With just four weeks to go before its first hit out for 2010, Cessnock Goannas first grade team is starting to take shape with coach Todd Edwards pleased with his players’ efforts on the training paddock.
Cessnock will take on Illawarra heavyweights the Dapto Canaries in a double header game hosted by the Macquarie Scorpions at Toronto on February 27. This will be the Goannas' first game for the year and it is understood the coach will take around 25 players to the game to trial player combinations.
With the holiday season just finishing and the cricket season still in full swing, numbers attending training have been a little light compared with past years, however this is not of any major concern to either the coaching staff or club officials.
Edwards has said those who have put in the hard yards so far should be rewarded with selection.
“I realise the weather has been against us but if Cessnock is going to be a contender for the 2010 premiership title, we must put up with the heat, other clubs are,” Edwards said.
Training started a couple of weeks ago and is held every Tuesday and Thursday at Cessnock Sportsground starting at 6pm and running about one and a half hours. The first trial game for the Goannas is just four weeks away, with trials against Lakes and Kurri to follow.
“Now therefore is the time for players to turn out and stake their claim for a position in whatever team they wish to try out for,” said a senior Cessnock official.
“The Newcastle league run a very strong competition, many say second only to the Sydney competition so it is important for players to be fully fit so as to improve their selection chances and to lessen the chance of injury.
“The lack of local players attending training is particularly baffling for coaching staff who, even though they understand the cricket season is still with us, are confused as to a plausible reason for the non-attendance," the official said.
“There are definite sacrifices to be made by those who play football but there are also the rewards,” Edwards added.
Players already signed and those wishing to trial are asked to turn out tomorrow evening.
Club president, Kane Bradley, said: “In fielding three teams in the Real NRL we need at least 60 players to allow for injury and work commitments.”
"Now is the time for all interested players to turn out.”
Bradley said the club is “negotiating” with the Newcastle Knights Harold Matthews and SG Ball teams with the view of both teams playing their home games at Cessnock Sportsground.
“If successful with the negotiations local football followers will be able to see some highly talented youngsters playing in Cessnock on a regular basis,” Bradley said.
An announcement as to whether the games will be played in Cessnock will be made shortly, he added.
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