Local NRL legend and former NIAS athlete, Dean Widders, will be a guest coach at the upcoming UAA/NIAS Indigenous Talent ID Day on Wednesday, 26th June at Armidale Secondary College.
Widders journey from local player, to the NIAS, to the NRL serves as an inspiration to young athletes in regional areas who dream of success at an elite level. It is a story steeped in talent, determination, and a profound connection to his origins.
Son of the great Jack Widders, the former Armidale Colt, Armidale Greens and Narwaan Eels lock and five-eighth went on to play initially for the Sydney Roosters, before returning to Armidale to finish his HSC at Duval High. He then returned to play in the NRL from 2000 on with the Roosters, Parramatta Eels and South Sydney Rabbitohs. More recently he has been working with the NRL supporting indigenous players and coaching the Eel’s NRLW team.
The UAA Indigenous Talent ID Day, hosted by NIAS, is an annual event dedicated to identifying and nurturing Indigenous athletic talent across the Northern Inland region. Young athletes aged 13 to 16 are invited to participate in a day filled with sports activities, fitness testing, and mentorship from experienced coaches. Selected athletes will receive invitations to join the NIAS Sports Programs selection trials later in the year, offering further opportunities to develop their skills and pursue their sporting aspirations.
Dean will be at the day coaching and mentoring young athletes, offering them a unique opportunity to learn from his extensive experience.
Dean says the role of the Northern Inland Academy of Sport (NIAS) rugby league program was crucial in supporting him as a young athlete.
“Being a part of NIAS gave us access to the same level of elite coaching that was available to players in Sydney,” Dean said.
“It was an opening to training at the elite level of the game, and the training we got was above what was available regionally.
“It gave us the best possible start and exposed us to the best practices and most up to date techniques used in our sport.”
Widders is eager to see the young athletes come together at the UAA/NIAS Indigenous Talent ID Day.
“I’m most looking forward to seeing all the athletes come together and teaching them a little bit about what to expect along their journey,” he said.
“I just really encourage kids to come along, participate, have a go, and see what’s out there.”
UAA Indigenous Talent ID Day Event Details
Date: Wednesday, 26th June
Time: 10am – 2pm
Location: Armidale Secondary College
Eligibility: Open to both male and female athletes aged 13 to 16 in 2024, who are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and currently reside within the 12 local government areas of the New England.
To register, click here. For more information and enquiries, please contact the NIAS office at
admin@nias.org.au or call (02) 6766 2526.
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