AFTER moving from second-last in 2012 to third in 2013, Jamberoo Superoo coach Matt Coelho has set his sights on making sure his new-look side is focussed on the job at hand as they move into 2014.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
With a handful of new players and the memory of losing last season’s final defeat to eventual premiers Gerringong, Coelho says he thinks this year’s competition will be more even than in past years, and his team can give the premiership a massive shake.
“There is no doubt that Gerringong and Warilla look stronger than last year, while other clubs including Shellharbour, who are coming back into the comp, will be tough,” Coelho said.
“Albion Park, Kiama, Port Kembla, the Jets and Milton have been flying under the radar a bit, while Berry and Batemans Bay are also unknown quantities, so I think it will be one of the best comps in years.
“We recruited really well with six new first graders, including three locals Mark Asquith (Collegians), Simon and Michal Maslanka (Shellharbour) who played in Illawarra, Adam Vanzanten (Wagga Brothers), James Gilmore (Kiama) and Josh Champion (Moss Vale) all added to our squad.
“It is important to us that we are getting a great representation of locals in first grade and our backline will boast five of the seven players who played juniors with Jamberoo.
“It was really hard to pick our first grade squad, and with four regular first graders from last year starting in reserve grade, it will keep the pressure on every first grader.
“We will be working hard on our defence and if we do we have the backline to really do some damage.”
The team will be without four of last season’s starting squad, Jeremy Ryan, Mick Hinkley, Phil Webster and Tim Jones who have all retired.
“I really can’t wait to get the season kicked off,” Coelho added.
The Superoos will kick off their season with a match against Kiama Knights at Kevin Walsh Oval on Saturday, before heading off to Mackay Park to take on the Bay Tigers in round two.