RUGBY league continues to go from strength to strength in Atherton, and the sport is set to receive a further face-lift with the arrival of a promising up-and-coming coach from South-East Queensland.
Sam Harreman, 26, has come to the region to teach at Atherton State High to go along with his role in developing a rugby league academy at the school.
Harreman’s coaching resume is an impressive one, most notably of which includes his role as the Coordinator of the Gold Coast Titans Junior Rugby League, coaching in the South Coast school system and as coach of Beenleigh State High School’s First XIII side.
Harreman said the purpose of the Atherton State High Rugby League Academy is to further develop rugby league in the region and provide the highest quality talent with career pathways in the sport.
“Atherton is a thriving rugby league town, and I aim to help further push the game so that there are systems in place comparable to those in South-East Queensland and New South Wales,” he said.
“With the Northern Pride up here also, it’s a great opportunity to strengthen the link between Atherton and the semi-professional organisation, which will expose talented rugby league players in this region to a highly competitive setting.”
Harreman noted that although helping the youth recognise their rugby league dream is an integral part of the academy, helping them as people is just as important.
“A crucial aspect about the academy is to ensure we promote being good humans before anything else, by helping instil in them accountability, responsibility and respect which will not only better them in rugby league, but also in life,” he said.
“And I firmly believe there are the personnel and structures in place here to achieve that.
“I’ve been extremely impressed with the foundations that have been laid up here - there’s an unbelievable passion and commitment to the game from those in the community that has made me really excited about what the future holds for rugby league in Atherton.”
Harreman will also be taking on the Atherton Roosters’ U18’s head coaching role, a challenge he said he is really looking forward to.
“There will be a good cross-section of players who will have the opportunity to hone their skills and knowledge of the game between their time with the academy and with the Roosters,” he said. “I can’t wait to play my part in helping foster that next generation of talent through.”
Caption: Promising young coach Sam Harreman is excited about the future of rugby league on the Tablelands.
