Promising Hawks junior Tim Thomas recently spent time with the Canberra Raiders High Performance Unit.
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The experience gave Tim the chance to experience the hard physical conditioning side of the game expected at the higher levels of the game, along with the skill aspects as well.
The skill sessions evolved around getting into contact, the wrestle, shape, lines and catch/pass components of the game and some newer techniques that the Club will be putting into place over the coming years.
One new aspect of the camp was clear explanations and practice in individual roles and responsibilities on the field. This is critical in a player understanding exactly why and what is expected of them.
The camp allowed Tim to compete with some of the best emerging talent In the Raiders system. One such player was Lachlan Lewis nephew of the King of Lang Park himself Wally Lewis.
The big test for Tim was a game against the Australian Institute of Sport Squad at the end of the camp. The AIS boasting contracted players between 17 and 19 years of age most of whom are already in the junior rep systems at NRL clubs.
Tim did the Hawks club proud playing in the centres against some of the biggest human beings he had ever seen.
With the rep season around the corner Tim will be looking to add aspects of the camp into his game as he strives initially for Group Three representative honours and also to be part of the inaugural East Coast Dolphins under16 team.