Pirates coping with deep end

Green spoke to the Gazette before the Pirates’ 16-28 loss to the Sydney Roosters at the weekend, and was proud of the effort shown against sides supported by parent National Rugby League teams.

‘We’ve got a squad of 25 kids playing, with eight or nine of those a year or two younger than most players in other sides,’ he said. ‘Most sides have two or three younger players, so we’re carrying an exceptionally high number of young players.’

Despite an inexperienced list, Green said game days against bigger-bodied players would hold his players in good stead.

‘It’s always tough playing against an NRL-based team with a big budget and a seniors team above them, because we don’t have the same setup,’ he said.

‘We have a really young side, but they’ve improved out of sight. They’ve had to, because they’ve definitely been thrown into the deep end.’

Green said he would look to recruit some interstate talent for next season, but was hopeful his local talent could take the next step in their careers.