Cale confident Riverina side can test Rabbitohs

Riverina Coach Josh Cale is confident his side will be up for the challenge when they take on the South Sydney Rabbitohs in their upcoming trial match on Saturday, 16^th February at Albury Sports Ground.

Cale, who has coached the Country Under-23’s Representative side for the last two years, believes it is a fantastic opportunity for regional players to test themselves against NRL talent.

“It’s not every day you get an opportunity to come up against an NRL star and to come up against a whole squad is probably once in a life time opportunity, so it’s something I’m sure they’re all really excited about,” said Cale.

Having coached against the Samoan and Scottish national sides in recent years, Cale understands the value of experience when taking on big name opponents and plans to draw upon the experience of several ex-NRL players in the Riverina side including Adrian Purtell, Etu Uaisele, Ben Jeffrey and Nick Skinner.

“We’ve got plenty of experience there, we’ve got a few blokes that have played NRL themselves and a lot of the players have been linked with clubs here and there.

“We’re in good stead and I’m sure we can give them a good hit out and hopefully there will be a big crowd down there to have a look because it will be something special.

“There’s been a heap of interest in it around town and it’s always intriguing to see NRL stars taking on players from the bush so I think people are really looking forward to enjoying the experience.

“From all reports the ticket sales have been going well and it’s a great venue for rugby league.”

There will be a host of local talent on display for the home fans  including Group 9 2018 premiership-winning Captain James Smart, along with his Gundagai team mates James Luff and Tyron Gorman.

The trial will also include two curtain-raising matches, with the Riverina Men’s under 23s taking on the Melbourne Storm under 20s side, as well as a Riverina Open Age Women’s side taking on Victoria.

Click here to purchase tickets for Riverina v South Sydney

Game Times

1.30pm: Riverina v Victoria (Women’s)

3:00pm: Riverina Under-23’s v Melbourne Storm Under-20’s

6:00pm: Riverina v South Sydney Rabbitohs

Click here to view Riverina side to take on South Sydney