Coach Rod Carter said all players were well aware of just how big the carnival was and what part it played in their brief football careers.
“The kids are over the moon and realise just what an honour it is to wear a state guernsey in a carnival like this,” Carter said.
“We have told the players that not everyone wears a state guernsey. It really is a privilege.
“We make them well aware of the fact we have a proud history of quality players who have come through this program,” Carter said.
Although the NSW/ACT RAMS no longer competes in the TAC Cup on a weekly basis, the Challenge Cup had been a fantastic preparatory program, according to Carter.
“If we are to be fair dinkum to the players they must be well prepared and understand what this week is about,” Carter said.
All involved with NSW/ACT were working towards getting the team off to a flying start. Carter said the team had dropped the first game at the past two carnivals, before winning the last two games.
“Our team unity improves as the carnival goes on, but we're hoping it is there from the start and we can overcome that hurdle.”
WHAT THE COACH SAYS
“This year is going to be a tough one because of the changed program, but I would like to think we could finish in the top-two positions. I would be disappointed if we didn't.”
PLAYER WATCH - DAVID TROTTER
“I first saw him playing out of his age group in a Wagga representative team and he just caught my attention straight away when he flew high over the back of someone to take a great mark. He is a quality kid whose versatility allows him to play most positions on the ground.” – Rod Carter.
NO FIRST LAST DOB HT WT CLUB
1 Dale PERRETT 10/04/85 178 78 St George
2 Kyle ARCHIBALD 23/02/1986 190 86 Ungarie
3 Brad CROSS 10/01/85 175 75 Pennant Hills
4 Jayden KOTZUR 21/01/86 177 73 Bushrangers/Albury
5 Sam NEVINS 16/04/1985 194 88 Bushrangers/Berrigan
6 Ben AALBERS 27/09/1985 178 68 Bushrangers/Lavington
7 Nick POTTER 12/06/85 180 78 Pennant Hills
8 Luke TAYLOR 21/08/1985 191 81 Bushrangers/Lavington
9 David TROTTER 04/03/1986 185 77 Cannons/Assumption
10 Adam LEECHMAN 14/01/1986 185 89 Eastlake
11 Rhys CUTIFANI 28/06/85 183 78 Tuggeranong
12 Peter KEFALAS 21/02/85 178 73 UNSW-East Sydney
13 James NUNAN 04/04/85 186 83 Pioneers/Wentworth
14 Nick BRAYBON 13/05/85 194 92 Bushrangers/Finley
15 David BOERS 18/02/85 189 84 Pennant Hills
16 Jared KAHLEFELDT 15/01/1986 179 70 Wagga Tigers
17 Shaun DALY 19/05/85 185 82 Bushrangers/Corowa-R'glen
18 Tim O'DWYER 11/05/1985 181 76 Cannons/Assumption
19 Andrew HODGSON 16/01/1986 178 77 Pennant Hills
20 Scott FAULKNER 09/05/85 186 85 Ainslie
21 Edward CLARKE 11/06/1986 179 83 North Shore
22 Earl SHAW 17/12/1986 196 83 Campbelltown
23 Matt LEEDS 29/03/85 180 75 East Coast Eagles
24 David LOVE 03/08/86 181 76 Belconnen
25 Glenn STEVENS 25/02/1986 179 80 Campbelltown
26 Justin BARRATT 19/08/1986 190 72 Pennant Hills
27 Ben MCGLYNN 06/08/1985 173 77 Pioneers/Wentworth
28 Steven GILL 06/12/1985 195 92 Weston Creek
29 Tim HOLOBOWSKI 22/05/85 180 78 Deniliquin Rams
30 Luke SCHILG 21/09/85 176 74 Bushrangers/Albury
