No one in Group 11 will be short of motivation next season but Forbes coach Cameron Greenhalgh might be that little more eager for success than most.
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Greenhalgh has been confirmed as the Magpies coach again for 2021 but has revealed it is likely to be his last at the helm.
A highly-respected coach in the Western Rams region, Greenhalgh has been head coach of the Magpies since 2018 but had previously been coaching coordinator at the club.
He's also coached various representative sides and stated he likely would have left the Magpies' job after the 2020 season had it not been cancelled due to COVID-19.
"If this year went ahead it might have done me," he said.
"I've been coach for awhile so it could be time for a change but I'll give it one more year.
"Hopefully the blokes are raring to go but the feeling we get is they are."
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Greenhalgh stated next year being his last as coach of his hometown club "definitely" provided more motivation.
Also making it special is the return of his son, Nick, who has previously been playing in the Illawarra.
Nick Greenhalgh was halfback for the Forbes side which won the 2016 Group 11 premiership and returns home after a successful stint with the Shellharbour Sharks, one that included representative honours and selection in the NSW Country under 23s.
The Greenhalgh connection could be strong at the club next season as Connor is one of a number of players from this year's Western Youth League-winning under 18s side pushing for a spot in the senior grades.
The Magpies have also welcomed back Traie Merritt, who was another member of the 2016 premiership-winning outfit returning home following time in Group 10 with Bathurst St Pat's.
"The last couple of weeks there's been a lot of player meetings," coach Greenhalgh said.
"We make sure the locals are happy and I think everyone we've signed up has won one or two comps with the Magpies.
"This group knows how to win but you always need a little bit of luck because I think Group 11 as a whole is going to be a very strong comp."
The majority of the squad which was set to line up this season prior to the arrival of COVID-19 will be back again, with Jake Grace and Mitch Andrews to play after being marquee signings ahead of 2020.
Conversations are ongoing with some players while Greenhalgh is also hopeful the club's Fijian contingent can return in 2021 once COVID-enforced restrictions ease while he added more new signings could be confirmed in the coming weeks.
The Magpies pre-season will start early next year, with a number of trials likely rather than extended time on the training paddock.
"The Magpies have not always had the best start so that was going to be the priority this year," Greenhalgh said.
"We want to start well and you've got to or you can be left behind. Everyone wants to win so you've got to start well and maintain it."
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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.
