TONY Woolnough is a subscriber to the theory a champion team will always beat a team of champions.
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It’s why when his Rams side got together at Burrendong Dam for its final camp before the 2019 Johns Cup kicks off in Lithgow this Saturday, the under 16s mentor worked on getting his group of young Western stars to come together as one.
Simply, Woolnough is banking on the best players in the west joining forces to become the best team in the bush.
Woolnough confirmed his 19-man squad to contest this year’s country championship and is confident in the group of players he has to work with this season.
“There were a few kids that put their hands up during the trials and did really well, but I don’t think it’s about individuals at this level,” he said.
“It’s more about working as a team.
“If we can do that then we’ll get the job done.”
Western’s under 16s won the 2018 Johns Cup but incredibly, not one of those players is back for the Rams’ defence.
Western trialled against their round one opponents Penrith at Oberon in the build-up and Woolnough says there’s plenty to work on ahead of the rematch.
“Our completions in that game were well down. I’m very confident we can rectify that and put up a good challenge,” he said.