The Dubbo Westside club has put a lot of faith in new captain-coach Colt Tairua and they will trust him to start putting together the right first grade squad following this weekend’s Parkes Nines.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Group 11 clubs get their first chance to scope each other out on Sunday with the second installment of the fast-paced pre-season tournament at Pioneer Oval.
For Westside, like most clubs this time of year, is not so much on the results but player development.
A number of younger players have now come into the senior grade following their time in juniors and club president Rob Greer said Sunday’s competition will be the perfect chance for them to impress Tairua.
“He (Tairua) is a guy we’ve put a lot of faith in and he leads by example and shows the way,” Greer said.
“He’s a young coach too so giving him this opportunity will be good for him and help him in his rugby league future.
“Colt can have a look at them all this weekend and start to pick a side before the first trial the next weekend.”
This weekend signals the start of the Group 11 season with the official pre-season trials following the Nines before round one kicks off on the weekend of April 29 and 30.
Westside, which has lost flying fullback Sam Coe to Newcastle, is sending four sides. Two senior teams, an under-18s team and the women’s League Tag outfit.
All prospective first and reserve grade players will get a crack on Sunday.
Westside Red and Westside Green are the two sides to take part in the first grade competition with both having incredibly tough draws.
The Green side will meet Nyngan first up before a clash with Group 11 reigning premiers Forbes before the semi-finals.
Westside Red will take on local rivals CYMS first up before a clash with one of the two Macquarie sides making the trip, Macquarie Sky.
CYMS’ other clash is against Parkes while Macquarie Sky’s other opponent is set to be the Wellington Cowboys. The Raiders’ other side, Macquarie Navy, meets Narromine and Nyngan.
The four sides with the best records after the opening two rounds meet in the semi-finals before the final at 3.10pm.
“It will be really good and it will put the feel of rugby league back around the club,” Greer said.
“We’ll see what new faces we’ve got and how they go and we’ll see what new faces other clubs have.
“Nines is a quick game and it will give Colt a stepping stone towards picking a side for the trials.”
The action on Sunday starts with all the preliminary matches from 9am.
The League Tag final will be the first up at 1.50pm, followed by the under-18s decider at 2.35pm and the main final at 3.10pm.