From the Dugout with Stu Smith: "This is the biggest occasion for the Academy in 13 years"

It's a huge weekend for Skirlaugh Rugby League Club, with both the First Team and Academy flying the flag in major cup competitions.

While the First Team travel to Ince Rose Bridge for their BARLA National Cup Quarter Final, attention will also turn to the Odsal Stadium in Bradford, where Skirlaugh Academy take on Milford A in the Yorkshire Plate Final.

Ahead of Saturday's showpiece, we caught up with Academy Head Coach Stu Smith to reflect on the remarkable progress of the Academy, the club's player pathway, and what this weekend means to everyone involved.

"It's been an unbelievable rebuild"

For Smith, simply reaching a major final is a reward for months of hard work rebuilding the Academy programme.

"It's been an unbelievable rebuild project," he said.

"To have both the Academy and the First Team involved in major fixtures this weekend really tops it off. Fletch and I are incredibly proud, particularly seeing players we've developed supporting the First Team throughout the season.

"Makesi David and Matty King have both stepped up in recent weeks, while Brad Johnson and Fin Watson were unlucky to miss out on their debuts because of a postponed fixture. It makes both fixtures feel like one big club event."

Finding an identity

This season has been a learning curve for both coaches and players alike, with Smith taking on his first Head Coach role and assistant coach Steve 'Fletch' Fletcher returning to the club after retiring from playing.

"It's my first season as Head Coach and Fletch's first season back involved with the club, so we had to find the right balance between our strengths and weaknesses," Smith explained.

"I believe we've found that now, and it's really settled the squad.

"The consistency of fixtures has helped massively. We've learnt where players fit best, we've developed our identity as a team and, more importantly, the lads are prepared to dig deep for each other when things get tough. We've learnt not to panic and to stay in the contest."

More than just one game

While lifting the trophy would be a fantastic achievement, Smith believes the journey the squad has been on is just as important.

"You can sometimes get caught up in the occasion," he said.

"My message to the lads is simple - stick to our process, the things we've worked on consistently all season.

"Whatever happens on Saturday, the bigger picture is we've completed a full fixture list and reached a cup final. A few years ago we were lucky to play three or four games in a season. That's how far this Academy has come."

Building the pathway

One of Skirlaugh's key ambitions has always been creating a genuine pathway from Academy rugby into the First Team.

For Smith, Saturday is another opportunity for players to show they're ready.

"It absolutely shows the strength of that pathway," he said.

"We've got players who aren't far away from First Team rugby now, and that's down to their commitment and willingness to keep turning up every week.

"We've regularly named squads of 20, given Under-18s opportunities, and now this is the biggest occasion for the Academy in what I'm told is 13 years.

"For the players who are serious about taking that next step, this is their opportunity to put their hand up and be counted."

A genuine buzz around the club

Excitement has been building all week as Saturday's final approaches.

"There's a genuine buzz around the whole club, not just within the squad," Smith said.

"Players are desperate to play, and I've had messages from former players and coaches congratulating the lads and saying they want to come and support us in the final.

"It really shows what this means to everyone connected with Skirlaugh."

Respecting Milford

Standing between Skirlaugh and silverware are a strong Milford A side.

"They're playing in a higher division and they've been travelling well," Smith acknowledged.

"But finals usually come down to the arm wrestle before someone produces a bit of individual brilliance.

"We're expecting a really tough contest, but if we stay in the fight, we'll give ourselves every chance."

Sticking to the process

Preparation this week has focused just as much on mentality as tactics.

"The players know this isn't just another league game," Smith explained.

"It's important we stick to what's worked all season and don't drift away from it because it's a final.

"That message will stay exactly the same throughout the week and right into match day."

Winning the middle

Smith knows where Saturday's contest could be decided.

"We have to dominate the ruck.

"We need to slow Milford down in defence and really attack through the middle when we're coming out of yardage. The harder we make their pack work, the better chance we have.

"Pair that with strong line speed and defensive effort and we'll give ourselves every opportunity."

Tough selection decisions

With players progressing into the First Team and the Under-18s chasing league honours, selecting the squad has been anything but straightforward.

"It's been really tough," Smith admitted.

"Fletch and I have been texting all week trying to put together our strongest squad.

"The success of the First Team creates selection challenges, while the Under-18s are also pushing for a league title, but that's a great problem to have.

"We can still name a squad very similar to the one that started this cup run, and one we believe is more than capable of competing. It just highlights the strength of the club this year."

The Skirlaugh supporters can make the difference

Smith is hoping another strong travelling support can provide the extra lift his players need.

"Having that extra support gives the lads another one per cent.

"We saw that in the semi-final when the First Team squad and the Ex-Players Association came along. They celebrated every try, every big tackle and every opposition error.

"The lads really responded to that atmosphere."

"Confident and composed"

So, what would success look like from a coaching perspective?

"Confident and composed," Smith said.

"If we get our defensive structures right, stay true to our attacking process and keep our energy and effort levels high, we'll give ourselves the biggest opportunity.

"No one gives you a game, let alone a final.

"The boys will need bags of energy, plenty of extra effort and complete commitment to each other. If we do that, we'll give ourselves every chance."

Saturday's Yorkshire Plate Final

🏆 Yorkshire Plate Final
Skirlaugh Academy vs Milford A
📍 Odsal Stadium, Bradford
📅 Saturday 11:00

The entire club wishes Stu, Fletch and every member of the Academy squad the very best of luck as they look to cap a remarkable season by bringing the Yorkshire Plate back to Skirlaugh.

Come on Skirlaugh!