A total of five Western Force Fortescue Academy players will be joining the Super Rugby squad on the plane to Queensland today ahead of Saturday’s trial match with the Reds and the opening rounds of the season.
Sifa Amone, Luke Callan, Campbell Parata, George Poolman and Ned Slack-Smith areaiming to make their professional debuts when the Force takes on the Brumbies in Round 1 at GIO Stadium and the Melbourne Rebels in Round 2 at AAMI Park.
While Amone and Callan have been a part of the Academy since its launch in January 2021, Parata, Poolman and Slack-Smith have joined this year.
Homegrown Wanneroo Rugby Club talent, Luke Callan, relishes his time with the Academy and can’t wait for his first tour with the senior squad alongside brother Ollie.
“I’m really excited; it’s going to be a great experience. I was stoked to hear the news from Sambo (Tim Sampson) and Goody (Chris Goodman). I made sure to message Dad straight away and told Ollie in the gym, which was a great moment to share with them,” Callan explained.
“The Academy allows for a lot of time with the senior squad on the training track, which has been great. They treat everyone with equal respect, and they’re always eager to help us wherever they can.”
As a promising young lock, Callan has been plying his trade with some of the best in the competition on a daily basis.
“Jerry (Jeremy Thrush) has been huge for me. He’s a great mentor to learn from, and it’s been amazing to train alongside him,” he added. “One of the key lessons I’ve gained is that there’s always a next job, another area to improve and work on. We’re conditioned to be comfortable being uncomfortable, which has helped me so much as a player.”
General Manager of the Academy, Chris Goodman is delighted for the players and insists there is more to come from the tight-knit group.
“This opportunity is a culmination of hard work for the players and staff, which is one of the most rewarding aspects of this job,” Goodman said.
“To see them make that step up and potentially make their debut is massive. To have five Academy players travel with the senior squad for the start of the Super Rugby Pacific season is unreal, and I know there’d be more if it weren’t for COVID restrictions.”
Having joined the Force from the Crusaders in September 2021, Goodman was quick to praise the attitude of the players and staff.
“There are no egos and everyone works so hard for each other, which makes our job so enjoyable and rewarding,” Goodman noted. “Communication, enjoyment and hard work are the key focus areas for us whilst we look to build a world class Academy program. This means we do the basics well, which will allow us to develop other areas of the program like mental skills, personal development and nutrition.
“We’re all very competitive and ambitious, so we want to see even more Academy players with the senior squad playing Super Rugby and gaining junior Wallabies selection.”
