Rugby Union: Gunnedah to launch season on Friday night

The Red Devils women won the premiership in only their second year of existence while the first and reserve grade men both reached the semi-finals for the first time in recent memory.

As the club prepares to launch their season on Friday night, there is a sense of optimism of repeating that or even going better.

And they could have a fourth side taking the field this season with some interest in forming an under-20s side.

Seemingly coming out of the blue, first grade coach Dan Martin said they have probably got around a handful of players at the moment but have put the call out for more.

As far as first grade, Martin said they are shaping up "pretty much the same as last year".

"We've had a few ins and outs but nothing to get super excited about," he said.

One pick-up is James Perrett. The former Red Devil played a few games towards the end of the season - and had a notable impact - after moving back from the United Kingdom.

Martin said he should be around for the season.

He also noted that there are some new faces around town and is hopeful of enticing a few of those to pull on the boots.

They have though lost English duo Richard Biggen and George Gribble. Second rower Tim McDermott requires shoulder surgery and also is set to miss the season

Martin believes they will still be competitive, and should be aiming for the top four again.

"Reserve grade finished third last year," he said.

"Having a strong reserve grade side gives us depth in a lot of positions."

One position they will really be looking to strengthen is half-back. Last season they virtually had to fashion a nine.

It is along with five-eighth arguably the most important position on the field from an attacking perspective. They really drive the attack.

"You need that nine and 10 to be right," Martin said.

He said they will take a lot of learnings from last year, and have already started addressing those.

READ ALSO:

They lost several games in the close games in the last couple of minutes.

Fitness is a big part of that, he said. It's also about learning how to react under different pressure situations, and making sure they're all on the same page.

"We had guys that had to step up later in the season and it wasn't quite like clockwork," Martin said.

He will be assisted by Matt Hannay, Simon Thurbon, Tom Torrance and Peter Altona.

They have a home trial organised against the Ourimbah Razorbacks for a week before their season opener against Inverell. Martin has also pencilled in a trip over to Coffs Harbour.

Friday's season launch will get underway at 7pm at the Gunnedah Rugby Club. Ticket sales close at midnight on Tuesday night, and cannot be purchased at the door.

Support the local news that keeps you informed subscribe today.