Newly-reappointed North Tamworth president Peter Artis says they have got "a few irons in the fire" as they search for a first grade coach for 2022.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Last month the Bears advertised for someone to take over from club stalwart Brad McManus after he decided to step away from the position.
"We've got a couple of applicants at the moment (that they are looking at)," Artis said.
Other than that everything else is pretty well in place for what he reckons should be a good year.
READ ALSO:
"We could be in for a good year I'd say," he said.
Artis was returned as president for his second term at the club's AGM this week and will lead an unchanged executive. They have though welcomed a few new faces on the general committee.
"We had a very good turn-out and there's some younger ones there, so that's very positive," Artis said, mentioning the likes of Scott and Millie Blanch, and James Cooper.
There's also a few new faces on the coaching front with Mel Watson taking over from Cooper as the ladies league tag coach while Ken Allan will take charge of the under-18s.
Allan has coached the under-18s previously and has helped out with the club's other sides. Paul Boyce will meanwhile again coach reserve grade.
Reflecting on the season, Artis said he was overall very happy.
"It was unfortunate with COVID, but it is what it is; you've got to deal with what you're presented with," he said.
It was the most competitive season for a number of years and one that saw several players achieve milestones. James Cooper played his 100th first grade game, and Josh Schmiedel, Luke Fisher and Luke Byrnes their 100th game for the club while Mitch Sheridan and Ben Jarvis chalked up 50 first grade games, and Dilan Bateman and Cristofer Cutmore 50 club games.
Shaquille Waters, Luke Hull and Nicholas O'Leary meanwhile celebrated 10 years of service to the club.
A number of players were also recognised at a group level with Kim Resch winning the ladies league tag best and fairest and Damien Cutmore the reserve grade best and fairest. Schmiedel (second row).
Scott Blanch (five-eighth), Bailey Taylor (fullback) and Tevita Pecili (wing) were also named in the Group 4 Team of the Year.
"I'm really looking forward to next season now," Artis said.
He added: "As far as the club goes we're getting ready now for the Country Music Festival and everything is all positive around the club."
He said camping bookings are looking pretty good, the return of the festival a welcome boost with the money they earn from the campers contributing significantly to their income for the year.
