National Rugby Championship
Eagles look to repay Darren Coleman
Jake Michaels
October 24, 2014
Sam Windsor says the Eagles are ready to repay coach Darren Coleman © Karen Watson Photography
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NSW Country Eagles scrum-half Sam Windsor believes tomorrow's must-win semi-final against Brisbane City is the perfect opportunity for himself and his team-mates to thank Darren Coleman for his immense support.

Coleman has been a popular figure at the Eagles this season since becoming head coach and has brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role. Windsor says after the faith he has shown the playing group in 2014 it's now time to repay the 41-year-old.

"Darren has high expectations of the playing group and has given us a lot of opportunity to perform," Windsor told ESPN. "It's time to repay that faith and give something back to him."

While the Eagles will be looking to make the inaugural final of the National Rugby Championship (NRC), Windsor believes there hasn't been much change in terms of match preparation.

"There hasn't been any change of focus [ahead of the Brisbane City semi-final]. We have strived all season to be competitive and that's just what we need to continue doing if we want to be successful."

Reflecting on the 2014 NRC season, Windsor is adamant that the competition ticks all the boxes from a player perspective and rates it higher than any other league he has played in.

"It's been great. To reach such a high level and generate a lot of public interest has been outstanding. I've played in quite a few competitions now in England and Ireland and the free flowing nature of the NRC probably makes it the pick of the bunch.

"We have also been able to develop new skills and a lot of the younger guys have been able to play a full 80 [minutes] which is great for their development."

Windsor also took some time to heap praise on 19-year-old sensation and NRC leading try-scorer Andrew Kellaway.

"When he came to the club I'd only heard a little bit about him so wasn't sure what to expect," Windsor told ESPN. "But for a young kid he is very mature, plays the game well and has a promising future.

"In a way he has almost ignored expectations and that has allowed him to concentrate on his football and play extremely well."

If NSW Country Eagles can overcome Brisbane City they will play the winner of Melbourne Rising and Perth Spirit in the final on November 1st.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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