Development is goal at Dubbo Rhinos and the call is going out for more to join the herd ahead of kick-off in the coming weeks.
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After struggles in recent seasons the motivation at the club was high heading into 2020 but that took a whack after a strong pre-season was halted by COVID-19.
Players have returned to the paddock in recent weeks and building again for the July 18 kick-off but the women's side is in need of more players before it can take to the field.
Doug Sandry, who has returned to the Rhinos this year to assist coaching across all grades, is urging any women seeking something new or a return to the game to link up with the club.
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"We need at least seven or eight more players or we can't get off the ground," Sandry said prior to Tuesday's training session.
"And this year results don't really matter. It's a short season so it's all about having fun, learning the skills, and most importantly enjoying each others company.
"It's a shorter game the women's 10s ... we can run on and off and we want people to learn and also love the game so so many of us do."
Sandry has been impressed by what he's seen from those female players who are at the club and he's eager to push on and maintain the Rhinos' proud record when it comes to the women's game.
It wasn't too long ago the Rhinos fielded one of only a handful of women's side in the Central West but the competition has boomed in recent years, with 15 sides part of last season's Westfund Ferguson Cup.
"To see it develop the way it has, last year was massive and it was amazing to see," Sandry said, while he also spoke about the pathways on offer.
"There's opportunities for women that weren't there in the past. It can be a step to a career in rugby if that's what you want but for now we just want to play the game and love the game."
Sandy has also been lending a hand at senior training, helping out first grade coach Darren Taylor as well as colts coach and club president Ian Burns.
The Rhinos' first grade side has finished at the bottom of the ladder for the past two New Holland Agriculture Cup seasons.
The COVID-enforced delay to the season has put all clubs on the back foot so it's no surprise Sandry said the Rhinos aren't at the level they would like to be less than two weeks out from round one at Bathurst against CSU, but he's still loving the chance to be back involved.
"There's a real desire in the club to go in the right direction and play rugby the right way," he said.
"There's been up to 45 or maybe 50 at training and the 18s have been really good so there's the players there to develop and Ian Burns is a terrific coach.
"We'd love to play a quick, attacking brand of rugby but everyone has lost some fitness so it's not easy."
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Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
