If you want to succeed in today’s world of rugby league, it is essential that you accept the fact that the season is now 11 months of the year.
However, it doesn’t mean that the players are back on the paddock one month after the grand-final.
But it does indicate that the powers to be, right from the management down, must accept that all aspects away from the playing field, are in the early summer months, there to be reviewed: positions conciliated, mistakes acknowledged and corrected, and all else from coaching, training and sponsorship, be implemented and a reality, by kick off time.
In the big cities, this is much easier than in the small country towns: so, this is where both teams’ culture and spirit comes into play. In a draft just submitted by Pirates head coach Michael Duff, last season is now in the process of being reviewed and the upcoming season is already being contemplated.
This is in itself, a solid and successful step in the right direction for the season ahead.
“We had one of our better seasons for our senior teams having both A grade and the reserves making the finals for the first time in a number of years. Our women’s team was really strong and narrowly missed finals and the 19s were competitive all year.
For me personally, I am extremely proud of the club and our results. I set out the season hoping to be not only successful on the field, but also to change our culture off it. Our consistent attendance at training was fantastic and can only get better next year. The depth of our club was on display this season, having used 48 players in A grade, 14 of which were making their A grade debuts.
While it was great to see so many young players step up, it ultimately meant we were never able to put our best team on the field. Looking at next year, I am excited to see the development of young players like Ethan Pohlner, Sam O’Neill, Jai Turner and Chanse Wilson.
The majority of our top squad have recommitted to 2024. Our senior leaders in the group of Kris Williams, Dan Moveao and Rhoan Messer, were instrumental in guiding our young side this season and will be key personnel again in 2024. For me some of the younger players, Kayd North, Harry Dwyer, Dyllan Cousens and Zane Embleton were standouts this year and have cemented themselves as A grade players: we will build around them in seasons to come.
As always, I expect a couple of players to retire, or move away for work, but at this stage there hasn’t been any confirmed. For now, I will sit down, review the season and commence planning for next year. We will look at the areas and positions we need to improve, and if that means bringing in a player or two, those options will be explored.
Now I would like to thank all the club sponsors, supporters and volunteers for a fantastic season. I look forward to seeing you all aboard the Pirates ship in 2024.”
Speaking as a supporter this year has left a lot of us amazed as to how some coaches were at times able to field a team. As the season gets under way and problems occur as a result of injuries, times get tough, but add to this the addition of Covid-19 and it becomes major.
If there is a lesson to be learnt from this, it is of the utmost importance to have a good strong 19s team, for not only does it show depth in player standard, but also the importance of having good club structure and planning. Well done to all.
