I WOULD like to welcome back all those rugby league fans who follow the greatest game to what will be an exciting 2010, in both the NRL and Group 2.
Great to have the Pier Hotel on board again to make this column possible.
With manager Tony Jones and owners Warren and Kaye Skinner, the Pier Hotel tipping competition always creates interest and this year I hope my tips can help all get to the top.
The Pier is a great place to be on a Friday night for footy, with special half-price ‘Crownies’ and free pizza at halftime.
Local scene
Carlton VB Gold will again sponsor the Group 2 competition, and I am sure the supporters will support the product at games.
The Dunghutti Broncos are gone, leaving nine teams, which creates a bye in the two-round competition.
A big mistake is still not having the under-18s playing at 1.30pm.
Official trials start on the weekend of March 19-20, with half the clubs electing to play either Saturday or Sunday night.
Four of the nine clubs have announced new coaches, while for first grade premiers Sawtell, Rohan Louden will have a dual role.
Last year’s successful captain-coach in his first year will be back in command, but will have classy forward Ryan Prevett as his back up and he will mainly concentrate on the forwards.
Sawtell Panthers were the envy of all clubs last year, winning first grade and under-18s titles, plus being the club champions, and they will be out to make it back-to-back in 2010.
They will start as favourites, adding more pressure to their game.
Sawtell have lost Rob Tulenew, Aaron Byrne and Grant Boyd, but have outstanding juniors ready to step up to fill the gaps.
Watch for Warren Jarrett, Brian Doolan, Tim Davis and James Sanders to prove themselves.
Peter Norton, a forward from Picton in Group 6, will add some authority to the pack.
Last season’s runners-up Macksville will be under top forward Grant Coleman, who will have them fitter and more disciplined.
Top forward Troy Grace has returned from Redcliffe to help guide what will be a very young team.
Top centre David Pickvance will also be seen in a leader’s role and closer to the action. And his combination with former coach Nev Donovan will again make them a danger team.
They will miss the experience and formidable presence of Garry Jarrett, who has gone to neighbours Nambucca Heads.
Jarrett has been a big part of Macksville’s domination for many years and a change of clubs surprised all.
More on the other Group 2 clubs next week.
NRL update
This year could see the changing of the guard, with the top eight comprising a few new teams and new superstars emerging.
It is a game man to tip the top eight, but here goes - Melbourne, Penrith, Souths, Bulldogs, Titans, Parramatta, Cowboys and Tigers.
That’s leaving out St George, Manly and the Broncos, a first for many years.
It’s harder to pick the wooden spooners, but it should come from holders Roosters, Sharks, Warriors or Newcastle.
Betting on the first coach to be sacked is always interesting, with Ivan Cleary and Ricky Stuart favourites.
The Storm, now world champions after defeating Leeds to become the only Australian team to win the title twice, will start favourite.
The beat Leeds without playmaker Cooper Cronk, which is an outstanding result and face the Sharks first-up this weekend.
The Panthers look good this year, with Michael Jennings, a larger Luke Lewis, Trent Waterhouse and Kevin Kingston leading the way.
What a way to start Friday night footy, with the Eels and Dragons and arch rivals Broncos and Cowboys.
How much has everyone missed super Saturday, and Monday night footy? I certainly have.
NRL Round 1 (with my tips in capitals)
Friday Night: Eels v Dragons, Broncos v Cowboys.
Saturday: Bulldogs v Knights, Sharks v Storm, Panthers v Raiders.
Sunday: Titans v Warriors, Rabbitohs v Roosters.
Monday night: Tigers v Sea Eagles.
Representative scene
The North versus South trials for Group 2 under-18s will be played this weekend in Macksville, starting at 10.30am. All players are required to be at the ground by 9.30am.
This keenly contested game started off last year, with South just getting home in a close game.
The Group 2 side will be announced after the game to take on Groups 3 and 4 at Tamworth on Saturday March 27.
This tri-series is used to pick the Oxley Pioneers to compete in the NSW Country championships at Muswellbrook on April 17-18.
The good news is, if we make the grand final for the fourth time it will be in Port Macquarie, the first time we have had it in our area, and will again be the lead up game to the City Origin versus Country Origin on May 7.
Men of League
North Coast finally has its own branch, ranging from Woolgoolga to Kempsey.
Forty-five members turned up to Sawtell RSL recently to elect an executive committee for this amazing charity organisation.
I was very proud to be nominated as president and gratefully accepted, along with vice-presidents Ian Trengrove and Eric Barnes; treasurer Alan Johnson; secretary Kerry Hales; patrons Bruce Hopkins and Terry Wilson.
Men of League’s Noel Kelly, Jim Hall and Martin Cook chaired the meeting and were very impressed with the attitude and enthusiasm of the people who attended.
I do encourage all past and present players and officials to become members. They can do so by logging on to the Men of League website for applications.
GROUP 2 COACHES
Sawtell – Rohan Louden/Ryan Prevett
Macksville – Grant
Coleman
Bellingen – Josh White
Orara Valley – Darryl Fisher
Port Macquarie – Tony
Pascoe
Macleay Valley – Adam
McMurray
Woolgoolga – Steve
Gooley
Nambucca Heads – Garren Stig
Coffs Harbour – Warren Gilkinson
UNDER-18s TRIAL
Group 2 under 18s – Possibles v Probables at Allen Gillett Oval, Macksville, on
Sunday, 10.30am
Selected players:
Bellingen: Lou Taylor, Vaughan Babbini, Corey Sinclair.
Kempsey: Warwick Jones, Demsey Kelly, Linc Callahan.
Macksville: Tyler Doolan, Jake Fuller, Ben Mulveil, Mick Lewis, Jim Cutmore, Baden Fitzgerald.
Nambucca Heads: Pat Sheedy, Jayden Austen.
Orara Valley: John Graham, Mick Lohou, Dan Slater, Jason Dungay, Ben Law.
Port Macquarie: Tom Shebs, Jackson Williams, Tom Maguire, Kristian Kelly, Vince Smith, Edrick Smith, Jamie Preston.
Sawtell: Chris Cook, Kyle Cook, Chris Dickenson, Hayden Meyers, Matt Mullrooney, Ricky Roberts.
Woolgoolga: Mitch Dockery, Michael Wall, Steve Goodwin, Thomas Berry, Kayden Gleeson, Mick Curnow.
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