The Rhinos’ pre-season training began in December and team stalwart Paul Hausia, who has coached and played at a high level, said strong numbers have attended the sessions in the past six weeks, admitting he does have high hopes for the upcoming season.
“The year 2010 was easily the worst for the Rhinos, but we did improve for 2011,” Hausia said.
He said the Rhinos weren’t perfect in 2011, only winning one game but he could already see the difference in the intense training.
“We’ve installed a few things in place for the training, in particular importing players and providing them with the best experience we can, and doing it our way,” he said.
Hausia is hoping the Rhinos can make the top five teams in 2012, but expects there to be plenty of worthy competitors.
“The Narromine Gorillas and the Bathurst Bulldogs are two clubs who are aware of their skills, and anything is possible with Parkes,” he said.
“At the moment we are still trying to get our players together and build on our improvement from 2010 to 2011 to ensure our place in the top five in 2012.”
Rhinos coach Graham Conn is currently in New Zealand, with Hausia taking his place until he returns.
Hausia said six Rhino players have made a big transition from their home towns and countries, and even from league to union.
“Ethan Ryan has come to us from the Wellington league team, and he has potential to grow,” Hausia said.
Among the imported players from New Zealand, Tonga, Fiji, Scotland and Ireland, Hausia said their initial plan to bring them to Dubbo was for them to experience bush rugby.
“The fact we looked outside the box this season shows how commited we are to doing well and hopefully making that top five,” he said. “But we are providing an opportunity for overseas players to experience rugby union in NSW, and that is the most important thing.”
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