Wollongong Wolves coach Luke Wilkshire has declared his team will be even better this year as they prepare to open their NSW National Premier Leagues premiership defence.
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The side was dominant from the outset last year, the Wolves finishing nine points ahead of their nearest rivals.
If those rivals are expecting Wollongong to come back to the pack in 2020, Wilkshire said they should think again.
"We are better this year, we have improved," Wilkshire said. "The guys that have come to the club have helped to add depth and quality to the squad. We need to improve if we are to achieve what we want to this year.
"We will be seen as the team to beat. We had that all last year, when you lead from the first round you have a target on your back, that's how it goes. We've got to embrace that and focus on performing to the best we can perform.
"I know with the quality we have, if we perform to our best, we'll be fine."
The Wolves, who will be captained by James Stojcevski in 2020, commence their new campaign with a trip to Belmore to face Sydney Olympic on Sunday.
The game comes after a successful pre-season, Wollongong claiming victories over Newcastle Olympic, Manly and Bonnyrigg throughout the past month.
With the side's form building throughout the trials, Wilkshire expects the Wolves to hit the ground running.
"It's always good to win, but I think we can still perform better than we did on Saturday, I always expect more. Overall we got what we needed out of our pre-season friendlies and we're ready to go for the season opener.
"I expect the guys to be right at it, it's been a long pre-season but we've gone through all we needed to. It's always different once you get into the season, the stakes are higher and everyone knows that. I expect us to be at our best on Sunday."
Wilkshire has brought back the bulk of the squad from 2019, a group headlined by Thomas James.
The side has been bolstered by a number of new additions, including Bulli's Marcus Beattie and Wollongong Olympic's Hayden Durose.
With those players eager to break into the starting XI, Wilkshire said competition remains within the squad.
"Marcus Beattie has come in and slotted into the team really well, as has Ethan (Kambiosis) and Hayden Durose. It's been really pleasing to see the way the new guys have slotted into the squad.
"Marcus is a Wollongong boy, he's been here in the past, I think that was a natural transition for him to go into NPL1 and the best team in NPL1. It's a great opportunity for him."
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Cameron Mee
Sports reporter at the Canberra Times
Sports reporter at the Canberra Times
