Two local players selected for national team
Two former Mustangs Rugby League Club players were recently selected to join the South African Rugby League (SARL) national team, The Rhinos.
For many young rugby players being selected for the national team is a dream they strive for.
For Adriaan van der Westhuizen (22) and Damian Diedericks (22), former members of the Mustangs Rugby League Club, this dream became a reality when they were selected for the u-23 South African Rugby League (SARL) national team, The Rhinos.
The pair were part of the team that faced Australia’s u-23 team on their recent tour of South Africa.
Van der Westhuizen is new to the rugby league world.
“I have been playing union rugby for 11 years now, but only started playing rugby league three months ago,” he said.
“I was introduced to league rugby by some friends who played union with me.”
Diedericks is also no stranger to rugby but has more experience with rugby league.
“I started playing rugby when I was seven years old.
“This is my second year playing rugby league, I was introduced to rugby league by a friend, Gerrit Groenewalt, who also played and was my rugby league coach.
“My brother-in-law Rudie Wessels also played rugby league,” he said.
ALSO READ: Last Rhino Cup League match for Mustangs
When asked what they like most about the sport van der Westhuizen said, “What I like more about rugby league is that it is more physical, harder and faster than union.”
While Diedericks said, “I just have a passion for this wonderful sport and I enjoy meeting new people and making new friends.”
The two were selected for the team from among 30 eager players, who were selected for try-outs from different clubs.
Both men agree that playing against an international team was an eye opener.
“To play rugby league on a national level is much faster and harder than playing against local teams,” said van der Westhuizen.
“Playing against the Australians was physically harder and faster than playing against local teams, but very enjoyable,” said Diedericks.
“It is very different to play against them, their structure of playing and their technique is very different to ours in South Africa and that is what is making them stand out.”
When asked what had stood out most for them during the tour Diedericks said, “The whole build-up to the game, and to standing up and singing the national anthem was just an amazing feeling.
“I am proud to add that in my first game for the Rhinos I scored the first try.”
While van der Westhuizen feels the challenge of facing an international team with limited experience in the sport was a highlight for him.
Both van der Westhuizen and Diedericks look forward to continuing their rugby league careers.
ALSO READ: Bears and Mustangs meet in Germiston derby in opening match of Rhino Cup League
“Next for me is some club league, and to be selected to play for the senior Rhinos in the world cup qualifiers next year,” said Diedericks.
“I am always up for new challenges and the World Cup qualifiers next year are going to be a huge challenge for me, as I am still young in playing rugby league.
“There is still a lot to learn about the game in comparison to union rugby,” said van der Westhuizen.
Have a story?
Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor) leighh@caxton.co.za or Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist) kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za
Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:
Or add the GCN on WhatsApp 079 406 1181 or BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137) today, to get all the latest news.
Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers Bedfordview Edenvale News, Alberton Record and Kempton Express.
