be in between those two.”
The coach knows the enormity of the task - bringing an entirely new group of players together from across the state with limited preparation time - but he has confidence in the development systems they will emerge from.
“We are looking for women who have played some representative footy so hopefully they have some sort of base,” Clark said.
“We’ll focus on doing the simple things right and the rest will take care of itself. I’m confident they will all come together.
“We will keep it fun and engaging as well but it’s also an opportunity for the players to train as you would with an NRLW team.”
Clark coaches the All Saints Toongabbie Tigers, when he is not involved with Wests Tigers in NSWRL high performance teams, and believes the Universities program fits perfectly with the NRL and NRLW goals for players around study and career outside of Rugby League.
“You do need a life after footy," he said. "So now you've got this opportunity where young females are going to university and they've got the chance to represent their state.
“This is the NSW Rugby League Universities side playing Queensland. We’re not handing out participation awards or a jersey for the hell of it.
"We are wanting to reward these girls that are studying and looking to further develop their Rugby League careers."
NSW Universities Women's team will clash with QLD Universities at North Sydney Oval on 18 May with kick-off at 11am.
An Australian Universities merit team will be selected following the interstate match.
