The Kempsey Rugby Union Football Club’s first grade side will enter their 2017 campaign fresh off their most successful season in more than a decade, after reaching the grand final for the first time since 2002.
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Jared Fuller will return as coach of the side but it will be his first year instructing from the sidelines as he has hung up his boots.
Fuller believes the side is capable of reaching the grand final in consecutive years but is hoping for more consistency throughout the regular season.
“We have had a really young squad for the last few years with only a couple of older heads in the side. It is hard for the younger guys to always play at a high level each week,” Fuller explained.
“They are getting older now and the experience of last year should help them kick on this season."
The target is to reach the finals and give ourselves the opportunity to go on from there.
- Cannonballs coach Jared Fuller
Fuller told the Argus a lot of his players hold a strong desire for success and they have a fire burning in their bellies after the grand final loss in 2016.
The side will maintain a core group of players in first grade and Fuller believes this will contribute to the sides combinations in attack and defence taking the next step.
“Braden Farrawell will be our captain again and plays as the number 8. He is one of our best players and will lead from the front.”
“Corey Gale is a standout for us in the backline. He isn’t very vocal but he lets his actions do the talking.”
Fuller has his sights on the side improving on last years third place regular season finish but acknowledges they are facing tough opposition in a strong competition.
“It would be great to host another home semifinal but the target is to reach the finals and give ourselves the opportunity to go on from there.”
To ensure his side is prepared for the opening round of the Upper Mid North Coast Rugby Union competition, Fuller has organised two trial matches against tough opposition.
The Cannonballs will face the New England Barbarians from Armidale and also Wollongbar, who are the reigning premiers of the Far North Coast competition.
“They are both very strong teams and it will be a really good hit out. It will give us an indication of where we are at and areas we need to improve before the season begins,” Fuller said.
Preseason began on Tuesday January 10 and will run every Tuesday and Thursday at 6pm behind the Kempsey pool.
