Narrabri Blues first grade coach Josh Trindall sees great potential in Gunnedah recruit, Jaycob Price.
“He is just a good footballer,” Trindall said.
He said the young flyer “plays smart” and was a versatile addition to the Blues’ ranks this season, having covered positions from fullback to centre and lock.
Jaycob made such a solid impression that he was awarded his first grade debut in a match against Boggarbi earlier this season.
Despite his tender age, Trindall was confident the under 18 player was up to the task of matching it with the senior playing group.
“I knew he was good enough to handle it,” he said.
“I told him to play like he was in the under 18s and to be himself.”
Jaycob also played with first grade in its last match of the season against Werris Creek which it lost by just four points.
Nevertheless, it was one of the side’s best performances this year in otherwise disappointing season where Narrabri finished equal last on competition ladder alongside Gunnedah.
“We started very late this year and had no trials,” he said.
“We were looking at folding at one stage.”
Jaycob was one of several “up-and-coming” juniors who stepped up for the Blues’ top grades this year.
Trindall said they were a joy to coach and an asset for the club moving forward next year.
“They are all very club-orientated … a good bunch of young fellas,” he said.
The Blues mentor also singled out Jaycob for a return in 2024.
“I hope he comes back to the club next year,” he said.
Looking ahead, Trindall was weighing up his options for playing and coaching but indicated he would like to continue with the club in some capacity.
As for title favourites in Group 4 this year, the Narrabri coach couldn’t go past minor premiers, the Moree Boars.
“It will be a star-studded team,” he said. “They will be hard to beat.”
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