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Eagles to train at Umina

The Northern Eagles are scheduled to train on Tuesday, May 21, between 4pm and 6pm, at Umina oval, followed by a "meet the players" free barbecue hosted by Club Umina.

Peninsula residents are invited to attend the training to show their support for the Northern Eagles on the day and at the game.

With just 5000 people attending the recent game against The Raiders, the Northern Eagles are rallying support for the game against Canterbury at NorthPower Stadium at 7.30pm on Saturday, May 24.

Eagles CEO Mr Ian Thomson said: "I am disappointed that crowd figures have detracted from a recent excellent win by the team.

"It is not about money, politics or egos.

"It is about the kids who turned up at training recently shaking the hands of Steve Menzies or Nik Kosef.

"The Central Coast has the third largest number of junior rugby league footballers in the State.

Eagles board member Louise Duff said: "I think people are failing to realise that if we do not support the Northern Eagles, there will be very few opportunities for this strong base of kids to view first grade football on the Central Coast.

"Recent media reports have distorted my comments which stem from my frustration in getting the message across to the residents of the Central Coast that without the Northern Eagles there will be no 16th licence for a team based solely on the Central Coast.

"The Northern Eagles are the last chance for the Central Coast - supporting them will ensure a viable future for the sport on the Central Coast and provide local junior clubs with an involvement in the NRL," Mr Thomson said.

"Despite the low numbers on Saturday night, we are persevering and remain committed to our contract and media reports to the contrary are unfounded."

Four in-school training sessions with the first grade team are scheduled for the next three months across the Coast.

Press release, April 23