Greater Northern Tigers under-16 No 7 Jordan Hamlin has taken his game to another level while steering the side to the Andrew Johns Cup playoffs, Tigers coach Brett Jarrett has said.
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Ahead of the side's semi-final clash against Macarthur Wests Tigers at Wollongong on Sunday, Jarrett said the Farrer student had "come along very well over the campaign".
"He's developing the skills to be a really good footballer," Jarrett said.
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"He had a good set of skills himself, but just his game awareness, and just where he needs to be at certain times in the game, has really improved."
Jarrett has been especially impressed with Hamlin's running game.
"He's just such a threat when he takes on the line. And he's got a fair bit of speed and power, too, to break the line.
"So, he's been impressive. Great kicking game as well."
Jarrett tested positive to Covid on Friday and will miss the match. Peter Stevens will coach the side in Wollongong.
Earlier in the week, Jarrett withdrew from the Tigers' Country Championships semi-final clash against the Northern Rivers in Grafton on Sunday so he could oversee the under-16s in Wollongong.
"Hopefully the boys can get the win without me," Jarrett said of the under-16s.
The under-16 Tigers finished second on the ladder with four wins and one loss.
Jarrett said having two weeks off before the finals was not ideal, but the side had had two "quality" training sessions during that period and he was "pretty happy with how they're travelling".
"We've been pretty lucky this campaign: I've only used 20 or 21 players," he said. "Everyone's available this weekend."
Jarrett clarified that last statement by stating that winger Charlie Merrick was waiting for a clearance after sustaining a concussion, but was expected to play.
"Everyone's fit, everyone's healthy, so that's one plus going down there," Jarrett said.
The second-year Tigers coach - who presided over a winless campaign last year - is "quietly confident" of advancing to the finale.
"As long as the boys turn up and keep doing what they've been doing, I know we'll be competitive," he said, adding that he was in charge of "a great group of blokes".
"They've really worked hard," he added.
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Mark Bode
I’m passionate about writing stories that resonate with people. And I’m genuinely interested in the people I interview; I want to know about them and present their stories in a meaningful way.
I’m passionate about writing stories that resonate with people. And I’m genuinely interested in the people I interview; I want to know about them and present their stories in a meaningful way.
