Bears 07
junior coaches

North Sydney CEO Greg Florimo has moved to instil continuity in the junior representational coaching ranks with the re-appointment of 2006 Harold Matthews Coach Kevin Nichols and the appointment of Jamie Papa as S. G. Ball Coach for 2007.

In his initial speech to the Harold Matthews training squad Kevin Nichols has reiterated his call to get behind the passion of the Bears. Kevin Nichols experience in junior rugby league at both the professional and local level will no doubt be an effective asset as he returns with the full 2006 support staff. The Willoughby Roos' Gary Armstrong returns as Assistant Coach while ex first grader Simon Brockwell and Steve Thompson will throw their wealth of experience once again behind the Bears under 16s team.

Last years Assistant Ball Coach Jamie Papa will take over as Coach in 2007. Jamie's extensive strength and conditioning background, including a stint with the premiership winning Roosters in 2004 under Ron Palmer, Jamie brings science and professionalism to the 9 round under 18s comp.

Having coached the Bears under 17s development Squad 'Paps' will take 11 of that team into a preseason squad that will trail Cronulla, Penrith and the new Western District training squads.

"I have gone for size yes, but mainly I have gone for the enthusiasm that the boys showed during the trials" claimed Jamie.

Jamie will have support from former first graders Michael Pobjie (as Assistant Coach) and Darren Allard and will be joined by Kyle Noche and Berowra's Mel Starr for 2007 in support.

A North Sydney junior himself Greg Florimo feels these appointments will continue the momentum of last and pre-season and bring much needed continuity to the junior rep levels. "Kevin Nichols appointment brings a wealth of development experience and knowledge of our local juniors. If he can carry over the same spread of locals this year he will maintain the strength of local representation in the under 16s team.

Jamie Papa's strength and conditioning background brings a positive, reliable and well disciplined approach. From his role in this years Ball and his coaching of the development squad he has shown he has the will to win, and will instil a strong work ethic as the boys vie for promotion to the NRL."

PICTURED: Simon Brockwell played 101 games for Norths between 1981 and 1987. Now he's passing on his wealth of experience to the Bears Juniors.
PHOTO: Steve Little.

To see photos of the North Sydney Harold Matthews Training Squad - http://www.northsydneybears.com.au/Photos/Training/20061022hm/20061022hm.htm

To see photos of the North Sydney S.G. Ball Training Squad against the Sharks -
http://www.northsydneybears.com.au/Photos/Junior%20Reps/20061029trialvcronulla/20061029trialvcronulla.htm