7 BEARS TO TRIAL WITH SOUTHS IN RETURN-TO-REDFERN

2nd February 2010 | Full List of Articles | PDF Media Release

North Sydney Bears Head Coach Wayne Lambkin, gives us a rundown on the North Sydney contracted players that will be trialing for Souths against Manly at the Return-to-Redfern event this coming Sunday.

Deon Apps
“He came to the attention of John Lang on the back of last year. He [John Lang] thought Deon played really well, especially as a backrower so he’s trying to give him an opportunity. Although Souths have got plenty of backrowers this year, I think John is making sure he canvasses all possibilities. Deon is a hard worker so John is showing him a bit of faith and I’ve pushed him as well. Deon is the only player starting the game. He’ll start with Burgess and Dave Taylor”.

Curtis Johnston
“John Lang spotted him in the last 4 or 5 games of the 2009 season and thought that he played really well. After seeing him play John was a bit disappointed that Souths had not given him a run in the under 20s, but the opportunity is there now so he’s showing he hasn’t forgotten him”.

Eddie Paea
“Eddie has obviously been selected because John has faith in him too. That wasn’t the case prior, but he is happy to have him back and with injuries to Sutton, Eddie is another option maybe as a five-eighth. So for that reason John needs to have a look at him”.

Andre Itula and Zeb Tawha
“Andre and Zeb are 2 kids that the Bears have purchased from the Storm. Andre has been with Souths before and he is held in pretty good stead with John Lang and he looks a good prospect. I pushed Zeb because I believe that he’s a good player and John thought it was a good chance to have a look at some of the players the Bears have bought, to see where they fit into the relationship with Souths”.

John Kaifoto and Brock Molan
“Johnny and Brock are 2 kids that have come out of Souths under 20s. Johnny came back, had a year with the Bears, now he’s been given a chance to go back and play with Souths. This game is trying to show the kids in the under 20s that if you do go back and spend time with the Bears, you are not forgotten. So these selections are to show the young guys that, they will still be seen at the Bears and considered for first grade and that was the purpose of their selection in this case”.

Deon, Curtis, Eddie, Andre, Zeb, Johnny and Brock will have Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday afternoon training sessions with the Souths team before the match to be held on Sunday 7th February 6:00 p.m. at Redfern Oval.