MOST teams have a turnover of players after each year, but at Orange City the end of 2014 brought about the departure of a host of senior Lions like Gus Brotherton, Sam Powell, Nick Quinn and past captains Michael Sparks, Josh Tremain and Josh Maley.
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Pride Park needed a new leader.
And Cameron Cole was more than happy to be that man.
“It was a surprise (being captain) but I’ve taken it with open arms as soon as Steve (Hamson) asked me,” Cole said.
“It was a bit of a chance to take another step forward.”
The new leadership role was coupled with Cole’s transformation from classy winger to backline maestro, with the 28-year-old making the significant move from the flank to five-eighth as well in 2015.
Not since his junior days has Cole donned the No.10 jumper on a rugby field.
But it’s another change the relative veteran is also embracing.
“Once you get a little bit older, you sort of pick up a couple of things and get more confidence in your game,” he said.
“And you might slow down a bit ... I’m not saying I’ve slowed down a lot, but I’ve never really seen myself as a 10. I’ve been put in the position and I’ve taken it with open arms.
“It’s a work in progress, I’m just hoping I’ll get better and better each game.”
And that next game is tomorrow against Forbes.
The Platypi are a forward dominant outfit, and played last weekend’s 24-7 victory over Narromine through the middle third of the field on the back of a monster Forbes pack.
Co-coach Steve Hamson predicted a tight affair for his forwards, but said the Lions’ “suck it and see” approach to the first round of the season would continue as the ladder-leading side continues to gauge where they sit amongst the competition’s top five.
Cole, on the other hand, was extremely confident.
“We’ve got a lot of good players; a lot of young guys and some older heads, so we’re confident against any team this year,” he said.
Joe Lasagavibau will be away this weekend, with club captain Sam Coote moving to fullback to replace the dynamic Fijian.
Jake Davis will slot into outside centre.
Kick-off is at 3.15pm.
ORANGE CITY: 1 Darcy Garlick, 2 Chris Senior, 3 Matt Adams, 4 Chris Barrett, 5 Scott Smith, 6 Mitch Pearce, 7 Duncan Young, 8 Chris Scoins, 9 Tom Nell, 10 Cameron Cole (c), 11 Tom Fisher, 12 Mesui Lemoto, 13 Jake Daivs, 14 Mo Amone, 15 Sam Coote.
