JAKE Ferris credits his coach, Scott Jacklin, for his selection in the NSW under 15 Combined High School touch football team.
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He gained a berth in the State side following the State CHS titles held recently in Mudgee. Jake was a member of the championship-winning Hunter side, coached by Jacklin. It was Hunter’s third consecutive success in the age division.
“He’s done a lot of work with me and helped me improve my game,’’ Jake said of his coach.
Jake is also the Manning River Times-Iguana Sportstar of the Week, earning a $50 open order at Iguana.
He’ll play link for NSW in the State All Schools Championships at Narrabeen on July 29/30. Here they’ll meet the State independent and Combined Catholic Colleges sides, with the NSW All Schools team to be named at the conclusion.
The CHS squad will meet for a training run on July 28. However, Jake points out that five members of the Hunter team have made the side, with three from this area, so he expects this will be a boost.
He was happy with the way he played at Mudgee.
“I went better than I thought I would, I was more involved,’’ he said.
However, he wasn’t sure about his chances of making the NSW squad.
“I was pretty excited when I was selected,’’ he said with a grin.’’
So now he’ll turn his attention on impressing selectors at the all schools. Jake admits this will be a step up in class but he’s looking forward to the challenge.
“It’ll be hard,’’ he answered when asked his chances of making the State All Schools.
Jake’s from a family synonymous with soccer in this area, with his uncle, Josh Ferris a long term player and coach with the Taree Wildcats in the Football Mid North Coast Premier League.
Jake started out playing soccer when he was five but made the switch to rugby league and then to touch a couple of years back. He plays league as a centre with the Taree Panthers under 15s.
Jake’s happy he hopped codes, even though he admits it didn’t go down all that well with some family members.
“I enjoy (league) way more,’’ he said.
Jake plays touch in the Taree junior and senior mixed competitions conducted during spring and summer.
He made the Taree side for the State Junior Cup for the first time two years ago and retained his place last season.
Jake also trailed for the Northern Eagles under 16 regional team this year, where he was one of the younger players seeking a spot. Making the team will be his main objective next year.
Jake is in year nine at Taree High School.