Heath pleased with junior focus

New Manly Sea Eagles NYC coach David Heath believes it’s an exciting time to be involved with the club, as it looks to improve its junior program.

As head coach of the NYC side, Heath plays an integral role in setting the agenda for some of the club’s brightest young prospects, a challenge which he is relishing.

“I’m very excited about season 2013, as well as the club in general,” Heath said. “The club’s focus has shifted more towards the juniors, and trying to bring the juniors through. I’m very happy to be part of that.

“The club now has a well defined focus, and there’s a clear pathway: from the 20’s, to the NSW Cup, to first grade.

“That’s definitely a different path to what I’ve seen in the past few years at the club.

“I’m not only excited by this change, but being in the role of head coach, as opposed to being Strength and Conditioning Assistant Coach, I’m able to get my ideas across.”

When asked about his plans for the NYC squad, Heath said his coaching methodology is based around earning an honest effort from the entire team. With a background in strength and conditioning, getting his charges into shape has been a priority.

“It’ll be based around hard work. Taking our hard work from the training paddock out onto the field.

“Hopefully they’ll see rewards from that hard work they’re doing. A number of them have said to me it’s been the hardest pre-season they’ve had, so we’re looking to transfer that from training onto the field.”

A number of younger players joined the NYC squad from S.G. Ball in 2012, and the new coach can’t wait to see what they’ll produce with another year’s experience under their belt.

“Will Pearsall, Fabian Goodall, Clint Gutherson, and Jake Trbojevic all came up towards the end of last year and made their mark. Our performances improved as a consequence.

“I’m looking forward to working with those boys again, but also a number of other boys from S.G. Ball, and a number of other players as well.”