Reed Aims to Fulfill Journey from Ballboy to Vegas Star
Kade Reed, a rookie for the St George Illawarra Dragons, is determined to make his mark in the Las Vegas touring squad. His journey from ballboy to aspiring NRL player is gaining attention after a remarkable performance in the Witzer Pre-Season Challenge against the Knights.
Kade Reed’s Ambitious Journey
Reed’s connection to the Dragons began at a young age when he served as a ballboy for the club’s reserve grade team. During this time, he interacted with top players, including Damien Cook, which cemented his dream of playing for the Dragons.
“It’s pretty surreal to go from running out the tea to running out alongside those guys,” Reed expressed. He began his ballboy duties at age six and continued until he was ten. Now, his sights are firmly set on an NRL debut.
Upcoming Matches and Team Strategy
Coach Shane Flanagan named Dan Atkinson and Kyle Flanagan as starting halves for the upcoming Charity Shield match against the Rabbitohs. Kade Reed is slated to come off the bench at WIN Stadium. This match will be crucial as the Dragons prepare for the upcoming season opener against the Bulldogs in Las Vegas.
Impressive Team Lineup
- Clint Gutherson will start at fullback.
- Valentine Holmes, Hamish Stewart, and Jaydn Su’A are among the returning players.
- Damien Cook, a local star, is expected to lead the team as they kick off the season.
Reed’s Support System
Damien Cook shared his pride in Reed’s growth. He reminisced about the days when Reed was a ballboy, stating, “We’ve spoken about it a little bit. I enjoy being able to still run around with the young boys.” Cook looks forward to seeing Reed succeed in the future.
Final Preparations Before Las Vegas
The Charity Shield will serve as the Dragons’ last preparation match before heading to Las Vegas. Flanagan aims for his players to emerge unscathed. Meanwhile, South Sydney has opted to rest many of its stars, yet several former Dragons will play.
New Arrivals and Coaching Changes
Matt Dufty will return to Australia, starting at fullback. Jonah Glover will debut in Rabbitohs colors after leaving St George Illawarra in the offseason. Ashton Ward, also a local player, will partner Glover in the halves.
Former Bulldogs player Michael Ennis has joined the Dragons as an assistant coach. He has revamped the team’s offense, which struggled in past seasons, and Cook is optimistic about their scoring potential this year.
As Kade Reed continues his quest to transition from ballboy to a Las Vegas star, the support of players like Cook and the strategic adjustments by coaching staff could help turn his dreams into reality.
