Gunnedah teen to coach league team in Nations of Origin

Sixteen-year-old Gunnedah local Harry Ryman (pictured) is set to coach a Gunnedah team representing the Gamilaroi Nation during the upcoming Nations of Origin event in Western Sydney.

In its 11th year, the annual PCYC NSW event will host more than 185 teams and 1000 people from Monday to Thursday next week as there are rugby league, netball, gymnastics and basketball activities.

The event unites different cultures while teams contain a 70-30 split of First Nations and non-First Nations youth, with 24 Aboriginal communities from across the state represented.

The rugby league component will be at Whalan Reserve on the second and third days, with Harry to coach a 7s boys team. Thirty-four male and 24 female rugby league teams from PCYC clubs across the state will compete.

Harry has represented the Gamilaroi Nation in the past two years, noting that a highlight was when he was involved in a try assist which was recorded on PCYC drone footage.

“I really enjoyed getting out with friends and playing while learning about my culture and my land,” Harry said.

“It’s an honour to represent the Gamilaroi Nation, and get the opportunity to share more about our origins and hear stories from others.

“I made heaps of new friends there, met people from other towns too – I still talk to them today, it’s really cool – Nations of Origin brings everyone closer together.”

Harry chose to coach this year following a suggestion from his PCYC manager, with the teen saying he “couldn’t say no” after all the fun he experienced at the event in the past two years.

PCYC Gunnedah club manager Jessica Blair said Nations of Origin provided a powerful opportunity for youth to connect with culture, build pride in their identity, and develop leadership skills in a supportive environment.

Jessica said the program also strengthened the relationship between young people, police, and the wider community.

“For many of our participants, it’s a life-changing experience that inspires confidence and a greater sense of belonging,” Jessica said.

PCYC programs manager Cassandra Ewens said the future goal would be to make Nations of Origin an Australia-wide program so that more young people could be involved.