After locking in coaches for the upcoming season, the Inverell Highlanders Rugby Club has an optimistic outlook on 2020.
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Returning for a second season is Highlanders first grade coach Colin 'Red' Mayes alongside Andrew Lee for second grade.
Women's sevens coach Dale Beattie is ready to take another shot at some silverware with his talented side.
Mayes hopes to consolidate and build on improvements made in 2019 with more depth through higher player numbers and a more bonded team.
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With some new faces in the mix, Mayes will focus on a side who wants to succeed as a team rather than as individuals.
"I'm keen to take a look at our new Samoan players and bring them together on the park," he said.
Looking back at the 2019 season, Lee described it as disappointing for reserve grade having to forfeit most games.
He goes to field a competitive side, if he can lock-in some dedicated players who train regularly.
"It's a bit of a case of 'I'll play if he plays' scenario for majority of the more senior players I've contacted, so let's hope all my ducks line up and we can have a balance of senior, experienced players with keen, capable younger players."
He was confident that if all goes well, reserves will be capable of taking home the silverware in 2020. With training starting at the end of January, Lee encouraged new faces to head down.
"If you are keen to play or want to give rugby a go, have a good time, make some new mates and win a few games. Contact the club or roll up to training on a Tuesday or Thursday from the end of January," he said.
Meanwhile, Bettie plans to build on Inverell's success of last year after finishing third on the ladder. Minor changes to structure of the competition will see the Central North Committee move two games with 10 minute halves.
"This will maximise time on the park for players with bigger squads and unlimited interchange," he said.
As for his focus for the local sevens squad?
"As always the focus for the Inverell Highlanders will be to be the fittest, the fastest and the most skilful in the competition and with the natural attrition of players that occurs after every season we are always looking for new blood to boost our player ranks," he said.
Beattie will hold a couple of pre-season runs prior to Christmas each Thursday night around 7pm. Regardless of experience, anyone is welcome to attend.
