BY ALEX TIGANI
The Greater Northern Tigers coach Darryl Rando has praised his playing group after their 2023 Laurie Daley Cup campaign came to an end on Sunday.
The under-18 representative team defeated the North Coast Bulldogs (30-26), Central Coast Roosters (34-12), Northern Rivers Titans (42-20) and Western Rams (42-6) to advance to the semi-final round however faced a narrow 16-12 defeat to the St George Illawarra Dragons in Wollongong.
“I have to give them a big praise for their commitment and attitude because over the last few weeks the way they defended was very good,” Rando told The Hunter River Times.
“On the weekend I couldn’t ask anymore of their commitment because they made a lot of mistakes and still hung in there and nearly won the game.
“The boys have taken it to heart a bit but they have come a long way over the last month.”
When asked about taking on the role for a fourth season in 2024 the Scone Thoroughbreds’ legend admits his hands will be busy as the returning under-18 coach for his Group 21 club.
“It is probably something I will worry about a bit later down the track,” he admitted.
