2025 NRL NSW Schoolgirls Cup: Central Coast Sports College v Westfields SHS
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After going down in last year's NRL NSW Schoolgirls Cup final, the goal for Central Coast Sports College is a very simple one – 'to go one better'.
The 18-0 loss to Hills Sports High was a dour way to end what was a terrific 2024 campaign that saw them finish atop Pool A with a 4-2 record.
And while there may be a new coach at the helm in Blake Austin, the return of the bulk of the squad – combined with a number of fresh faces – has Central in a strong spot to achieve that goal this season.
It all begins with an opening round clash against Westfields SHS on Wednesday that will be available live and free on the screens of KommunityTV from 11.45am.
Austin, who worked as an assistant last year, said the group had been clear on what they wanted to achieve since losing last year's final.
'There is an eagerness to get going,' Austin said.
'We've had a huge focus on just one or two tiny tweaks from last year. I've obviously been pretty blessed to inherit a team that I was involved with last year, they don't need too much extra work. It's just a few new ideas from what I've seen last year that I think can help us.
'We have spoken about all trying to go one step further this year so hopefully we can start that with a win on Wednesday.'
'We know that won't be easy though. One thing you can count on with schools like Westfield is they're going to bring a certain level of footy. They'll have a large chunk of players from the junior rep systems so we have to be at our best but we will put it all out there on the field and hopefully it'll be enough.'
Austin named Ella Knowles, pictured here in last year's grand final, as a player fans can expect to see have a big impact this season. Picture: Warren Gannon Photography
As a father of three girls, it's no surprise Austin is enjoying working in the female space.
And while he believes a large portion of that is because of the talent involved in the program, it's also because of their attitude towards the game.
'I absolutely love being in the female space,' he said.
'It's a really rewarding space to be in. The girls are very honest and they enjoy feedback. They are getting so clever in terms of dissecting the game and it's such a privilege to help them do that.
'I've got three daughters myself so between that and working with these girls, it's teaching me a lot about life.
'Our stocks here at the college in the female space are pretty remarkable. We've got girls wanting to come into the rugby league space on the daily from other sports and that's terrific.'
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