HOME-GROWN hooker Phil Bradford was one of the first players Hunter Wildfires coach Scott Coleman spoke to when he started working through his retention list this week.
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And if Bradford can back up a breakout Shute Shield campaign with a big off-season, another Coleman, new NSW Waratahs coach Darren, might also have a word to the 23-year-old former Australian Schoolboy.
Darren Coleman, Scott's older brother, took the reins of the Waratahs this week. The career coach cut his teeth in the Shute Shield, winning premierships at Warringah and Gordon.
"Darren has already had a zoom meeting with the Shute Shield coaches," Coleman said. "He asked for input on access to Waratahs players and on a number of things. He is determined to form a strong connection between the Waratahs and Shute Shield. He is aware of the talent in the competition and if someone is playing well, he will definitely look at them.
"I will put that carrot in front of Phil ... all of them pretty much. Any players who is standing out will get looked at."
Bradford was a member of the NSW Gen Blue (under-20s) Academy squad in 2017 alongside current Waratahs Harry Johnson-Holmes and Lachy Swinton.
He had two seasons at West Harbour, commuting from Newcastle, before returning to the Hunter with Maitland in 2019.
Coleman lured him to the Wildfires last season. He was strong in an abbreviated campaign before taking his game to a new level this year.
"Phil got a bit lost in the programs when he was younger," Coleman said. "He was a 20-year-old kid travelling to Sydney three days a week to train and play. No-one can play well in that environment.
"He has really come on in leaps and bounds. He has developed as a footballer, has really good skills for a big man, his scrummaging has improved out of sight ... he is one who is knocking at the door to be a standout Shute Shield player. With another strong pre-season under his belt, he could be anything."
Fellow Wildfires Henry Stowers (Brumbies), Joe Tamani (Waratahs) and OJ Noah (Sharks) were picked up by Super Rugby programs.
Coleman believes there are others with the potential to make the step up.
"Nick Dobson is another," Coleman said. "He got fit this year and played some really good rugby. When he packed at tighthead, we didn't go backwards. On top of his scrummaging, he was incredible around the field. The Waratahs are looking for tighthead props. If he had another big off-season and strong start to the year, who knows what that could do for him.
"Nate De Thierry wouldn't look out of place at the next level. Young guys Will Feenery and Tom Watson - with good pre-seasons and a good team around them - they could make huge gains."
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James Gardiner
James Gardiner, chief football and rugby writer at the Newcastle Herald.
James Gardiner, chief football and rugby writer at the Newcastle Herald.
