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Nick Taylor
January 15, 2016, 1:56 pm
They are two of the local young pups snapping at the heels of Western Force veterans.
Back-rower Kane Koteka, 22, earlier this month, was the first Future Force academy member to break into Super Rugby last season when he produced some stunning cameo performances in 10 games after his debut against the Hurricanes at nib Stadium.
Fellow flanker Richard Hardwick, 21, is now in the Force wider training squad and tipped to make his senior debut this season.
But before they get too carried away first they have the unenviable task of deposing their captain Matt Hodgson and Wallabies No.8 Ben McCalman.
The pair have competed against each other since they were juniors in the local competition and have been teammates in WA age group teams, the former Perth Gold and Perth Spirit in the National Rugby Championship.
Koteka said training with seasoned veterans was improving both his and good mate Hardwick’s game.
“You’re always learning from them,” Koteka said.
“You’re pushing yourself every day to strive to be better, trying to keep up with those guys.
“I guess after last year the expectation is a bit higher, mainly from myself, but nothing really changes. I’ll just keep doing my thing and keep training hard.
“The goal is to keep making that match day squad.”
Koteka believes the new Force style, a faster wider game, will suit his play.
“Pre-season has been different, exciting, a new style of play,” he said.
“Hopefully we can put it into play. Hopefully get more ball in hand and a couple more tries.”
Hardwick said it was “surreal” watching the Force when he was younger, progressing through the academy and now training with them.
They had received plenty of encouragement from Force coach Michael Foley.
“It’s a great opportunity. It’s every kids dream to come through the bottom and work with the likes of Hodgo,” he said.
“It’s been surreal. You watch him as a young kid and think that would be pretty cool to play with him - and now we’re training with him every day and learning so much from him
“It was big step for Kane last year.
“We have played together since we were young fellows and it’s good to see some of my friends coming through and get the opportunity.
“Foles talked to all of us and said he would give us an opportunity on form.
“The academy is massive, a big step forward for WA Rugby.
“It opens up an opportunity that the club rugby system can’t offer, moving into a full time programme and getting your body used to the physical work you have to go through.”
https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/sp...ing-for-force/
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