OVER the past six years, the YUIN Snakes have developed into one of the powerhouse teams of the annual Nations of Origin tournament.
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During that time, the PCYC Shoalhaven Snakes have won the sevens rugby league tournament once and finished second twice, making them the most successful team in the competition's history.
And this year is no different, with returning coaches Nathaniel Morrison and Talia Atfield having extremely talented line-ups at their disposals.
"In the last couple of years, we've had a couple of superstars in the line-up, such as Jayden Sullivan, Tyrone Roberts and Kuyan Wellington," Morrison said.
"But this year we have as strong of talent across the board as I've had during my four years being a part of this amazing program.
"In saying that, names to keep an eye on are our skipper Jonah Longbottom, Kaleb Stewart and Jarrah McLeod - they're all super talented and I'm sure they'll all show how good they are at the tournament."
As much as Morrison wants to add to the Snakes recent success, he appreciates this initiative is important for many other reasons - such as empowering and motivating youth to celebrate Australia's diverse indigenous culture and its deep impact on their history.
"Nations of Origin is the best time of the year," Morrison said.
"I think it's a fantastic concept and all our great group of kids this year have been really receptive to the program.
"It keeps all these kids off the streets while always tapping into their school attendance, which has to be more than 80 per cent, to ensure they are doing the right thing.
"At the end of the day, it's all for their benefit as they get an education and get a chance to come away and play footy, which they all love doing."
This year's four-day event, held once against at Port Stephens, is expected to bigger than in 2018, which engaged more than 1100 Indigenous and non-Indigenous young people from across NSW, to participate in the multi-faceted sport, cultural, education and leadership program.
On top of rugby league competition, teams from 20 Aboriginal Nations will compete in netball, football fives and basketball.
Morrison's team will feature Kaleb Stewart, Jonah Longbottom, Jye Hendrie, Sam Stewart, Jarrad Omoeboh, Cameron Haydock, Kaijen Johnson, Jaxon Clarke, Jayden Simms-Foster, Jarrah McLeod and Keith Gatt.
While Atfield, who will be assisted by Aimee Lonesborough, will have Moniesha Thomas, Jordyn Preston, Lily Rogan, Sarah Farrugia, Ella Branson, Chantelle Crockett-Christen, Bella Simms, Makyla Farrell, Latasha Wellington, Kahlia Brown and Maddison Healey in her Snakes side.
- South Coast Register