Coach Keppie Finding Balance off the Field

Sean Keppie has found a new way to stay grounded by coaching a junior team away from the NRL.

Coaching Juniors for Perspective

Away from the NRL environment, Keppie has taken on a role coaching an under fourteens team, training with them twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday nights. The prop forward even coached them before South Sydney's game last weekend, standing on the sidelines in the shade.

Keppie said the experience has been valuable for his own development, teaching him patience and providing insights into how he wants to be coached as a player. He noted that seeing players like Latrell Mitchell pursue interests like golf away from football has shown the benefit of switching off mentally.

"Last year was a bit of a blur, like we had a really tough year. Now this year I'm trying to zone in when I'm here at footy and when I'm off the field I'm coaching a fourteens team, got a little clinic going on back home so it's good to get my mind off footy when I'm away from footy," he said. "When we're in here we're zoned in, taking every moment and when we're away from footy just getting away, clearing our minds. It's been really good for me at least."

The coaching role has also given Keppie fresh perspective on the game itself. He reflected that watching the junior players has reminded him of moments from his own junior career, which he now recognises as some of his favourite football memories. The experience has reinforced his desire to take every moment he can in his NRL career while giving back to the next generation.

Newcastle Challenge Ahead

Looking ahead to this weekend's match, Keppie said the Rabbitohs won't be taking Newcastle lightly despite the Knights dealing with some significant injuries this season. He noted that Newcastle has always had a good team and it's been about bringing those pieces together.

Keppie also addressed questions about teammate selections, saying Tallis Duncan would do a great job if given an Origin opportunity after his recent performances. On Matthew Dufty's form at fullback, the prop forward said Dufty has slotted into the role well and will continue to contribute regardless of what position he's given when Jye Gray returns from injury.

The forward confirmed that Brandon Smith was at training after coming off last week, though he noted Smith was staying quiet about his condition.