Catch up & updates with our Development Staff

It’s been a very difficult time for most, but here at the Raiders we have decided to continue with our plan in trying to grow both on and off the pitch.

One of the areas we have always realised as being a key factor in our success is the development and accessibility within the sport in Wales.

During lockdown we announced that Steve Jenkins had joined the club as our development manager and would be working alongside first team assistant coach Wayne Ponting who is also the clubs Head of Development.

Wayne Ponting is known by everyone in the world of rugby league in Wales as he has held so many positions over the years. He has worked as East Wales head coach, South Wales assistant coach, Wales under 16s,18s and most recently 19s assistant coach.

Steve has a huge background in rugby union having worked with WRU, Scarlets, Llanelli RFC & Carmarthen Quins, he moved over to rugby league taking up a position with Wales under 19s helping them to finish third in the 2018 European Championship.

After spending two years with WRL under 19’s he wanted to continue working with developing the next generation of talent in Wales, his new role will involve working with the community and trying to grow the pathways & programmes connected to the Raiders.  

We caught up with both Steve and Wayne on their plans pre and post COVID.

Steve Jenkins discussed his thoughts “It has been a frustrating time over the last few months following the premature ending of the 2020 season. The planning for the identification of the next crop of Raiders stars was coming together with training camps in West and South Wales for the end of September and October with a final trial in November. With the continued restrictions, due to Covid -19, the plans for these sessions have had to be put on hold until we can safely return to training and playing but hopefully we can plan on trials, fixtures, camps and more in 2021.

Wayne Ponting added “2020 has been tough due to the coronavirus pandemic but we will continue to plan for a safe return whenever that maybe. Junior development is something the club is keen to build upon as we done early on in as a club, hopefully we can put things in place on the field soon and play a part in developing the next crop of stars.